According to new employment data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, both Raleigh and Charlotte were in the top 10 of the 50 largest metro areas that showed the greatest percentage increase in jobs from 2011 to 2012. The numbers are based on average employment numbers for 2012 for all 50 states and select metro areas across a range of industries. Raleigh and Charlotte combined to add 40,000 jobs in 2012. Growing tech and innovation sectors were substantial sources of jobs. Six of the top 10 metros were located in the South or Southwest. For more on this report visit Business Climate.

April saw the Triangle’s highest number of home sales in one month since June of 2010 according to the MLS; 2,635 units were sold which is up 37.2% over April of 2012. Both the median and average sales price increased, with the average sales price reaching the highest recorded rate for the month of April since 2008. Additionally, the number of new home listings was up 17% in April, which equates to about a 6.7 month supply of homes based on the current demand. To read more visit the Triangle Business Journal.

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Buying a home can be a daunting task for anyone, especially for a first-time homebuyer. You should never feel silly about asking questions about the homebuying process. Coldwell Banker has a great video explaining what it means to be “pre-approved” for a mortgage. This may seem like a pretty basic question, but many potential homebuyers do not fully understand what is involved in pre-approval and what it may mean to their home search.

This is an interesting infographic from Painters of Louisville explaining some of the psychology behind color choices, even when applying them to your home. Who would have thought babies don’t like yellow?

Home repossessions fell nationwide by 20% from March to April of this year, and were down 32% from the 2012 according to foreclosure listing firm RealtyTrac Inc. They also predict that once these homes hit the market, it will actually be beneficial because the rebound in the housing market has caused the supply of homes available for sale to be lagging behind consumer demand. The steady job growth, rising home prices, and ultra-low mortgage rates have been helping push people back into the housing market. Home prices have risen for 13 consecutive months in the U.S. Visit WRAL.com for the full story.

According to real estate market researcher CoreLogic, home prices in March were 10.5% higher than a year ago. This marks the biggest year-over-year jump in seven years, and the 13th consecutive month of home price gains. Home prices increased 1.9% in March from February. If distressed sales (short sales and foreclosures) are excluded, home prices are up 10.7% year-over-year. CoreLogic is predicting April’s home prices to be up 9.6% year-over-year. To read more visit USA Today.

Just as you routinely schedule a teeth cleaning or haircut, your home has maintenance needs that require similar planning. Keeping a home maintenance calendar can help keep you ahead of a problem, should one arise, as well as keeping your home running like a well-oiled machine. A great post on Apartment Therapy outlines a basic list of home maintenance items, some you may not have even thought of, and a suggested schedule that you can plug into your iPhone or calendar to stay on top of things.

ONCE A YEAR

Clean A/C Drainage Pipes

Flush Hot Water Heater

Lubricate Garage Door Springs

Aerate Lawn

Sharpen Lawnmower Blades

EVERY 6 MONTHS

Seal Your Tile Grout

Clear A/C Unit Grills & Coils Of Debris

EVERY OTHER MONTH

Change Air Filters

MONTHLY

Clean Dishwasher Drain Bin

Air Dry Front-Loading Washer Doors & Detergent Bins (if not more frequently)

If the weather this weekend forces you indoors, the IMAX theater at Marbles in downtown Raleigh is an excellent place to head for some entertainment. They have several features playing now that are 3D, including the highly anticipated Iron Man 3. There are some other fantastic nature features that are great for the whole family, and educational to boot! Check out the full schedule here, and plan some extra time to take your kids over to Marbles for some added fun.

via CNN Money

Good news continues in the jobs market; new reports show job growth was stronger than initially reported at the beginning of the year and April’s hiring numbers exceeded expectations. Numbers were revised upwards for the first few months of the year and employers added 165,000 jobs in April, which was a marked improvement over March. The unemployment rate fell to 7.5%. While that number is still relatively high when compared to pre-recession rates, it has been steadily dropping. To read more on these new numbers visit CNN Money.

According to a new report from the Labor Department, jobless claims have fallen to their lowest levels in five years, signaling fewer layoffs. The report marks the lowest levels of first-time claims for unemployment benefits since January 2008. Analysts consider these reports good indicators of layoff activity and the general U.S. job market, and the numbers are now back at pre-recession levels. While employers are still slow to hire new employees, there is still modest and steady growth in hiring. To read more visit CNN Money.