Even though existing home sales and affordability throughout the nation remain high, the country’s housing market remains fragile, as prices are unsettled, according to the February edition of the Obama administration’s housing scorecard.

Existing home sales did increase in January; however, they still remained below levels seen in the first half of 2010, according to the national report. Mortgage delinquencies declined compared to early 2010 and foreclosure starts and completions remain below peak.

"Our housing market remains fragile," said acting Assistant Secretary for financial stability Tim Massad. "We know this from data, but homeowners across the country can feel it too. Every month, HAMP continues to help tens of thousands of additional families in a cost-effective manner. And by setting affordability standards and developing a framework for how mortgage servicers provide assistance to struggling families, HAMP has established critical protections for homeowners and has catalyzed improvements in modifications industry-wide."