Sales of previously occupied U.S. homes slowed last month as rising prices and a dearth of homes for sale kept some would-be buyers on the sidelines. The National Association of Realtors said Monday that existing homes sales in February fell 6.6% from January to a seasonally-adjusted rate of 6.22 million annualized units. Sales were up 9.1% from February last year, before the pandemic upended the economy and temporarily held up home sales last spring. However, a recent rise in mortgage rates was not, as February sales largely reflect contracts signed weeks before the uptick in rates. “In the upcoming months, perhaps, demand will retreat a bit given the recent rise in mortgage rates,” Yun said.