The Illinois housing market continues to be a solid driver...

The Illinois housing market continues to be a solid driver of the state's economy and, in 2006, REALTORS(r) anticipate strong demand for homeownership and favorable price appreciation. Home sales in Illinois tend to follow a seasonal trend with the strongest months being April through September, so it's no surprise that fourth-quarter activity over the holiday months was slower than previous periods. For the quarter, rates inched up above six percent and this combined with mild job and economic growth factored in as well to homebuyer decisions.