Purchases of new U.S. homes unexpectedly retreated in June and prior readings were revised down, painting a picture of less robust improvement during the industry’s busiest time of year.

Sales of previously owned U.S. homes climbed to an eight-year high in June as momentum in the residential real estate market accelerated.

Contracts to purchase previously owned U.S. homes rose in May to a nine-year high, indicating recent strength in the real estate industry will be sustained.

Purchases of new homes in the United States rose in May to the highest level in seven years, signaling the industry is gaining momentum heading toward the second half of the year.

Previously owned U.S. homes sold in May at the fastest pace since November 2009, driven by first-time buyers and indicating budding momentum in the residential real estate market.

More Americans than forecast signed contracts to purchase previously owned homes in April, indicating a pickup in the housing market during the busy spring selling period.

The number of Americans who signed contracts in March to buy previously owned homes climbed after the biggest increase in more than four years, a sign for further progress in the housing recovery.

Purchases of new homes slumped more than forecast in March from a seven-year high, a sign progress in the industry will be halting.