The Federal Reserve released its periodic Beige Book survey on Wednesday and reported that the economy is growing slowly, but joblessness continues to be at 9.6 percent and real estate remains the weakest sector.

The Beige Book said that home sales are declining and in some districts are below last year.

Philadelphia, Dallas, and Kansas City reported increasing home sales. Kansas City, New York, and Minneapolis reported declining home prices. Home builders continue to report declining price pressures. There is likely to be little construction through the end of the year.

The only reported growth in commercial real estate is in apartments.

Source: The Associated Press, Jeannine Aversa