Homebuyers are slowly returning to the deal table, judging from a sudden jump in signed national sales contracts during the notoriously slow month of February.

An industry report yesterday said that February showed the biggest percentage gain in deals for existing homes in six years, raising hopes for a stronger pulse in the housing industry. The National Association of Realtors said its index of signed sales contracts for previously occupied homes rose 2.1 percent to 82.1, up from in January’s all-time low of 80.4.

The jump was fueled by a 14.5 percent increase in existing-home sales in the Midwest, followed by 10.6 percent increase in the Northeast. The West suffered a 13.5 percent decline.

Sales of new homes, meanwhile, rose 4.7 percent from January’s record low.