Key market statistics

Existing-home sales in the United States rose 1.7% in February 2026 to a seasonally adjusted annual rate of 4.09 million units, according to the National Association of REALTORS® (NAR). This rebound follows an 8.4% decline in January and surpassed economist expectations of 3.89 million units. National Association of REALTORS® 

Key Market Statistics (February 2026)

• Median Sales Price: Rose 0.3% year-over-year to $398,000, marking the 32nd consecutive month of annual increases.
• Housing Inventory: Increased 2.4% from January to 1.29 million units, representing a 3.8-month supply at the current sales pace.
• Days on Market: Properties typically remained on the market for 47 days, up from 46 days in January and 42 days a year ago.
• Buyer Profile: First-time buyers accounted for 34% of sales, a five-year high, while all-cash transactions made up 31%. National Association of REALTORS® 

Regional Performance (Month-over-Month)

• West: Saw the strongest growth with an 8.2% increase in sales as affordability in the region improved significantly.
• South: Sales rose 1.6%, supported by the only year-over-year sales increase (0.5%) among all regions.
• Midwest: Recorded a 1.1% increase in monthly sales.
• Northeast: The only region to see a decline, with sales falling 6.0%, likely due to severe winter weather earlier in the year. National Association of REALTORS® 

Market Drivers

• Improved Affordability: The NAR Housing Affordability Index rose to 117.6, its highest level since March 2022, driven by wage growth outpacing home price appreciation.
• Mortgage Rates: Easing rates, which averaged 6.05% for a 30-year fixed mortgage in February, encouraged buyers to return to the market.
• Inventory Growth: Although growing "sluggishly," a 4.9% year-over-year increase in inventory provided more options for potential buyers. National Association of REALTORS® 

Would you like a more detailed breakdown of regional price trends or information on pending home sales for the upcoming months?