Briefly ...

* Nationwide, the number of new foreclosed residences in March increased 14% from February, according to data released Wednesday by Foreclosure.com. The number of active and pending foreclosure properties rose 6.3% in March.

* Stronger job growth is expected to be a positive factor in the housing market this year, partially offsetting the influence of rising interest rates, according to the National Assn. of Realtors. Existing-home sales are forecast at 5.96 million in 2004 or 2.4% below last year’s record of 6.10 million. New homes are projected at 1.06 million sales.

* Median existing single-family home prices in California rose from $23,210 in 1968 to $372,720 in 2003, while the national median price jumped from $20,100 to $170,000 in the same period, according to a study released last week by the California Assn. of Realtors.

* Mortgage rates climbed to four-month highs last week on news that payrolls increased by more than 300,000 jobs in March, according to Freddie Mac. The 30-year fixed-rate mortgage averaged 5.79% for the week ended Thursday, up from the previous week’s 5.52%. The average for the 15-year fixed-rate mortgage was 5.12%, up from 4.84%.