This week, Zillow reported an increase in U.S. home values for the first time in five years, marking a reported end to the slide of the real estate market. Numbers revealed a 2.1% increase in home values from the first to second quarter of 2012, the first of it's kind since 2007. Zillow's Real Estate Market Reports also highlighted a four month consecutive increase in national home values, while 2nd quarter 2012 home value appreciation was the highest it's been since 2005. The report varies widely across markets within the United States, however it appears that a gradual and steady increase in home values should become a reality for most of us. The worst could really be over! For more information on the market locally in Santa Barbara and Montecito, click here.