U.S. sales of new homes increased in August. At 3.4 percent, August sales surpassed July new home sales, at 1.112 million, according to the U.S. Commerce Department. Combined with previously owned home sales, 6.14 million units according to the National Association of Realtors, August's sales numbers set the new record-high number of home sales, nationally.

Florida's housing market also had plenty of activity.

19,787 previously owned singled family homes were sold in August, up 19 percent from the same time last year. Florida's median home sale price also increased to $163,600, up 13 percent from $144,200 at the same time last year, according to the Florida Association of Realtors.

In Tampa Bay, 3,137 homes were sold in August, up 24 percent from the same time last year. The median home sale price for the area increased by nine percent to $149,000.

Both new home sales and previously owned home sales are predicted to increase by both builders and Realtors, alike, even with interest rates hedging around six percent.

With such loan packages that offer 100 percent financing, 103 percent financing and even home mortgage financing available for the unemployed, I would have to say they're right.

-John Mudd