The Case-Shiller Home Price Index, which is considered the “gold standard” for appreciation, showed home prices rise 12% year over year in February. This is a 15-year high and even stronger than the 11% in the previous report. The 20-city index rose from 11% to 12% year over year, with almost all of the cities showing strong gains. Phoenix, Seattle, and San Diego reported the highest annual gains among the 20 cities. Phoenix prices rose 17.4%, followed by San Diego with 17%, and Seattle with 15.4%.