In this Thursday, Sept. 27, 2012, file photo, shows a home for sale in Miami Lakes, Fla. The number of Americans who signed contracts to buy homes rose only slightly in September, suggesting sales may level off in the coming months after solid gains in the past year. The National Association of Realtors said Thursday that its seasonally adjusted index of sales agreements rose in September to a reading of 99.5. That's up from August's reading of 99.2 but below a two-year high of 101.9 reached in July. Contracts are up 14.5 percent from a year ago. (AP Photo/Alan Diaz)
News Summary: US pending home sales rise 4.5 pct.
Published: 06:12:55 PM, Wed 27 February 2013 UTC
MORE CONTRACTS: A measure of the number of Americans who signed contracts to buy homes rose in January from December to the highest level in more than 2 ½ years. The National Association of Realtors said its seasonally adjusted index for pending home sales rose 4.5 percent.
MORE SALES: There is generally a one- to two-month lag between a signed contract and a completed sale. The increase points to more sales in the coming months.
SOLID RECOVERY: Housing is steadily recovering after a deep, six-year slump. New-home sales jumped last month and home prices are rising steadily, two reports Tuesday showed.
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