Home-price growth accelerated in much of the U.S. in the fourth quarter as low mortgage rates and improving employment spurred demand.

Contracts to purchase previously owned U.S. homes fell in December by the most in a year, a sign the industry’s recovery remains uneven.

Purchases of new homes in the U.S. jumped in December to the highest level in more than six years, a sign the industry is poised to keep expanding in 2015.

Purchases of previously owned U.S. homes rose less than forecast in December as higher prices discouraged first-time buyers.

After Damien and Tina Bucci were approved for a mortgage in 2012, they decided they couldn’t afford the biggest purchase of their lives without greater confidence in the U.S. economy. Next month, they will close on their first home, a four-bedroom Colonial with a half-acre yard.

Purchases of previously owned U.S. homes dropped more than forecast in November as residential real estate struggles to sustain its recovery even as borrowing costs remain low.

Purchases of previously owned U.S. homes unexpectedly rose in October to a one-year high as low borrowing costs helped sustain the recovery in residential real estate.

Contracts to purchase previously owned homes rose less than forecast in September, showing housing will take time to gain momentum.

Purchases of new houses in the U.S. rose in September, and revisions showed the magnitude of the unfolding recovery was more modest.