06/10/2026
Existing home sales in the U.S. rose 3.2% in May, reaching a 4.17 million unit pace despite high interest rates and record prices, according to the National Association of Realtors (NAR). This surge in buyer demand indicates increased competition, making prompt action necessary for buyers and creating a strong market for sellers, particularly in regions like Rhode Island. For a detailed market analysis, please contact:
Sherri-Ann Boisvert at 401-255-4857
The spring homebuying season has taken a sharp and unexpected turn. Despite persistent challenges from rising mortgage rates and record-high prices, sales of previously occupied homes across the United States accelerated in May, marking their fastest pace since December.
According to data released Tuesday by the National Association of Realtors (NAR), existing home sales rose 3.2% in May compared to the previous month, reaching a seasonally adjusted annual rate of 4.17 million units. This performance handily outpaced the 4.07 million rate projected by economists, breathing fresh momentum into a housing market that had been flatlining through the early spring.
While the national surge offers an encouraging sign of underlying buyer demand, the market remains highly nuanced—particularly here in Rhode Island and our region.
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