Kira Witherwax

U.S. existing-home sales rose 5.1% month-over-month and 1.4% year-over-year to a 4.35M annual rate—the strongest in nearly three years—per the National Association of REALTORS. Lower mortgage rates boosted demand across regions. New listings fell 3.5%, inventory dropped 4.3%, and months’ supply declined to 4.3. The median price jumped to $262,500 locally and $405,400 nationally, while days on market rose to 94.

Mortgages can be overwhelming—FHA, VA, USDA, conventional. FHA helps first-time buyers with lower credit but adds insurance. VA loans offer no down payment for eligible service members. USDA loans aid rural buyers with low rates. Conventional loans suit strong-credit borrowers, offering flexibility. The “best” mortgage depends on your finances, plans, and risk comfort. Sellers prefer cash, then conventional without PMI; government loans are less competitive.

U.S. existing-home sales rose 0.5% MoM to 4.13M but fell 1.0% YoY, with gains in the Northeast and South. New listings dropped 29.2% to 63, pending sales rose 6.3% to 85, and inventory fell 3.1% to 534. Median price climbed 4.6% to $250K. National median price hit $409,200, up 1.2% YoY, as supply remained tight at 1.43M homes, a 4.2-month supply.