Harsh winter conditions have largely taken the blame for the recent stagnation in the housing market nationwide, but experts say the genesis of downturn goes all the way back to the warm months of 2013.

The National Association of Realtors released February’s pending home sales numbers this week, revealing an eighth consecutive month of decline in the market.

The South and Northeast saw the biggest decreases, offsetting gains in the West and Midwest.

The pending home sales index dipped 0.8 percent to 93.9, down from 94.7 in January and down 10.5 percent from February 2013.

While harsh weather may not have been the originator of the downturn, it may have stalled the stabilization that seems to be taking hold along with the warmer weather.

“Contract signings for the past three months have been little changed, implying the market appears to be stabilizing,” said NAR chief economist Lawrence Yun. “Moreover, buyer traffic information from our monthly Realtor survey shows a modest turnaround, and some weather delayed transactions should close this spring.”

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