National housing data can feel overwhelming. These six numbers, from the National Association of REALTORS® (NAR) August 2026 report and Freddie Mac's September 24, 2026 rate survey, capture where the market stands.
1. Median existing-home price: $429,100
The national median rose 1.6% year over year — the 38th straight month of annual gains. Prices are still rising, but far more slowly than in the early 2020s.
2. 30-year mortgage rate: 7.03%
Freddie Mac's average moved up from 6.95% the week before and crossed 7% for the first time since January 2025. The 15-year average was 6.42%. Rates are now the biggest swing factor in monthly payments — see our 15-year vs 30-year comparison.
3. Homes for sale: 1.62 million
Inventory was up 5.9% on August 2025, equal to 4.9 months' supply — the highest in more than a decade. More choice generally means more room for buyers to negotiate.
4. Sales pace: 3.98 million a year
Existing-home sales ran at a seasonally adjusted annual rate of 3.98 million, a subdued pace by historical standards.
5. Median time on market: 31 days
Homes are taking longer to sell than in the frenzy of recent years, which matters for sellers setting a price — see how to price your home.
6. First-time buyers: 30% of sales
First-time buyers made up 30% of purchases, while all-cash buyers accounted for 27%.
Prices by region and home type
| Region / type | Median price (Aug 2026) | Change YoY |
|---|---|---|
| Northeast | $556,900 | +4.3% |
| Midwest | $340,400 | +3.3% |
| South | $366,500 | +0.7% |
| Single-family homes | $434,800 | +1.7% |
| Condos & co-ops | $371,600 | +1.5% |
| New homes (U.S. Census) | $393,700 | — |
See the full snapshot on our Market Insights page.
Sources: NAR Existing-Home Sales; Freddie Mac PMMS; U.S. Census New Residential Sales.