Sales of new single-family homes in the country increased to their highest level in 13 1/2 years in July as the housing market continues to show strong immunity to the Covid-19 pandemic which has plunged the economy into recession. The U. S. Commerce Department says new homes sales rose 13.9 percent to a seasonally adjusted rate of 901,000 homes last month, the highest level since December 2006. New home sales are counted at the signing of a contract, making them a leading housing market indicator. June’s sales pace was revised upward to 791,000 units from 776,000 units.