U.S.: rising promises to sell home

Promises of home sales in the U.S. rose in September for the eighth consecutive month, jumping 6.1% from August, according to figures released Thursday by the National Association of Realtors (NAR).

The increase surprised analysts who had forecast an increase in stability after 6.4% in August.

The total committed sales of NAR reached its highest level since December 2006, at a time when the market knew the early price declines but still high activity.

In one year, promises of sales increased by 21.2%.

"What we are seeing is a rush of buyers first home trying to enjoy the tax credit before it expires," said the chief economist of NAR, Lawrence Yun, cited in a statement .

This tax credit will expire November 30, but Congress began discussions in October to extend until April 30.