-- Pending home sales rose by 1.5% in March, well above the 0.5% increase expected in survey compiled by Bloomberg and following a 2.5% increase in February, according to the National Association of Realtors.
The monthly sales index was down 1.1% from March 2025.
Pending home sales rose from February in Northeast and South regions but declined in Midwest and West regions. It decreased in three of the four regions compared with a year earlier, rising only in the South region.
"Contract signings rose in March despite higher mortgage rates, pointing to pent-up housing demand," NAR Chief Economist Lawrence Yun said. "A greater supply of inventory will help translate that demand into more home sales."
First-time buyers, particularly younger buyers, have a great sensitivity to higher mortgage rates, Yun noted. "As a result, boosting supply and new-home construction should focus on smaller, more affordable homes."
April existing-home sales data are scheduled for release on May 11.