September Pending Home Sales Down in U.S., Yet Higher Than a Year Ago

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According to the National Association of Realtors (NAR), pending home sales declined in September, although activity remains above a year ago.

The Pending Home Sales Index, a forward-looking indicator based on contract signings, fell 4.6 percent to 84.5 in September from 88.6 in August but is 6.4 percent higher than September 2010 when it stood at 79.4.  The data reflects contracts but not closings.

Lawrence Yun, NAR chief economist, said the housing market is being excessively constrained.  "A combination of weak consumer confidence and continuing tight lending criteria held back home buyers, even though the private sector added nearly 2 million net new jobs in the past 12 months," he said.

The PHSI in the Northeast declined 4.7 percent to 60.6 in September but is 4.0 percent above a year ago.  In the Midwest the index dropped 6.2 percent to 71.5 in September but remains 12.3 percent higher than September 2010.  Pending home sales in the South fell 5.5 percent in September to an index of 91.6 but are 5.0 percent above a year ago.  In the West the index declined 2.1 percent to 105.8 in September but is 5.6 percent higher than September 2010.

"America's monetary policy is contradictory and confusing, where some consumers with the best financial capacity and top-notch credit scores pay higher mortgage interest rates," Yun said.  "The Federal Reserve evidently has been attempting to lower mortgage rates, yet more consumers are faced with taking out jumbo loans that carry higher interest rates."

Yun emphasized the need to reinstate higher loan limits in 42 states.  "Just leaving excessive cash to sit in banks and not work into the economy is a drag on the overall recovery," he said.  "We need a comprehensive approach to address housing issues - not additional impediments."

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