The number of Americans who signed contracts to buy homes fell in December after hitting the highest level in a year and a half. The National Association of Realtors said its index of sales agreements fell 3.5 percent last month to a reading of 96.6. That’s down from November’s reading of 100.1.

But the reading is still the second highest since April 2010, the last month that buyers could qualify for a federal home-buying tax credit.

A reading of 100 is considered healthy. Full Story