Pending home sales saw significant gains in February, particularly in the Midwest and West regions of the country, according to the National Association of REALTORS®’ (NAR) Pending Home Sales Index. In February, the index — which tracks contract signings — rose 3.1 percent compared to last month, 12 percent compared to February 2014 and is the highest it has been since June 2013. Pending sales in the Midwest surged ahead 11.6 percent compared to January and is 13.8 percent higher than a year ago. Read more from NAR.

In other headlines:

Freddie Mac completes largest sale ever of seriously delinquent loans – HousingWire

Efficient Housing Design Might Finally Be Catching On – Gizmodo