Pending Sales of U.S. Existing Homes Increased 4.1% in March |
| San Francisco Chronicle - Apr 26, 2012 |
Signed contracts to buy U.S. homes rose more than forecast in March as low interest rates drew buyers back into the market.
The index of pending home purchases rose 4.1 percent to 101.4, the highest level since April 2010, after a 0.4 percent gain in February that was revised from a previously estimated 0.5 percent drop, the National Association of Realtors reported today in Washington. The median forecast of 43 economists surveyed by Bloomberg News called for a 1 percent rise in the measure, which tracks contracts on previously owned homes.
An improved labor market and mortgage rates near historic lows are helping to stabilize housing. At the same time, the industry remains the economy's weakest link, depressed by the threat of more foreclosures, stricter lending standards, and lower property values.
"It's good news," said Sean Incremona, senior economist at 4Cast Inc. in New York. "It does suggest that improvement in the housing market is continuing."
Read more: http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/g/a/2012/04/26/bloomberg_articlesM3266P0UQVI901-M33FA.DTL#ixzz1tAUARo6w
Read Full Article from San Francisco Chronicle
- Posted: 2012-04-26 12:06:54
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