WASHINGTON (AP) -- Slightly more Americans signed contracts last month to buy homes, an increase that signals further gains in the housing recovery.
The National Association of Realtors says 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.
A reading above 100 is considered healthy. The index bottomed at 75.88 in June 2010 after a homebuyer's tax credit expired.
The pending home sales index is a measure of the number of signed contracts to purchase homes. The index can signal where the housing market is headed because a signed contract usually results in a final sale one or two months later.
Friday, May 24 2013 8:10 PM EDT2013-05-25 00:10:09 GMT
AP photo
Resorts held a grand opening Thursday for Margaritaville, the $35 million restaurant, bar, and gambling complex that's part of a $70 million expansion and renovation.
Resorts held a grand opening Thursday for Margaritaville, the $35 million restaurant, bar, and gambling complex that's part of a $70 million expansion and renovation.
Delta Air Lines is opening a $1.4 billion terminal at John F. Kennedy International Airport, strengthening its hand in the battle for the lucrative New York travel market.
Delta Air Lines is opening a $1.4 billion terminal at John F. Kennedy International Airport, strengthening its hand in the battle for the lucrative New York travel market.
Friday, May 24 2013 8:56 AM EDT2013-05-24 12:56:43 GMT
U.S. orders for long-lasting manufactured goods rebounded in April, buoyed by more demand for military and civilian aircraft and an increase in business investment.
U.S. orders for long-lasting manufactured goods rebounded in April, buoyed by more demand for military and civilian aircraft and an increase in business investment.
Thursday, May 23 2013 10:17 PM EDT2013-05-24 02:17:32 GMT
New Jersey officials have seized inventory and demanded records from 29 bars and restaurants, nearly half of them TGI Fridays, that they say sold low-quality liquor to patrons who thought they were buying premium brands.
New Jersey officials have seized inventory and demanded records from 29 bars and restaurants, nearly half of them TGI Fridays, that they say sold low-quality liquor to patrons who thought they were buying premium brands.
Thursday, May 23 2013 1:43 PM EDT2013-05-23 17:43:15 GMT
Kerry Kennedy has joined farmworkers protesting outside Wendy's shareholder meeting in Manhattan.
Kerry Kennedy has joined farmworkers protesting outside Wendy's shareholder meeting in Manhattan. The protesters said Thursday they want Wendy's to sign an agreement to safeguard working conditions for Florida tomato pickers.
Thursday, May 23 2013 11:39 AM EDT2013-05-23 15:39:41 GMT
Average rates on fixed mortgage rose for the third straight week, hitting their highest levels since mid-March. Still, mortgage rates remained close to historic lows, a trend that should help sustain the housing recovery.
Average rates on fixed mortgage rose for the third straight week, hitting their highest levels since mid-March. Still, mortgage rates remained close to historic lows, a trend that should help sustain the housing recovery.
Wednesday, May 22 2013 10:21 PM EDT2013-05-23 02:21:55 GMT
Cooking used to be as simple as putting heat to meat…but not anymore. There are all sorts of high tech gadgets designed to help make our lives simpler and tastier.
Cooking used to be as simple as putting heat to meat…but not anymore. There are all sorts of high tech gadgets designed to help make our lives simpler and tastier.
Wednesday, May 22 2013 2:35 PM EDT2013-05-22 18:35:57 GMT
When it comes to breaking through to the other side, forget Victoria's Secret. Another company, Australia-based HommeMystere, has already done it with lingerie for men.
When it comes to breaking through to the other side, forget Victoria's Secret. Another company, Australia-based HommeMystere, has already done it with lingerie for men.
Wednesday, May 22 2013 10:04 AM EDT2013-05-22 14:04:00 GMT
Chairman Ben Bernanke is telling Congress that the U.S. job market remains weak and that it is too soon for the Federal Reserve to end its extraordinary stimulus programs.
Chairman Ben Bernanke is telling Congress that the U.S. job market remains weak and that it is too soon for the Federal Reserve to end its extraordinary stimulus programs.
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