Housing Indicator
Existing Home Sales (Annualized)
Updated 2026-03-20 · Monthly · Source: National Association of Realtors · Next release: 2026-04-24
Historical Trend
| Date | Value |
|---|---|
| 2026-03 | 4.26M |
| 2026-02 | 4.08M |
| 2026-01 | 4.08M |
| 2025-12 | 4.24M |
| 2025-11 | 4.15M |
| 2025-10 | 3.96M |
| 2025-09 | 3.84M |
| 2025-08 | 3.86M |
| 2025-07 | 3.95M |
What This Means for Business
At 4.26 million, existing home sales remain well below the 2021 peak of 6.1 million. The 'lock-in effect' — where homeowners refuse to give up sub-4% mortgages — continues to constrain inventory. For executives, this suppressed transaction volume affects real estate commissions, moving services, home improvement spending, and mortgage origination revenue across the industry.
About Home Sales
Existing home sales measures the number of completed sales of previously owned homes, expressed as a seasonally adjusted annual rate. It accounts for approximately 85-90% of all home sales in the U.S.
Methodology
The National Association of Realtors compiles data from Multiple Listing Services (MLS) across the country. A sale is counted at closing, not contract signing. Data is seasonally adjusted and includes single-family homes, condos, co-ops, and townhomes.
Related Indicators
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the mortgage lock-in effect?
The lock-in effect occurs when homeowners with low-rate mortgages (sub-4%) refuse to sell because buying a new home would mean taking on a much higher rate (6-7%). An estimated 80%+ of outstanding mortgages are below 5%, effectively freezing much of the existing housing market. This reduces inventory, supports high home prices, and depresses transaction volumes.