It’s said that there are two sides to every story. Well, there are also two sides to the housing market. For example, since the end of the recession in 2009, home prices have risen 37 percent, according to Freddie Mac’s most recent monthly outlook. But while those price gains mean there aren’t as many bargains on the market as there were eight years ago, it also means current homeowners have enjoyed a record rebound in home equity. Len Kiefer, Freddie Mac’s deputy chief economist, says the housing market is on the upswing. “Overall, U.S. housing markets have been on the upswing,” Kiefer said. “While housing market trends have been generally favorable, not everyone has shared equally in the gains. Existing homeowners have largely seen their properties increase in value, helping to build equity. In many parts of the country, home values have more than recovered from the Great Recession, reaching new peaks, and the share of underwater homeowners has dropped significantly.” More here.