What did existing-home sales look like in April? 

April saw more homes listed for sale compared to March, which means more options for buyers to choose from. Home values are also continuing to increase, as detailed in a report released today by the National Association of REALTORS® (NAR).

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 0.2% from March in all four regions of the nation. However, existing-home sales did not show any change compared to March of last year.

“Despite mixed macroeconomic signals—including a record-high stock market and historically low consumer confidence—home sales were modestly boosted by the continued improvement in housing affordability,” NAR Chief Economist Lawrence Yun said. “Mortgage rates are lower from a year ago, and average income growth is outpacing home price gains.”

Total homes for sale at the end of April were 1.47 million units, up 5.8% from March and up 1.4% from April 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 still remains tight,” Yun continued. “Multiple offers, though not as intense as a few years ago, are still occurring. At the same time, days on market are lengthening on average, implying that consumers are taking their time before making decisions.”

Current homeowners, whether seasoned or recent, may have seen their home values increasing in April. The NAR reported that April was the 34^th consecutive month that median home prices have increased.

With mortgage rates lower, home prices increasing and more homes currently available, it may be time to consider joining the housing market.

Which regions showed changes in existing-home sales? 

Two of the four regions the NAR tracks in the U.S. showed an increase in sales of existing homes in April compared to the previous month, the NAR said. 

The South was the only region that saw an increase in sales compared to a year earlier.

April helps bridges the gap between the winter and spring homebuying season. Winter typically experiences lower home prices, and spring generally introduces a larger inventory, so it could be a great time now for many potential homebuyers to join the housing market.

Did mortgage rates show any change? 

According to data from Freddie Mac, the 30-year fixed-rate mortgage averaged 6.37% as of May 7. That’s a sizeable drop in rate from 6.76% one year ago and up slightly from 6.3% one week earlier.

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 the spring homebuying season gets into full swing. 

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 Rate! 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 May 7, 2026, are not advertised rates from Rate. 

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