Housing permits reach 3 1/2 year high
The Wall Street Journal reports U.S. home building fell slightly in February but on a positive note, new building permits rose by 5.1 percent in February compared to January. Permits are at the highest rate since October 2008.

Encouraging signs for Springfield home sales
The State Journal-Register reports that an increase in home sales and a jump in pending sales are offering promising signs for the area’s spring housing market.

February home sales rise in Chicago area
Home sales in the Chicago metropolitan area rose in February, but the median price was down, the Chicago Sun-Times reports.