First-time homebuyers are an important part of the housing market, but as inventory shrinks and the market recovers, those who are thinking about buying need to move now as prices and demand rise, say Rockford Area REALTORS®.

In a segment on Rockford’s WREX-TV, Rockford Area REALTORS® Association CEO Steve Bois said homes in the price ranges most attractive to first time buyers are seeing a lot of activity and a somewhat depleted inventory these days.

In other news:

• Ever wonder which Chicago area neighborhoods have the most or fewest distressed properties? Then check out this infographic from Crain’s Chicago Business.
• Freeport home sales, sale prices on uptick in February – Journal Standard
• Stateline Sees Highest February Home Sales In Five Years – WTVO