Existing-Homes Sales Up 2.5 Percent – NMP Skip to main content

Existing-Homes Sales Up 2.5 Percent

Aug 21, 2019
Photo credit: Getty Images/LOUOATES

Total existing-home sales during July totaled a seasonally adjusted rate of 5.42 million, up 2.5 percent from the previous month and up 0.6 percent from one year earlier, according to new data from the National Association of Realtors (NAR).
 
The median existing-home price for all housing types in July was $280,800, up 4.3 percent from the $269,300 price set one year earlier. July’s price increase marked the 89th straight month of year-over-year gains.
 
While sales and prices were up, the total housing inventory fell last month to 1.89 million, down from the 1.92 million level set in the previous month and the previous year. The unsold inventory level was at a 4.2-month supply and properties typically remained on the market for 29 days.
 
Also last month, first-time buyers were responsible for 32 percent of sales, down from 35 percent in June but matching the same level in July 2018. Individual investors or second-homebuyers were responsible for 11 percent of home sales last month, while all-cash sales were at the core of 19 percent of transactions. Distressed sales represented only two percent of sales, with less than one percent pegged to short sales.
 
“Falling mortgage rates are improving housing affordability and nudging buyers into the market,” said Lawrence Yun, NAR’s chief economist. “The shortage of lower-priced homes have markedly pushed up home prices.”
Total existing-home sales during July totaled a seasonally adjusted rate of 5.42 million, up 2.5 percent from the previous month and up 0.6 percent from one year earlier

 
About the author
Published
Aug 21, 2019
The Fed Held. The Mortgage Market Got A Warning.

Three policymakers favored an immediate hike, while Warsh welcomed higher bond yields and offered no clear path toward mortgage-rate relief

Jul 30, 2026
New Study Finds UWM's 'All-In' Triggered Industrywide Pricing Spillovers

Research shows wholesale competitors responded to the 2021 Rocket ban by lowering mortgage rates,

Jul 15, 2026
First Major Housing Reform In Decades Becomes Law Without Trump's Signature

Bipartisan ROAD to Housing Act advances supply, construction, and mortgage reforms despite White House protest

Jul 10, 2026
Mortgage Star Conference Honors Women Shaping The Future Of Mortgage Leadership

MWLC honors leaders driving innovation, mentorship, and growth across the mortgage industry

Jul 09, 2026
June Jobs Report Improves Mortgage Rate Outlook

Slower hiring strengthens bonds and eases concerns over additional Fed tightening

Jul 02, 2026
NEXA Founder Mike Kortas Launches evoLend To Help Originators Retain Borrowers

New Fannie Mae-, Freddie Mac- and Ginnie Mae-approved mortgage servicer aims to keep originators connected to borrowers through servicing data, payoff visibility and retention tools

Jul 02, 2026