2012 shows signs of an improving market as the U.S. economy continues its slow moving road to recovery. Although economists are projecting that housing prices will decline further, pricing is expected to rebound considerably later in the year and continue into 2013. Factors that continue to impede a speedier recovery are consumer confidence, job-growth uncertainty, and tough lending standards that keep many otherwise qualified buyers from financing a home purchase. As the New Year begins, many consumers appear to be in a holding pattern, waiting to see how the economy reacts to the different demands, locally and abroad. Yet with steadily increasing sales and record-breaking affordability, now would be the time to take advantage of these opportunities to buy or sell a home.