The National Association of Home Builders Improving Markets Index climbed to 99 in March, up from 98 in February. The index, which measures improvement in housing permits, employment, and prices, now includes 33 states with at least one housing market on the list and 10 with four or more improving metropolitan markets represented. David Crowe, NAHB's chief economist, said the bottom line is that roughly one quarter of all U.S. metropolitan areas are showing signs that their housing markets have turned the corner. San Antonio and Austin, Texas; Orlando, Fla.; Rochester, N.Y.; and Columbus, Ohio were all among the notable new additions to the improving markets index in March. More here.