Home sales far exceeded expectations last month, surging to the highest level in two and a half years as first-time buyers rushed to take advantage of an expiring tax credit.

Prices have dipped, but some sellers are certain their nine-figure properties will attract buyers.

Selling a home without a real estate agent can save thousands of dollars in commission fees, but it can also be a painstaking, confusing task. Foregoing an agent, however, is easier these days thanks to Web sites that help homeowners advertise their properties.

Rates on 30-year mortgages stayed below 5 percent this week but remained above the record set earlier this year, Freddie Mac said Thursday.

Construction of new homes plunged last month as builders waited to see whether lawmakers would extend a tax credit for homebuyers.

Mortgage servicing companies have the complex task of figuring out if millions of borrowers qualify for mortgage modifications. And there has been some progress lately getting homeowners sign up.