The National Association of REALTORS (NAR) Existing-Home Sales report was released on July 9, 2026. According to the report, existing-home sales slowed in June, decreasing by 2.4% month-over-month and increasing 2.8% year-over-year. “The back-and-forth in monthly home sales activity, driven by mild fluctuations in mortgage rates, shows how sensitive home buyers are to affordability conditions,” said NAR Chief Economist Lawrence Yun. “However, job gains, more than half a million since the beginning of the year, will continue to provide support for the housing market.” In June, Month-over-month existing-home sales increased…
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21st Century ROAD to Housing Act becomes law
The National Lumber and Building Material Dealers Association (NLBMDA) announced its support of the enactment of H.R. 6644, the 21st Century ROAD to Housing Act. The landmark housing package includes more than 45 provisions aimed at increasing housing supply, reducing unnecessary regulatory barriers, modernizing federal housing programs and giving state and local governments additional tools to support residential construction. “The 21st Century ROAD to Housing Act demonstrates what Congress can accomplish when lawmakers work together to address the housing supply and affordability challenges facing communities across the country,” said Jonathan…
Read MoreExisting-home sales expected to total 4.10 million
According to Realtor.com’s 2026 Housing Forecast Midyear Update, existing-home sales are expected to total 4.10 million as year-over-year growth improves in the second half of the year. Existing-home sales steadied in April before climbing in May. Year-to-date, existing-home sales are currently just 0.2% ahead of their prior year pace. The report expects growth to pick up in the second half of 2026, though by less than originally forecasted. As a result, existing-home sales are expected to grow 1.0% to an annual total of 4.10 million. The May existing-home sales data…
Read MoreExisting home sales rise to a 5-month high
According to the S&P Cotality Case-Shiller Home Price Index, existing home sales rose 3.2% in May to a five-month high of 4.17 million. The spring selling season initially started slowly before gaining traction towards the end. Chicago continued to lead in existing home sales, followed by New York City and Cleveland. Meanwhile, pending home sales climbed 3.8% with a 4.8% year-over-year gain. Looking ahead, mortgage rates have hovered near 6.5% for six consecutive weeks, pushed higher by renewed inflation concerns and elevated energy prices. At the same time, listing prices…
Read MoreExisting home sales expected to increase
The National Association of REALTORS (NAR) Chief Economist Dr. Lawrence Yun reported that home sales are expected to be modestly better in the second half of 2026, while NAR’s current forecast calls for existing-home sales to rise 4% this year. Meanwhile, mortgage rates are projected to average 6.5% in 2026. Yun added that housing wealth accumulation will continue in 2026, with the typical homeowner gaining approximately $16,000 in wealth this year. Despite headwinds in the housing market, Yun said the U.S. economy will avoid a recession in 2026. Dr. Jessica Lautz,…
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