ML-Implode News - Sales of U.S. existing homes decrease to nine-month low

Purchases slowed 4.9 percent to a 4.82 million annualized rate, the least since April, after a 5.07 million pace that was higher than previously estimated, figures from the National Association of Realtors showed Monday in Washington. The median forecast of 74 economists in a Bloomberg survey called for a fall to 4.95 million.
The number of houses on the market dropped in January for a second straight month compared with last year and price increases were broad-based, making it difficult for first-time and younger buyers to get into the market. Gains in employment and historically low mortgage rates will probably sustain demand, while rising household formation and a shortage in rental supply should also provide a boost this year over last.

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Sales of U.S. existing homes decrease to nine-month low