U.S. Pending Home Sales Hit 2-1/2 Year High In November
Source: Reuters
WASHINGTON | Fri Dec 28, 2012 9:59am EST
Dec 28 (Reuters) - Contracts to buy previously owned U.S. homes rose in November to their highest level in 2-1/2 years, an industry group said on Friday, further evidence of a strengthening housing market recovery.
The National Association of Realtors said its Pending Home Sales Index, based on contracts signed last month, increased 1.7 percent to 106.4 - the highest level since April 2010 when the home-buyer tax credit expired.
Economists polled by Reuters had expected signed contracts, which become sales after a month or two, to rise 1.0 percent after a revised 5.0 percent increase in October. It was the third straight month of gains.
"Home sales are recovering now based solely on fundamental demand and favorable affordability conditions," said NAR chief economist Lawrence Yun.
Pending home sales were up 9.8 percent in the 12 months through November.
Read more: http://www.reuters.com/article/2012/12/28/usa-economy-homes-idUSL1E8NR6XO20121228
