
Mortgage-rate jump slows real estate market as April existing-home sales barely rise
U.S. existing-home sales in April rose just 0.2% to 4.02 million (SAAR), missing forecasts and flat vs. a year ago. Inventory climbed 5.8% from March to a 4.4‑month supply but remains tight. The median home price was $417,700, up 0.9% year over year—the highest April price on record. Mortgage rates surged into about 6.4% this week after being in the high 5% range, weighing on buyers. Days on market rose to 32, and first-time buyers accounted for 33% of sales, with all-cash purchases at 25%.













