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This year could be one of the strongest for the U.S. residential real estate market since 2006, according to an economist with realtor.com®. A number of factors, from an improving jobs market to growing housing demand by potential homebuyers, has set the stage for an improved housing picture. Read a midyear report from realtor.com® Chief Economist Jonathan Smoke.

In other headlines:

Aurora debates steep hike in rental inspection fees – Aurora Beacon News

US household wealth reaches new high of nearly $85 trillion – Pantagraph

Good news on jobs sends average rate for 30-year mortgages above 4% – Chicago Tribune