New Home Sales Rise 3.3%

New home sales increased 3.3% in April, the Commerce Department said Tuesday.

Sales rose to an annual pace of 526,000, from 509,000 in March, which was the lowest in 17 years, Commerce said.

The level was above economists’ forecasts of 520,000-unit rate, Bloomberg said.

Rising home sales can mean more business for flatbed trucking companies that haul building materials and dry van freight carriers that haul household appliances and furniture.

New home sales account for about 15% of residential real estate sales.