Home Prices Up Double-Digit in the Second Quarter. Hikes Seen in Most Markets

Source: National Association of Realtors

Existing home prices climbed in nearly all markets in the second quarter, with median sales prices up by double-digit in the majority of the markets.

• The median sales price of single-family existing homes jumped 22.9% to $357,900 from $66,800 in 2020.
• Increases were recorded in all but one of the 183 measured markets, equivalent to 99%. Double-digit increases were seen in 94% of markets.
• The biggest increases were recorded in the Northeast, followed by the South, West, and Midwest.
• Typical price gains across all markets totaled $89,900 in the past three years.
• Gains were attributed to low housing inventory, coupled with record-low mortgage rates.
• The 30-year fixed mortgage rate fell to 3.05% from 3.29% a year ago. Monthly mortgage payments rose to 16.5% of the median family income.
• NAR chief economist Lawrence Yun said affordability is weakening for first-time buyers, as higher incomes are needed to become a homeowner.