The 2013 housing market starts strong for sellers. When the pending home sales index is above 100, it suggests that the current housing market is outperforming the market from 2001. 2001 was considered a good year for housing. 2012 was a strong year by most accounts, it averaged 100.3 for the year. Mortgage rates are still low, home supplies are still scarce, and buyer demand is still rising. Home prices are expected to rise thru 2014.