Home sales in Southern California and statewide rose in February due to slightly better mortgage rates, with California's existing single-family home sales up 7% from January but down 0.3% year-over-year. Median home prices increased 0.9% to $830,370 statewide. Los Angeles metro sales rose 11.5% monthly but fell 1.8% annually, with prices slightly down. Mono County had the highest median price at $2.35 million, while Lassen County had the lowest at $199,000.
The market is shifting into a clearer 2026 landscape, with several regions—especially the Rust Belt—showing steady growth and strong buyer demand.
Rising inventory in Sun Belt markets is opening new opportunities, giving buyers better prices and stronger negotiating power than in recent years.
Midwest and Northeast affordability continues to support resilient demand, helping these regions maintain positive momentum into 2026.
With regional trends becoming more predictable, buyers and builders can move forward with greater clarity and confidence across a diversifying market.
Breaking news! Interest rates at pre-pandemic levels, mortgage rates at all-time low, announces Fed.
It's a dream come true for homebuyers who have been waiting for the perfect time to enter the market!
Dream on… Happy April Fool’s Day!
Sales to jump 14% in 2026 after a flat 2025; new-home sales up 5%.
Home prices to rise 4%, supported by job growth and tight inventory.
Mortgage rates expected near 6% in 2026, easing from 2025’s highs.
Higher-end homes lead gains, while first-time buyers remain constrained by affordability.
Existing-home sales in the U.S. rose 1.7% in February to an annual rate of 4.09 million, aided by slightly lower mortgage rates and modest price easing. Inventory increased 4.9% year-over-year but remained low at 3.8 months' supply, favoring sellers. The median home price was $398,000, up 0.3% annually. Affordability improved, yet demand stayed muted despite wage growth and job gains. Regional sales varied, with the West seeing an 8.2% rise and the Northeast a 6% decline.
Existing-home sales started 2026 weakly at 3.9 million annualized, the lowest in over two years, due to harsh winter weather and affordability issues. Inventory improved by 9% year-over-year to about 1.22 million homes, offering buyers more choices and 12% better buying power. However, new listings were down 4%, limiting market recovery. Mortgage credit availability rose slightly, easing lending conditions. The market's growth depends on more homeowners deciding to sell.