Presaging lower home sales in the fourth quarter of this year, pending home sales fell to their lowest level since December 2012 and posted a year-over-year loss for the first time in 29 months, according to the National Association of Realtors (NAR).

“Declining housing affordability conditions are likely responsible for the bulk of reduced contract activity,” said NAR Chief Economist Lawrence Yun. “In addition, government and contract workers were on the sidelines with growing insecurity over lawmakers’ inability to agree on a budget.”

“A broader hit on consumer confidence from general uncertainty also curbs major expenditures such as home purchases.”

Pending home sales, a forward-looking indicator based on contracts signed to purchase homes, dropped by 5.6 percent month over month in September and were down by 1.2 percent year over year, NAR reported.

“This tells us to expect lower home sales for the fourth quarter, with a flat trend going into 2014,” Yun said. “Even so, ongoing inventory shortages will continue to lift home prices, though at a slower single-digit growth rate next year.”

Source: NAR

Show Comments Hide Comments
Sign up for Inman’s Morning Headlines
What you need to know to start your day with all the latest industry developments
By submitting your email address, you agree to receive marketing emails from Inman.
Success!
Thank you for subscribing to Morning Headlines.
Back to top
Only 3 days left to register for Inman Connect Las Vegas before prices go up! Don't miss the premier event for real estate pros.Register Now ×
Limited Time Offer: Get 1 year of Inman Select for $199SUBSCRIBE×
Log in
If you created your account with Google or Facebook
Don't have an account?
Forgot your password?
No Problem

Simply enter the email address you used to create your account and click "Reset Password". You will receive additional instructions via email.

Forgot your username? If so please contact customer support at (510) 658-9252

Password Reset Confirmation

Password Reset Instructions have been sent to

Subscribe to The Weekender
Get the week's leading headlines delivered straight to your inbox.
Top headlines from around the real estate industry. Breaking news as it happens.
15 stories covering tech, special reports, video and opinion.
Unique features from hacker profiles to portal watch and video interviews.
Unique features from hacker profiles to portal watch and video interviews.
It looks like you’re already a Select Member!
To subscribe to exclusive newsletters, visit your email preferences in the account settings.
Up-to-the-minute news and interviews in your inbox, ticket discounts for Inman events and more
1-Step CheckoutPay with a credit card
By continuing, you agree to Inman’s Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.

You will be charged . Your subscription will automatically renew for on . For more details on our payment terms and how to cancel, click here.

Interested in a group subscription?
Finish setting up your subscription
×