The National Association of Realtors said Thursday that sales of previously occupied homes rose 6.8% to a seasonally adjusted annual rate of 5.35 million last month, the highest level since December. February's sales figures were revised downward slightly to 5.01 million.
Sales are up 18% from their low in the beginning of 2009, yet are still down 26% from their peak in the fall of 2005. March results had been expected to rise about 5% to 5.28 million, according to economists.
Sales rose in every region, including Santa Cruz County homes, surging more than 7% in the Midwest and South, 6.6% in the West and 6% in the Northeast.
For several months, home buyers have not felt rushed after the extension of the deadline to qualify for home buyer tax incentives. The government is offering a $8,000 credit for first-time buyers and $6,500 for current homeowners willing to buy and move into another property.
But now time is running out. Buyers must sign contract offers by April 30 to qualify.
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