February 2026 Existing-Home Sales Rise 1.7%
Sales of existing homes increased in three of the four regions across the nation in February compared to the previous month, a report released today by the National Association of REALTORS ® (NAR) said.
Existing home sales, which the NAR defines as completed transactions for properties that include single-family homes, townhomes, condominiums and co-ops, increased as much as 1.7% from January but decreased 1.4% from the same time last year.
Total homes for sale at the end of February were 1.29 million units, up 2.4% from January and up 4.9 % from February 2025. With more options on the market, potential buyers have a better chance to search for their dream home than they did last year.
“Inventory is growing, but sluggishly,” NAR Chief Economist Lawrence Yun said. “If demand picks up notably in the coming months and outpaces supply growth, home prices will inevitably rise.”
Before home prices rise and while inventory is still growing, now may be a perfect time to consider joining the market and finding the home of your dreams.
Which regions showed changes in existing home sales?
Three of the four regions the NAR tracks in the U.S. showed increases in sales of existing homes in February compared to the previous month, the NAR said.
- Sales of existing homes in the West increased 8.2% from January.
- Completed transactions in the South rose 1.6% from the previous month.
- In the Midwest, existing home sales also rose 1.1% compared to a month earlier.
- The Northeast saw a 6% decrease in existing home sales from January.
The increase in home sales across most regions is a great sign for where the housing market is headed and for how potential buyers are noticing
“Housing affordability is improving, and consumers are responding,” Yun said. “Still, there is a long way to go to return to pre-pandemic levels of transaction activity.”
Winter typically sees a drop in existing home prices. On top of that, mortgage rates have seen a steady decline since May, with rates hitting their lowest levels since 2022 earlier this year, which has improved conditions for potential buyers joining the housing market.
Did mortgage rates show any change?
According to data from Freddie Mac, the 30-year fixed rate mortgage averaged 6% as of March 4. That’s up from 5.98% one week before but down significantly from 6.63% one year ago*.
A continued reduction in mortgage interest rates will likely be a welcome sign to prospective homebuyers. A decrease in mortgage rates could also signal a continuing thaw in the housing market as we dive deeper into the new year and emerge from winter’s chill.
Are you ready to start seeing the benefits of homeownership? Apply for a mortgage pre-approval and begin your journey toward your dream home with OriginPoint! A pre-approval shows sellers and real estate agents that you’re a serious buyer and gives you an idea of how much of a mortgage you’re likely to get approved for.
*National average rates from Freddie Mac as of March 4, 2026, are not advertised rates from OriginPoint.
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