On October 13, 2026, the National Association of REALTORS® reported that September U.S. existing-home sales rose 1.5% from August, reaching a seasonally adjusted annual rate of 3.99 million. Sales were 2.2% below September 2025.
The annual rate expresses a selling pace adjusted for seasonality and scaled to a year. The actual number of September transactions is a separate measure. NAR's housing snapshot also puts unsold supply at 4.8 months, unchanged from August.
What owners should check
The comparison period matters: activity improved from the previous month while remaining below a year earlier. These national figures provide context for a property decision; neighborhood comparables and current rental demand still need their own review.
- Considering a sale: Check recent closed transactions with similar location, size and condition, and confirm the expected selling timeline.
- Continuing to hold: Update carrying costs and available cash if that timeline changes.
- Preparing a rental: Use current local rental comparisons, operating costs and vacancy assumptions to evaluate the plan.
Sources: NAR news release, October 13, 2026; data period: September 2026. https://www.nar.realtor/newsroom/existing-home-sales-increased-1-5-in-september-according-to-nar-report
NAR official housing snapshot: https://www.nar.realtor/infographics/existing-home-sales-housing-snapshot
