December Existing-Home Sales Jump 5.1% as Rates Ease and Inventory Tightens

December existing-home sales rose 5.1% month-over-month to a 4.35 million seasonally adjusted annual rate, but were down 1.4% from December 2024; inventory fell to 1.18 million (3.3 months’ supply) while the median price rose 0.4% year-over-year to 405,400. Single-family sales climbed 5.1% to a 3.95 million SAAR with a $409,500 median, and condos/co-ops rose 5.3% to 400,000 with a $364,400 median. Regions all posted MoM gains (Northeast +2.0%, Midwest -2.0%, South +6.9%, West +6.6%). The 30-year fixed mortgage averaged 6.19% in December, down from 6.24% in November. NAR Chief Economist Lawrence Yun says conditions improved in Q4 thanks to lower rates, but inventory remains tight and more listings are expected in February.