New homes sales surged last month as home buyers rushed to take advantage of a government tax credit that has helped lift the housing market, according to government data released Wednesday.
The sales of new single-family homes rose 14.8 percent in April compared with the previous month to a seasonally adjusted annual rate of 504,000, according to Commerce Department data. It was up 47.8 percent compared to the same period a year ago.
Sales rebounded the most in the Midwest, 31.6 percent. They rose 10.8 percent in the South, which includes the Washington region, and increased 21.7 percent in the West. Sales were flat in the Northeast.
That follows an industry report this week that sales of existing homes, which make up the majority of the market, jumped 7.6 percent in April.
Economists who follow the industry say the reports reflect the impact of low mortgage rates and a $8,000 tax credit available to some first-time home buyers and a $6,500 tax credit available to some repeat homeowners who buy a new primary residence. To qualify for the tax credit, a buyer must have entered into a contract by April 30 and complete the transaction by June 30.
Source: Census
I just think all housing data needs to have a huge disclaimer before any attempt is made to try and act like it means something. I know you know all the support and I will have an article up tonight that shows how sick this is getting.
ReplyDeleteUS's homeownership rates in Q1 years
ReplyDelete2007--68.4%
2008--67.8%
2009--67.3%
2010--67.1%