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New U.S. single-family home sales rose unexpectedly in April to notch their second straight month of gains and prices increased, according to a government report on Tuesday that offered some hope for the stagnant housing market.

The number of American households behind on mortgage payments posted a substantial decline from year-earlier levels, but foreclosures remained near record highs in the first quarter.

More people bought new homes in March, helping give the battered industry a small lift after the worst winter for sales in almost a half-century.

Pending sales of previously owned U.S. homes unexpectedly rose in February, a trade group said on Monday, pointing to a modest pick-up in home sales.

Sales of previously owned homes rose more than expected in September, an industry group said on Monday, indicating the housing market was stabilizing at weaker levels.

The number of people who signed contracts to buy homes rose in August for the second straight month but remained far below last year's pace.

Sales of U.S. homes rose 7.6% in August -- recovering from their steep descent in July, when the end of a popular government stimulus program drove sales to their lowest levels in more than a decade.

Foreclosures could head higher in coming months, as the percentage of borrowers at least one payment behind resumed its rise, new data suggest.

For those seeking hope in the better-than-expected 23.6 percent jump in new home sales in June: it's only one month's data.

The stock market rebounded Wednesday after a stronger-than-expected increase in pending home sales restored investors' optimism about the economy.