<p>In this Nov. 5, 2010 photo, a for sale sign with a "sale pending" sign attached is displayed at a home in New Orleans. The number of people who signed contracts to buy homes rose in November, the fourth increase since contract signings hit a low in June.</p>
January 2, 2011
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January 2, 2011 8 p.m.
Rise in signed contracts gives housing market lift
Fourth increase in five months
NEW YORK - People are starting to buy homes again, lifting a battered industry that is bracing for its worst sales year in more than a decade.