Pending Home Sales Rise

Pending home sales have increased for 7 straight monthsthe longest in the series of the Pending Home Sales Index which began in 2001, this according to the National Association of Realtors. Based on contracts signed in August, rose 6.4 percent to 103.8 from a reading of 97.6 in July, and is 12.4 percent above August 2008 when it was 92.4. The index is at the highest level since March 2007 when it was 104.5. Buyers are coming out of the woodwork looking for affordable buys. This may be in large part to first-time home buyers taking advantage of the $8,000 tax credit that expires on the 3oth of November of this year. Some deals are not making it to the closing table however, due to long delays associated with short sales as well having to deal with the maze of new appraisal rules that exist currently. All in all this is a good indication that this momentum may continue, especially if the tax credit is extended, there is a good chance it may be......check back for more on that!