U.S. Existing-Home Sales Face Mortgage-Rate Pressure

Realtor.com Chief Economist Danielle Hale discusses recent U.S. existing-home sales and the mortgage-rate environment affecting buyers. The conversation explains how contract timing, inventory and financing costs shape current market conditions and home-buying decisions.

- Existing-home sales: monthly and annual trends, and the timing between contracts and closings
- Market conditions: inventory, buyer and seller positions, and first-time buyer participation
- Mortgage rates: potential rate changes and how buyers can plan for different scenarios
- Buyer preparation: down payments, credit scores and comparing lenders

For prospective buyers and anyone following the U.S. housing market, this discussion offers context on existing-home sales and financing—not a survey of every housing segment. Viewers can use its budgeting considerations to plan for rate fluctuations and compare mortgage offers before proceeding.