US sees rise in home sales

April 21, 2011 | 06:39

(0) user say

There was a glimmer of hope from the troubled US housing market on Wednesday, with the National Association of Realtors reporting sales of previously owned homes rose in March.

illustration photo

Sales were up 3.7 per cent during the month, pointing to a very modest but steady improvement in the battered sector.

"Existing-home sales have risen in six of the past eight months, so we're clearly on a recovery path," said NAR chief economist Lawrence Yun.

But despite low mortgage rates and suppressed prices, Yun said major obstacles remain.

"With rising jobs and excellent affordability conditions, we project moderate improvements into 2012, but not every month will show a gain -- primarily because some buyers are finding it too difficult to obtain a mortgage."

The NAR believes the market for existing homes bottomed out last July.

AFP

What the stars mean:

★ Poor ★ ★ Promising ★★★ Good ★★★★ Very good ★★★★★ Exceptional