February existing home sales rise by 5.1 percent

March 23, 2009
By ALAN ZIBEL, AP Real Estate Writer

WASHINGTON – Sales of previously occupied homes jumped unexpectedly in February by the largest amount in nearly six years as first-time buyers took advantage of deep discounts on foreclosures and other distressed properties.

Economists said sales, while still at levels not seen since 1997, may finally be coming back to life after declining sharply following the stock market plunge last autumn.

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Stocks jump on bank plan, rise in home sales

By TIM PARADIS, AP Business Writer

NEW YORK – Wall Street is getting the good news it wants on the economy's biggest problems: banks and housing.

Investors reignited a two-week rally Monday after hearing the government's plan to help banks remove as much as $1 trillion in bad assets from their books and home sales showed a surprise increase. Major stock indexes jumped as much as 4 percent, including the Dow Jones industrial average, which rose nearly 300 points.

The Treasury Department said its plan would rely on the government's $700 billion financial rescue fund, the Federal Reserve and the Federal Deposit Insurance Corp., as well as private investors.

Full Story March 23, 2009

5 Great Things To Do

Break Up, Rock Out >>

Lead singer Chrissie Hynde and the Pretenders return to the tour circuit to promote Break Up the Concrete, their first new album since 2002. It has been described as straight-forward rock with lyrics alluding to Bob Dylan’s songs and beats reminiscent of Bo Diddley. The Pretenders perform with American Bang, a southern band from Nashville. Doors open at 7 p.m. today. $45-$85. House of Blues. 2200 N. Lamar St. 214-978-2583. hob.com.

<< Love Always, Russia

Brush up on your classical Russian composers as Yuja Wang and the Dallas Symphony Orchestra perform “From Russia With Love.” Wang, an internationally acclaimed pianist, will perform romantic pieces including Rachmaninoff’s demanding but hauntingly beautiful “Piano Concerto No. 3.” “From Russia With Love” is conducted by Arild Remmereit. 7:30 p.m. today, 8 p.m. Saturday, and 2:30 p.m. Sunday. Meyerson Symphony Center. 2301 Flora St. $17-$110. 214-692-0203.

dallassymphony.com

Driving Beat >>

Celebrate Black History Month this weekend with the Dallas Black Dance Theatre’s annual Cultural Awareness. This year’s performances deliver a driving beat of new contemporary works and repertory classics in dance sets including Ray Mercer’s “Pulse” and Hope Boykin’s “in.ter.pret.” New York choreographer Christopher Huggins also returns with his newest work “Jazz Course 101 — Dallas Black University.” Experience the strength, technique, and expression of the dance company and learn a few jazz moves from your seat. 7:30 p.m. today and Saturday. The Majestic Theatre. 1925 Elm St. $10-$60. 214-871-2390. dbdt.com

Mystic Arts
Keith Carter transforms time, light, and memory into transcendent imagery in the latest exhibition at the Photographs Do Not Bend gallery. Works from Carter’s latest book, A Certain Alchemy, will be featured along with other intriguing photographs by the artist. The show opens Saturday with a reception and book signing from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. Exhibit runs through April 25. 1202 Dragon St., Suite 103. Free. 214-969-1852. pdnbgallery.com.

In Stitches

Join your family and friends at the Crow Collection of Asian Art’s Family Size Quilt Celebration, where you can go on a scavenger hunt, design a quilt pattern, and tour the “Stitching the Seasons: Contemporary Japanese Quilts” exhibit. 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Sunday. Crow Collection of Asian Art. 2010 Flora St. Free. 214-979-6430. crowcollection.org.

[source: peoplenewspapers]