New home sales fell 5.6% in October, worse than expected, as higher mortgage rates took a bite out of demand. The annual level of sales in October was 679,000, down from September’s substantially revised 719,000 pace, However, sales in October were still up 17.7% from a year ago. October saw a sharp increase in mortgage rates to around 8% for a 30-year fixed rate loan. However, the higher mortgage rates have slowed sales of new homes as well. The recent drop in mortgage rates, with more expected next year, could prove to be a tonic to the market.

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Persons: ”, Kelly Mangold, Greg Logan, Lisa Sturtevant, ” “, ” Sturtevant Organizations: Census Bureau, Department of Housing, Urban Development, Builders, RCLCO Real Estate Consulting, MLS Locations: RCLCO, Southern, Northeast, Midwest