Mortgage rates continued their upward trend, surpassing 7% for the first time this year, as reported by Freddie Mac. Despite rising rates, mortgage applications increased by 3.3% according to the MBA. Meanwhile, U.S. retail sales exceeded expectations, growing by 0.7% in March. However, existing home sales dropped by 4.3% month-over-month, highlighting ongoing challenges in the housing market amid fluctuating interest rates. With home prices still rising, now might be an opportune time for sellers.