Core Insights - U.S. home sales experienced a slight decline of 0.7% in July compared to June, but showed a year-over-year increase of 0.6% compared to July 2024, with homes taking longer to sell, averaging 44 days on the market, up from 37 days a year ago [1][14][15] Sales and Pricing Trends - The median sales price in July was $450,000, reflecting a decrease of 1.1% from June but an increase of 2.3% year-over-year [2][10] - The average close-to-list price ratio was 99%, consistent with June 2025 but down from 100% in July 2024, indicating homes sold for slightly less than the asking price [12] Inventory Dynamics - Active inventory rose by 27.7% year-over-year, although there was a slight month-over-month decline of 0.8% [2][3][17] - The months' supply of inventory increased to 2.8 months, up from 2.2 months in July 2024, indicating a more balanced market [7][17] New Listings - New listings were up 4.4% year-over-year but down 2.5% from June 2025, with notable increases in Houston, Burlington, and Raleigh [5][6] - The markets with the largest year-over-year increases in new listings included Houston, TX (+43.0%), Burlington, VT (+22.6%), and Raleigh, NC (+20.9%) [5][6] Closed Transactions - Overall closed transactions were up 0.6% compared to July 2024 but down 0.7% from June 2025, with Raleigh, NC showing the highest increase in sales at +19.5% [8][9] - The markets with the largest year-over-year decreases in closed transactions included Dover, DE (-10.9%) and San Antonio, TX (-10.3%) [8][9] Market Insights - The housing market is adjusting seasonally, with longer selling times but stable inventory and prices, indicating resilience and opportunities for buyers and sellers [3][4] - Local expertise is emphasized as critical for navigating pricing and strategy in a normalizing market [3][4]