Existing-Home Sales Declined 1.7% in July

Washington, DC, August 11, 2026—Existing-home sales decreased by 1.7% month-over-month and increased 0.7% year-over-year in July, according to the National Association of Realtors Existing-Home Sales report. 

Month-over-month sales increased in the Northeast, held steady in the West, and declined in the Midwest and South. Year-over-year sales rose in the Midwest and West and were flat in the Northeast and South.

“Home sales have been remarkably stable, even amid the rising mortgage rate environment of the past few months,” said NAR chief economist Lawrence Yun. “Year-to-date sales are up 2.4% and there’s no doubt that the housing market would be thriving if average mortgage rates were to return near 6%.”

“Though the national data shows stabilization, there are notable local market variations,” Yun said. “In smaller cities, and particularly in the Midwest, an annual household income of $60,000 would be sufficient to buy a median-priced home. Working with an agent who is a Realtor will help you better pinpoint what’s happening in your area.”