Core Insights - U.S. existing home sales saw a modest increase of 0.5% in November, reaching a seasonally adjusted annual rate of 4.13 million units, although this was below economists' expectations of 4.15 million units [10] - The housing market continues to face significant challenges, including a sluggish labor market and high prices, which are limiting consumer confidence and demand [10][6] Sales Performance - Home sales surged by 4.1% in the Northeast and increased by 1.1% in the South, while the Midwest experienced a decline of 2.0%, and sales in the West remained unchanged [10] - Year-over-year, home sales declined by 1.0% in November [3] Mortgage Rates and Economic Conditions - The average rate for a 30-year fixed mortgage dropped from 7.04% in mid-January to 6.19% by the end of November, but has since stabilized around 6.21% [4][10] - The unemployment rate rose to 4.6% in November, the highest in over four years, and annual wage growth is at its slowest since May 2021, contributing to economic uncertainty [4][10] Inventory and Pricing - The inventory of existing homes fell by 5.9% to 1.430 million units in November, the lowest level since March, although it was up 7.5% from a year ago [7][10] - The median existing home price increased by 1.2% year-over-year to $409,200, while the median days on the market rose to 36 from 32 [8][10] Market Dynamics - All-cash sales accounted for 27% of transactions, up from 25% a year ago, indicating a shift in buyer behavior [9][10] - First-time buyers represented 30% of sales, unchanged from the previous year, with a target of 40% needed for a robust housing market [10]

Core Insights - Existing-home sales increased by 1.2% in October to a seasonally adjusted annual rate of 4.10 million, marking a 1.7% rise compared to the previous year, driven by lower mortgage rates [1][6] - The market is stabilizing at a higher level than seen in 2023, with softer mortgage rates and improved affordability contributing to this trend [6] Regional Breakdown - Northeast: Sales at 490k (0.0% change), median price at $503,700 (+6.5% YoY) [4] - Midwest: Sales at 990k (+5.3% change), median price at $319,500 (+4.6% YoY) [4] - South: Sales at 1.86 million (+0.5% change), median price at $362,300 (+0.3% YoY) [4] - West: Sales at 760k (-1.3% change), median price at $628,500 (+0.1% YoY) [4] National Market Statistics - Total housing inventory stands at 1.52 million units (down 0.7% from September, up 10.9% YoY) [7] - Median existing-home price is $415,200 (up 2.1% YoY) [7] - Average 30-year mortgage rate decreased to 6.25% from 6.35% in September [7] - First-time home buyer share increased to 32% from 30% last month [7]

Core Insights - Existing-home sales in the U.S. increased to a seasonally adjusted annual rate of 4.1 million in October, marking a 1.7% year-over-year gain and the best month for home resales since February [2][8] - Favorable borrowing costs, with average mortgage rates at 6.25% in October compared to 6.43% in October 2024, motivated homebuyers [3][8] - The government shutdown did not significantly hinder home sales, although it impacted some government-backed mortgage loans [4][8] Market Dynamics - The national home supply stood at 4.4 months in October, slightly above last year's levels, contributing to a more favorable environment for buyers [3][8] - Despite the increase in sales, existing-home sales remain near their lowest levels in over a decade due to high costs and persistent interest rates [6][9] - The median house price in October was $415,200, reflecting a 2.1% increase from October 2024, marking the 28th consecutive month of year-over-year price increases [10]

Core Insights - Sales of existing homes increased by 1.2% from the previous month, reaching a seasonally adjusted annual rate of 4.1 million, marking the highest level since February [1] Group 1 - The National Association of Realtors reported a rise in existing home sales [1]

Core Insights - U.S. existing home sales reached a seven-month high in September, driven primarily by higher-income households benefiting from stock market gains [1][4] - Despite a decline in mortgage rates to one-year lows, affordability remains a significant challenge for lower and middle-income buyers, compounded by economic uncertainty and a stagnant labor market [2][7] Sales Performance - Home sales increased by 1.5% in September to a seasonally adjusted annual rate of 4.06 million units, the highest since February, with a year-over-year increase of 4.1% [4][5] - Sales of homes priced at $1 million and above surged by 20.2% year-over-year, while homes in the $750,000-$1 million range rose by 14.4%. In contrast, sales in the $100,000-$250,000 range only increased by 6.0% [8] Economic Outlook - Economists predict that existing home sales will stabilize through the end of this year and into early next year, with improvements expected in 2026 as mortgage rates decline further and the economy strengthens [3] - The average rate for a 30-year fixed mortgage is currently at 6.19%, down from 7.04% in January, but this has not significantly boosted demand for home purchase loans, as many homeowners are refinancing instead [6][7] Market Context - Housing contributes less than 5% to the U.S. economy, and recent reports indicate little change in economic activity, with muted demand for labor [9]

Core Insights - Existing home sales increased by 1.5% in September to an annual rate of 4.06 million, marking the highest level since February and a year-over-year increase of 4.1% [1][2] Group 1: Market Conditions - Lower mortgage rates, which dropped from approximately 6.7% to 6.3%, contributed to the uptick in home sales [2] - Inventory levels rose to 1.55 million homes for sale in September, reflecting a 14% increase from the previous year and a 1.3% increase from August [3] Group 2: Buyer Demographics - Sales in the luxury market saw significant gains, with homes priced over $1 million experiencing a 20% increase year-over-year, and homes priced between $750,000 and $999,999 rising by 14.4% [5] - First-time homebuyers accounted for 30% of sales in September, which is an increase from recent months but still below historical averages of high 30% to low 40% [6]

Core Insights - Existing-home sales increased by 1.5% compared to the previous month, reaching the highest rate since February [1] Group 1 - The rise in existing-home sales indicates a positive trend in the housing market [1]

Core Insights - U.S. existing home sales reached a seven-month high in September, increasing by 1.5% to an annual rate of 4.06 million units, the highest since February [1][2] - The increase in home sales is attributed to falling mortgage rates and improving housing affordability, despite rising economic uncertainty and a stalled labor market [2][3] Sales Performance - Home sales rose 4.1% year-over-year, with increases noted in the Northeast, South, and West regions, while the Midwest experienced a decline [2] - The average rate for a 30-year fixed mortgage is at a one-year low of 6.27%, down from 7.04% in January, contributing to the rise in sales [2] Economic Context - A government shutdown has delayed the release of official economic data, including the employment report for September, leading to concerns about muted hiring due to economic uncertainty [3] - The shutdown has also affected real estate transactions, particularly in flood-prone areas where necessary insurance is unavailable [4] Inventory and Pricing - The inventory of existing homes increased by 14.0% year-over-year to 1.550 million units, although it remains below pre-pandemic levels [4] - The median existing home price rose by 2.1% year-over-year to $415,200, with current inventory expected to last 4.6 months at the September sales pace [5] Market Dynamics - Properties stayed on the market for an average of 33 days, up from 28 days a year ago, indicating a slight slowdown in sales velocity [6] - First-time buyers represented 30% of sales, an increase from 26% a year ago, though a 40% share is considered necessary for a robust housing market [6]

Core Insights - Existing-home sales increased by 1.5% month-over-month in September, reaching a seasonally adjusted annual rate of 4.06 million units, and rose by 4.1% year-over-year [1][5] - The increase in sales is attributed to falling mortgage rates and improving housing affordability, as stated by NAR Chief Economist Dr. Lawrence Yun [2][3] - Inventory levels reached 1.55 million units, up 1.3% from August and 14.0% from September 2024, although still below pre-COVID levels [5][6] Sales Performance - Month-over-month sales increased in the Northeast, South, and West, while the Midwest experienced a decline [2] - Year-over-year sales rose in the Northeast, Midwest, and South, with the West remaining flat [2] Pricing Trends - The median existing-home price in September was $415,200, reflecting a 2.1% increase from $406,700 a year ago, marking the 27th consecutive month of year-over-year price increases [3][5] - The median home price in the South was $500,300, up 4.1% from September 2024, while the West saw a median price of $360,300, down 0.6% from the previous year [6][13] Inventory and Supply - The unsold inventory supply remained at 4.6 months, unchanged from August but up from 4.2 months in September 2024 [5] - Inventory is at a five-year high, indicating a stable market despite being below pre-COVID levels [2][5] Mortgage Rates - The average 30-year fixed-rate mortgage in September was 6.35%, down from 6.59% in August but up from 6.18% a year ago [8]

Core Insights - The housing market is experiencing a significant shift, with sellers increasingly cutting prices or offering incentives to attract buyers [2][3] - Existing-home sales have reached their lowest level since 1995, indicating a sluggish market [2][3] - Buyers are now in a stronger position to negotiate better prices due to increased inventory and easing mortgage rates [3][4] Group 1: Market Conditions - Home sellers are facing challenges, as evidenced by Doug McCormick's experience of listing his home for $1.3 million without receiving any offers after two months [1] - The National Association of REALTORS® (NAR) reported a 0.7% decline in existing-home sales last year, totaling 4.06 million, marking the lowest level since 1995 [2][3] - Homes are remaining on the market longer, leading to more frequent price cuts and giving buyers more leverage in negotiations [2] Group 2: Buyer Opportunities - Current inventory levels are the highest since May 2020, providing homebuyers with more options [3] - The average 30-year fixed mortgage rate has recently decreased to 6.50%, down from 6.56% in early September, enhancing buyers' purchasing power [3][5] - First-time homebuyers are gaining leverage in the market, allowing them to negotiate terms that fit their budgets [4]