09/07/2026
US Existing Home Sales Edge Up
Reflecting on Early-Q3’s housing numbers, I noticed US existing-home sales dipped 1.7% month-over-month, yet still managed to edge up 0.7% compared to last year. That slight annual uptick shows how resilient completed transactions remain, even as we move through the summer. The median price for existing homes reached $434,100, marking 37 straight months of year-over-year price gains—a trend that continues to add equity for homeowners. Inventory ended the period at 1.54 million homes, down both month-over-month (1.9%) and year-over-year (0.6%), reinforcing just how important it is for buyers to stay vigilant in this persistently tight market. Affordability has improved nationally, even as prices have climbed, suggesting that those who are prepared and attentive may find opportunities when timing and value align. With mortgage rates for a 30-year fixed loan recently hovering in the high-6% range, any movement downward could further open doors for buyers as the summer market evolves. Having spent over three decades advising clients through market cycles and transitions, I’ve learned that understanding these data points is key to making wise real estate decisions—whether you’re looking to buy, sell, or simply keep an eye on your home’s value.
