The Conference Board’s consumer confidence index increased by 4.4 points, averaging 81.7, the highest level seen since early 2008. This new data suggests that now is a great time for buying a home. The Director of Economic Indicators at The Conference Board, Lynn Franco said, “while consumers were moderately more upbeat about future job prospects and the overall economy, they were less optimistic about income growth,” Franco said. “The Present Situation index, which had been on an upward trend for the past four months, was relatively unchanged in March. Overall, consumers expect the economy to continue improving and believe it may even pick up a little steam in the months ahead.” More here