The number of real estate contracts signed and recorded declined 5.6% from August to September, as home affordability receded under the influence of higher mortgage rates, home prices and consumer uncertainty, the National Association of Realtors concluded Monday.
The NAR Pending Home Sales Index – a barometer of real estate contract signings – fell from an index score of 107.6 in August to 101.6 in September. It also declined 1.2% from year ago levels when the index hovered at 102.8.

This is the lowest index level reached since December of last year, and NAR is blaming the influence of declining home affordability, lower consumer confidence and a government shutdown that shook up both construction activity and home sales.

“Declining housing affordability conditions are likely responsible for the bulk of reduced contract activity,” said Lawrence Yun, NAR’s chief economist. “In addition, government and contract workers were on the sidelines with growing insecurity over lawmakers’ inability to agree on a budget. A broader hit on consumer confidence from general uncertainty also curbs major expenditures such as home purchases.”

The numbers suggest a lackluster fourth quarter, with Yun saying for the first time in 29 months pending home sales failed to come in above year ago levels.

http://www.housingwire.com/articles/27657-pending-home-sales-fall-on-declining-home-affordability