New Home Sales Fall Slightly

Washington, DC, Feb. 24, 2012 -- New single-family homes sales in the U.S. rose at an annual rate of 321,000 in January, according to the Commerce Department.

December's figure was revised higher to 324,000.

Economists expected new home sales last month to total about 315,000 on an annualized basis.

Sales in December were initially reported at a 307,000 annual rate.