The US housing industry, as of the past 48 hours, remains characterized by slowing sales but record-high prices. Existing-home sales in June declined 2.7 percent from May, reaching their lowest point in nine months and totaling an annualized rate of 3.93 million transactions. This slowdown is notably worse than the modest seasonal slowdown typically seen in summer, with contract signings during spring hitting their lowest since 2012. Despite higher inventory—a 16.9 percent year-over-year increase—and rising new listings, stubbornly high mortgage rates near 7 percent and unaffordable prices continue to sideline many buyers.
Median home prices set a new record in June, with the national median reaching 369,000 dollars in the second quarter, up 5.4 percent from the previous quarter and 3.1 percent year over year. In June, the median sale price for existing homes hit 435,000 dollars. This marks over two straight years of annual price increases nationwide. New-home prices, however, have declined both month over month and year over year, signaling that homebuilders are adjusting their pricing to stimulate demand.
On a regional level, the Northeast, Midwest, and South saw falling sales in June, whereas the West, especially California, showed modest increases and rising prices, outpacing national trends. Yet, even in strong markets like California, there are signs of buyer hesitation.
A noteworthy regulatory shift in the past week is the increase of the SALT (State and Local Tax) deduction cap from 10,000 to 40,000 dollars, which may aid buyers and homeowners in high-tax markets.
Supply is improving, but increased delistings—up 47 percent year-over-year—signal growing frustration among sellers unable or unwilling to meet buyer price expectations. As a result, more properties are being withdrawn from the market, potentially capping future inventory growth.
Consumer behavior is shifting cautiously. Many potential buyers remain renters due to affordability concerns, with only Pittsburgh offering more affordable buying than renting. Industry leaders are responding by cutting prices in specific markets, launching more buyer-focused products, and lobbying for regulatory changes that could further ease buying conditions. Despite some hopeful signs, the market overall is the most buyer-friendly in almost a decade, yet it remains far from truly balanced.
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