New Home Sales Rise in August by Largest Amount in 5 Months $ P" w+ J2 L( F; Q T" G ; g$ B5 ^1 }' d5 K# t- F7 V1 ?: {+ U: G8 ~) f2 I
WASHINGTON (AP) -- Sales of new homes posted the biggest increase in five months in August, raising hopes that the steep slide in the housing industry may be leveling off." |) b" y, j& Q, K: r8 d
Sales of new single-family homes increased by 4.1 percent last month to a seasonally adjusted annual rate of 1.05 million units, the Commerce Department reported Wednesday. It was the biggest increase since an 8 percent gain in March.