The U.S. housing market has been broadly improving since October 2011 and this month's Improving Market Index may prove to be a roadmap for mobile first-time or repeat home buyers, or bona fide real estate investors in search of medium-term home appreciation.

This is because U.S. markets deemed "improving" have each shown six consecutive months of economic growth beyond just home prices. Any of the identified 259 U.S. markets could be considered a safer bet for higher home prices as compared to the cities left off the list.

Furthermore, mortgage rates remain below 4 percent, which makes for highly affordable payments; and a home buyer's ability to get mortgage-improved is increasing.

The Federal Reserve reports that more U.S. banks are loosening guidelines than tightening them for "prime" mortgage borrowers; and mortgage approval rates have jumped 5 percentage points in the past 12 months.

There are also a bevy of low- and zero-downpayment mortgages available for today's first-time home buyer.

FHA mortgages, for example, allow for a 3.5% downpayment on most loans, and carry mortgage rates which tend to trump those of a comparable conventional loan.

In addition, USDA mortgages and VA loans offer zero-downpayment mortgages for qualified buyers. USDA loans are insured by the U.S. Department of Agriculture and are available from most U.S. banks. VA loans are guaranteed by the Department of Veterans Affairs and are also available from most U.S. banks.

To qualify for a VA loan, you must be on active duty, have been honorably discharged from the service, or be the surviving spouse of a servicemember.