Image:BigStock.com

Sales of new, single-family homes appeared to be picking up steam again in May, surging to a six-year high, according to the latest U.S. Commerce Department data.

New- home sales were up 18.6 percent compared to April and 16.9 percent higher than a year ago. The gains were welcome news after what has been a slower start to new-home sales this year.

Find coverage of the latest new-home sales trend:

New Home Sales Soar in May – Wall Street Journal

New home sales surge 18.6%, topping forecasts – USA Today

New Home Sales Soar to Six-Year High in May – Fox News