WASHINGTON (AP) - The number of Americans who signed contracts to buy homes rose in March to the highest level in three years.

The National Association of Realtors says that its seasonally adjusted index for pending home sales rose 1.5 percent to 105.7. That's the highest since April 2010, when a homebuyer's tax credit boosted sales. It's also above February's reading of 104.1.

Signed contracts are 7 percent higher than they were a year earlier. There is generally a one- to two-month lag between a signed contract and a completed sale. Still, sales are being held back by limited supply.

Sales of previously occupied homes dipped in March to a seasonally adjusted annual rate of 4.92 million, down from 4.95 million in February.

Do It Herself Workshop

The Design Confidential

Post sponsored by The Home Depot, but all opinions are my own, of course!

I couldn't be more excited to partner with Home Depot for a fabulous Do It Herself Workshop on May 16th (mark your calendars people) and a Twitter Party on May 2nd! That's right people, the ladies have spoken. The Home Depot is expanding their Do-It-Herself Workshops to more of The Home Depot Stores. It’s time to get hands-on, so find a local workshop in your area today. If you are local to the Sacramento region, I hope you will join me for this at the Stanford Ranch Store (10001 Fairway Drive, Roseville, CA 95678), I can't wait to meet you! It's going to be such a fun night..... Read More

Elizabeth Smith

Caring about our communities and the environment isn’t just our rallying cry during Earth Month, it’s one of our core values. So we’re continually working to decrease our impact on the planet. Over the years, our team members and customers have shared some great green-living tips, which have inspired changes in our stores, homes, offices and communities. ... Read More