National Association of Realtors reported that US existing home sales fell 3.6%
in March to an annualized rate of 3.98 million, the lowest since June and below
expectations. The decline reflects worsening affordability as mortgage rates
rose following the Iran conflict. The group cut its 2026 sales growth forecast
to 4% from 14%. The median home price rose 1.4% year on year to $408,800, while
inventory edged up but remained historically low. Sales declined across all US
regions, with the Northeast hitting a record low.
