Weekly Housing Headlines

Mortgage rates climbed for a second week in a row to 6.55%; home sales decreased 5.4% according to the National Association of Realtors; new home purchase mortgage applications increased 2.4% in June; home sales climbed 8.9% from May in June, and rose 7.8% year over year; prices rose 2.2% year over year in June to a record high; existing U.S. home sales ticked up to a seasonally adjusted annual rate of 4.4 million – the highest level since 2022; and pending home sales reached their second-highest level since 2023.

Mortgage Rates In U.S. Rise To 6.55%, Highest Since August 2025
Financial Advisor - 7/16/2026
Mortgage rates climbed for a second straight week, tracking an increase in Treasury yields as a peace deal brokered between the U.S. and Iran about a month ago broke down.

NAR Pending Home Sales Report Shows 5.4% Decrease in June
National Association of Realtors - 7/16/2026
The highest mortgage rates in nearly a year and the record-high national median home price together are contributing to a tepid housing market that is especially difficult for first-time homebuyers.

June New Home Purchase Mortgage Applications Increased 2.4 Percent
Mortgage Bankers Association - 7/16/2026
Applications to purchase new homes continued to run stronger than last year’s pace. However, there was a decline from the previous month, which was consistent with the typical seasonal pattern at this time of the year.

June home sales jump as U.S. housing finds its footing
Mortgage Professional America - 7/16/2026
The U.S. housing market posted one of its stronger months of the year in June, with home sales climbing 8.9% from May and rising 7.8% year over year, according to the RE/MAX National Housing Report.

Landmark housing law takes effect without Trump's signature
Mortgage Professional America - 7/13/2026
The most consequential federal housing legislation in more than three decades took effect automatically late Friday after President Donald Trump allowed the 10-day constitutional window to close without signing or vetoing the bill.

Redfin Reports U.S. Home Prices Hit All-Time High, Driven in Part By Big Upticks in San Francisco and West Palm Beach
Redfin - 7/13/2026
Prices rose 2.2% year over year in June to a record high, existing U.S. home sales ticked up to a seasonally adjusted annual rate of 4.4 million – the highest level since 2022 – and pending home sales reached their second-highest level since 2023.

June 2026 Hottest Housing Markets
Realtor.com - 7/13/2026
The Hartford, Connecticut metro claimed the top spot on the hottest housing markets list for the second month in a row in June.