US pending home sales rise to highest in 2½ years

The combination of stronger demand and limited supply is pushing up home prices. That could encourage more sellers to put their homes on the market because they can expect a better price.

Builders are also more optimistic that the recovery will endure and are stepping up construction. The pace of home construction was nearly 22 percent higher in November compared with a year earlier. Builders are on track this year to start work on the most homes in four years.