The main reason: Inventory. Many buyers are still willing and able to purchase a home at today’s higher interest rates, but fewer sellers are opting to list.

Overall, Jan. new-home sales rose 7.2%, but the South’s 17.1% carried the three other areas that saw a decline. The Northeast saw the biggest drop at 19.4%.

It’s the highest average for the 30-year, fixed-rate loan since Nov. when it peaked at 7.08%. Last week it averaged 6.32%; one year ago it averaged 3.89%.

A Fla. woman sued a Maryland hotel claiming its website didn’t mention disabled guest options. A court said that’s OK even if the tester never planned to visit.