Saddle Brook, NJ — May 1, 2026 — U.S. existing-home sales unexpectedly rose 1.7% month-over-month to a seasonally adjusted annual rate of 4.09 million, as lower mortgage rates helped boost buyer activity, according to the National Association of REALTORS® (NAR). Monthly sales increased in the Midwest, South, and West but decreased in the Northeast. Sales increased year-over-year in the South, but fell in the Northeast, Midwest, and West.
“March’s housing data offers encouraging signs, with inventory up 7.7% and new listings up 11.2% year over year. But while that progress matters, we are still not where we need to be to provide buyers with the level of inventory necessary for a truly more balanced and affordable market,” said 2026 GBR Immediate Past President, Nicola Esposito. “That is why GBR’s mission to elevate members, strengthen communities, and drive advocacy is so important. I encourage every Broker to get more involved through the Association, local council meetings, and community events, because when REALTORS® engage beyond the transaction, we help shape stronger communities and a stronger profession.”
Data from NAR show that inventory continued to grow nationwide, ticking up 2.4% month-over-month and 4.9% year-over-year to 1.29 million units heading into March, representing a 3.8-month supply at the current sales pace. Meanwhile, home prices increased for the 32nd consecutive month, climbing 0.3% year-over year to $398,000
Highlights From March 2026 Report
- Single-Family closed sales increased 2.9 percent to 280.
- Townhouse-Condo Closed Sales decreased 10.5 percent to 137.
- Adult Communities Closed Sales increased 57.1 percent to 11.
- Single Family Median Sales Price was up 6.3 percent to $850,000.
- Townhouse-Condo Median Sales Price was down 2.4 percent to $485,000.
- Adult Communities Median Sales Price was up 8.0 percent to $470,000.
Click Here for the full ShowingTime Report for the month of March 2026