The National Association of REALTORS
Housing markets show continued strength as the National Association of Realtors® reported that sales of existing homes reached their second highest level since February 2007. Sales of pre-owned homes increased by 4.70 percent and reached 5.55 million sales on a seasonally adjusted annual basis against analyst expectations of 5.34 million sales and August's reading of 5.30 million sales of previously owned homes. August's reading for existing home sales was revised downward from 5.31 million sales. Economists said that August's lower than expected sales of existing homes may have been influenced by volatility in financial markets and concerns over mortgage rates…
Sales of previously owned homes dropped in August by 4.80 percent on an annual basis for the first time in four months; the dip was likely caused by rising home prices. August sales were reported at a rate of 5.31 million; July's rate was 5.58 million sales of previously owned homes. Sales of existing homes have risen 6.20 percent year-over-year; stronger labor markets and low mortgage rates were seen as contributing factors. Although economists expect the Federal Reserve to raise its target federal funds rate before year end, home sales are expected to stay strong through 2016. A Fed rate…
Last week's scheduled economic news releases were limited as no news was released on Monday or Tuesday, but good news did arrive in the form of a dip in mortgage rates for fixed rate loans. The National Association of Realtors® reported higher sales of pre-owned homes and FHFA reported that home price growth associated with mortgages held or backed by Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac held steady in May. Sales of Pre-Owned Homes and FHFA House Prices Rise According to the National Association of Realtors®, June sales of existing homes reached their highest level since February 2007. Sales of used…
