US pending home sales up 1.1% in March, but with regional variations

Pending home sales in the United States continued upwards in March and reached their highest level since June 2013, according to the latest index figures.

The Pending Home Sales Index, a forward looking indicator based on contracts signed, from the National Association of Realtors climbed 1.1% to 108.6 in March from an upward revision of 107.4 in February and is now 11.1% above March 2014.

The index has now increased year on year for seven consecutive months and is at its highest level since June 2013. NAR chief economist Lawrence Yun said that contract signings picked up in March as more buyers than usual entered this year’s competitive spring market.

‘Demand appears to be stronger in several parts of the country, especially in metro areas that have seen solid job gains and firmer economic growth over the past year, While contract activity being up convincingly compared to a year ago is certainly good news, the increased number of traditional buyers who appear to be replacing investors paying in cash is even better news. It indicates this year’s activity is being driven by more long term home owners,’ he explained.

Yun expects a gradual improvement in home sales in the months ahead but says insufficient supply and accelerating prices could be a drawback to sales reaching their full potential.

‘Demand in many markets is far exceeding supply, and listings in March sold at a faster rate than any month since last summer. This in turn has pushed home prices to unhealthy levels, nearly four or more times above the pace of wage growth in some parts of the country. Simply put, housing inventory for new and existing homes needs to improve measurably to improve affordability,’ he added.

A breakdown of the figures shows there is considerable regional variation. The index fell 1.5% in the Northeast fell, the fourth month in a row it has done so but is still 0.6% above a year ago. In the Midwest the index fell 2.5% but is 11.3% above March 2014.

Pending home sales in the South increased 4% and are 12.4% above last March while the index in the West rose 1.7% in March and is now 15.6% above a year ago.

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Source: Property News Spain