Existing-Home Sales Inched Up in April

Washington, DC, May 11, 2026-Existing-home sales increased by 0.2% month-over-month in April, according to the National Association of Realtors Existing-Home Sales report. Year over year, sales were flat.

Month-over-month sales increased in the Midwest and the South, were unchanged in the Northeast, and declined in the West. On a year-over-year basis, sales rose in the South, were flat in the West, and fell in both the Northeast and Midwest.

“Despite mixed macroeconomic signals-including a record-high stock market and historically low consumer confidence-home sales were modestly boosted by the continued improvement in housing affordability,” said NAR chief economist Dr. Lawrence Yun. “Mortgage rates are lower from a year ago, and average income growth is outpacing home price gains.”

“Inventory still remains tight,” Yun added. “Multiple offers, though not as intense as a few years ago, are still occurring. At the same time, days on market are lengthening on average, implying that consumers are taking their time before making decisions.”

“The increase in second-home purchases reflects stronger finances among higher-income households, as well as the post-Covid rise in remote work and hybrid job schedules.”

According to Truist, “The April median sales price for an existing home in the U.S. was $418,000, a slight increase from the March result, which is in line with the typical seasonal cadence at this time of year. We usually expect prices to climb sequentially during the start of the year, typically peaking in June. The median price was up about 0.9% YOY.

“NAR reported months of supply at 4.4 for April, which is flat YOY but higher sequentially. For reference, March 2026 had months of supply at 4.2 and April 2025 was at 4.4.”