WASHINGTON — Americans bought more homes in July than in June, the latest evidence that the housing market is slowly, but steadily, improving. Sales of previously occupied homes rose to a seasonally adjusted annual rate of 4.47 million in July, ...

Tagged with: home sales homebuyers housing industry housing market National Association of Realtors previously occupied homes sales toll brothers

WASHINGTON — Construction of single-family homes in the U.S. cooled off slightly in January after surging in the final month last year. But a rise in permits suggests builders are growing more confident that more buyers are ready to come ...

Tagged with: builders commerce department construction homes housing industry housing starts National Association of Home Builders permit single-family homes

WASHINGTON — The economy is ending 2011 on a roll. The job market is healthier. Americans are spending lustily on holiday gifts. A long-awaited turnaround for the depressed housing industry may be under way. Gas is cheaper. Factories are busier. Stocks ...

Tagged with: Congress consumer confidence dow jones industrial average Economy europe gas housing industry inventories job market Recession Stocks washington

WASHINGTON — Sales of new homes plummeted in January, and businesses ordered fewer long-lasting goods. But the number of people applying for unemployment benefits has fallen over the past four weeks to the lowest level in two-and-a-half years. Together, the ...

Tagged with: economic Economy Government home sales housing industry new-home sales Real Estate Unemployment unemployment benefits washington

WASHINGTON — Construction of new homes fell in October, fresh evidence that the housing industry remains under duress. Construction of new homes and apartments sank 11.7 percent last month to a seasonally adjusted annual rate of 519,000 units, the Commerce ...

Tagged with: apartments commerce department construction Development homes housing housing industry october