Friday Scoop on Housing Market and Credit Karma News

Its Friday the 13th and Credit Karma’s latest press release has me feeling a little superstitious. The Credit Climate Report trend data for October 2009 shows that consumer credit card debt is on the rise, approximately at an average $7,573 per consumer, which could signal that consumers are growing more confident about using credit and spending ahead of the holidays. Let’s hope that these numbers aren’t an omen of bad credit karma to come, but a good sign that healthy spending habits will also spell healthy debt management too.

Credit Karma News

• Marketplace Radio puts Credit Karma in the spotlight to talk about what to do with your credit cards.
• What has your credit-card issuer done for you lately? Kiplinger dares to ask.
• The Harbus figured out why most twentysomethings don’t understand personal finance.
• Credit Union Times features CK as new company touts free access to credit scores.
• San Francisco area’s credit scores are the best, brags the San Francisco Business Times.

Home & Mortgage News

• Forbes pinpoints ten cities where home prices are improving.
• How the first time home buyer credit can create economic growth from Moolanomy.
• CNN Money renews some housing market hope in How to make money in 2010: your home.
• Saving to Invest features simple tips and ideas on what to do before you sell your home.
• Save money by selling your house without a real estate agent suggests Canadian Finance Blog.

Here’s a glance at current mortgage rates to keep you up-to-date. The table shows the overnight average interest rate for two of the most common mortgage loan types (keep in mind, refinance rates typically vary from purchase rates listed below). Happy house hunting!