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U.S. Existing Home Sales Fall in August as Mortgage Rates and Prices Rise
Just the facts
Sales of previously occupied homes in the United States declined by 2% in August 2026 to a seasonally adjusted annual rate of 3.98 million units. According to data from the National Association of Realtors, the figure represents the slowest annual sales pace in more than a year. Rising borrowing costs stymied the housing market, with average 30-year fixed mortgage rates reaching 6.76% in September. Despite the decline in sales volume, the national median home price increased by 1.6% from the previous year to an August record of $429,100. Unsold housing inventory rose to 1.62 million units at the end of the month, representing a 4.9-month supply at current sales rates.
Why this is news
The National Association of Realtors released data on September 10, 2026, showing that existing U.S. home sales declined for a third consecutive month in August.
Sources
This summary is compiled strictly from the original reporting below.