Dec 29 (Reuters) – Contracts to purchase previously owned U.S. homes unexpectedly shot to the highest in nearly three years in November, as improving affordability conditions drew in buyers, the National Association of Realtors said on Monday.

Pending home sales rose 3.3% last month after an upwardly revised 2.4% gain in October, the NAR said. Economists polled by Reuters had forecast contracts, which become sales after a month or two, rising 1.0%.