In September, for the fifth straight month, the Pending Home Sales Index hovered near its benchmark value of 100, registering 99.5.

The National Association of REALTORS® reports Existing Home Sales at 4.75 million units in September 2012 on a seasonally-adjusted, annualized basis, an 11 percent increase from one year ago.

According to the real estate trade association, the Pending Home Sales Index read 99.2 for August -- the fourth straight month in which the index hovered near its benchmark value of 100.

According to the National Association of REALTORS®, 4.82 million "existing homes" sold on a seasonally-adjusted, annualized basis in August, representing a near 8 percent improvement from the month prior and a nine percent jump from August 2011.

In July, the third time this year, the Pending Home Sales Index crossed its benchmark value of 100, moving to 101.7.

Home resales climbed 2% last month as the housing market continues its slow, steady recovery.

All 20 Case-Shiller Index markets improved between April and May 2012.

The Pending Home Sales Index is on a 14-month winning streak.

In May, for the second time in 3 months, the Pending Home Sales Index crossed the 100 barrier.

Home resales slipped last month; a temporary setback for the housing market's recovery.

After forging past its benchmark value of 100 in March, April's Pending Home Sales Index dropped back to 95.5.

Low mortgage rates are helping to make homes more affordable. It appears home buyers have taken notice.