The Pending Home Sales Index, a forward-looking indicator based on contract signings, slid 3.7 percent to 110.8 in May from a downwardly revised 115.0 in April and is now slightly lower (0.2 percent) than May 2015 (111.0). With last month's decline, the index reading is still the third highest in the past year, but declined year-over-year for the first time since August 2014.

Lawrence Yun, NAR chief economist, says pending sales slumped in May across most of the country. "With demand holding firm this spring and homes selling even faster than a year ago1, the notable increase in closings in recent months took a dent out of what was available for sale in May and ultimately dragged down contract activity," he said. "Realtors are acknowledging with increasing frequency lately that buyers continue to