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New-Home Sales in U.S. Surge to Highest Level in Eight Years
Purchases of new homes in the U.S. surged in April to the highest level since the start of 2008, pointing to a robust spring selling season for builders. Sales jumped 16.6 percent to a 619,000 annualized pace, and purchases in the first three months of the year were revised higher, Commerce Department data showed Tuesday. The rate exceeded the most optimistic forecast in a Bloomberg survey. The median sales price climbed to a record, reflecting a pickup in signed contracts for more expensive properties. The rebound in purchases signals housing was returning to more stable footing, helped by healthy employment gains ... (full story)