08/27/2026
US Home Prices Rose in Q2
The latest Q2 2026 numbers show just how dynamic our real estate market continues to be. Buyers remained active across most of the country, with home prices rising in 184 out of 230 U.S. metro areas—pushing the national single-family median to $434,900, up 1.5% from last year. Looking closer, the Northeast saw a 3.8% jump to $547,200, the Midwest was up 3.6% to $340,800, and the South—where I’ve dedicated the last 16 years to helping South Florida families—rose 1% to $380,000. The West was the exception, dipping 0.8% to $637,900.
Sales activity picked up in three out of four regions, with the South leading the way thanks to faster job growth. Meanwhile, the Northeast saw slower hiring paired with quicker home appreciation. Nationally, the median price inched up both yearly (1.5%) and quarter-over-quarter (0.5%). The typical monthly mortgage payment landed at $2,199—up $219 from last quarter, but still $52 less than a year ago. Families are now putting about 23.8% of their income toward mortgage payments, compared to 21.8% last quarter. For those exploring starter homes, prices actually dropped year-over-year, even though payments increased by $214 quarterly.
Guiding my clients through these shifts is at the heart of what I do. Whether you’re a first-time buyer or a seasoned homeowner, understanding these trends is key to making confident decisions in today’s ever-evolving South Florida market.