(Dec 29): Pending sales of US existing homes climbed by more than expected in November as a modest improvement in prices and mortgage rates encouraged buyers. An index of contract signings rose 3.3% to 79.2 last month, the highest level since February 2023, according to figures released on Monday by the National Association of Realtors (NAR). In a recent survey of nine market analysts, estimates for the home resale market ranged from 1.7% to 14% sales growth, with the rosiest projection coming from NAR’s Yun. The trade association’s report on Monday showed contract signings rose in each US region last month to their highest levels of the year. Pending-homes sales tend to be a leading indicator for previously owned homes, as houses typically go under contract a month or two before they’re sold.

Source: The Edge Markets December 29, 2025 15:37 UTC