What did existing home sales look like in September 2026?

More homes were available for buyers to choose from and more homes were sold in September than in the month before, 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 1.5% from August in two of the four regions across the nation.

“Higher inventory and lengthening days on market give buyers improved negotiating power,” NAR Chief Economist Lawrence Yun said. “Home sellers need to be realistic about local market conditions, which could require price discounts and other incentives to attract buyers.”

Current homeowners, whether seasoned or recent, may have seen their home values increase in September. The NAR reported that September was the 39th consecutive month that median home prices have increased, with the median existing-home price for all housing types hitting $417,500.

Total homes for sale at the end of September were 1.6 million units, up 1.9% from August and up 4.6% from September 2025. With the amount of homes on the market increasing, it may be the right time for potential buyers to start searching for their dream home.

With median home value increasing across the county, it may be a good time for homeowners to consider accessing their current home’s value without selling through a Home Equity Line of Credit (HELOC).

Which regions showed changes in existing home sales?

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

• The South saw an increase of 2.8% in existing home sales from August. 

• Sales of existing homes in the West increased 2.8% in September compared to the previous month.
• In the Midwest, existing home sales remained the same compared to a month earlier.
• Completed transactions in the Northeast fell 2.1% from the previous month. 

September is the end of the summer homebuying season. Summer tends to see the largest number of homes on the market. Summertime can also be the easiest time of the year to move, while fall and winter tend to see a drop in home price as fewer buyers are on the market or looking to move in the winter.

If you are looking to see more homes on the market and avoid potential harsh weather, it may be a good time to consider joining the housing market before the winter weather sets in.

Did mortgage rates show any change?

According to data from Freddie Mac, the 30-year fixed-rate mortgage averaged 7.4% as of Oct. 8. That’s a slight rise from 7.28% one week ago and 6.3% one year earlier.*

A 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 fall 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 Oct. 8, 2026, are not advertised rates from Rate.

Applicant subject to credit and underwriting approval. Not all applicants will be approved for financing. Receipt of application does not represent an approval for financing or interest rate guarantee. Refinancing your mortgage may increase costs over the term of your loan. Restrictions may apply.

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