Rapid home price increases in some parts of the country have prompted an alarm about another "housing bubble," but a New Jersey economist says that's not the case in the Garden State.
Sales of U.S. existing homes slipped in February to their lowest level since July 2012 as severe winter weather, rising prices and a tight supply of homes discouraged buyers.
A surprisingly strong pace of new-home sales last month has boosted hopes that the spring buying season will be solid enough to lift the overall economy.
The number of Americans who signed contracts to buy existing homes in November was essentially unchanged from October, suggesting sales are stabilizing after several months of declines.
The number of people who bought existing U.S. homes in November declined for the third straight month. Higher mortgage rates have made home-buying more expensive, while the lingering effect of the October government shutdown might have deterred some sales.
When it comes to homes sold in New Jersey, about 45 percent were cash sales in July, up from 36 percent a year ago and above the nationwide average of 40 percent.