Redfin reports sale prices are rising as homebuying demand strengthens

SEATTLE--(BUSINESS WIRE)--May 14, 2026-- U.S. pending homes sales jumped 9.6% year over year to their highest level since September 2022, on a seasonally adjusted basis. That’s according to a new report from Redfin, the real estate brokerage powered by Rocket.

Pending sales are rising in every major U.S. metro except three (Houston, Detroit and Seattle). Mortgage-purchase applications are up 4% week over week.

Strengthening demand is pushing up prices. The median home-sale price rose 2.2% year over year during the four weeks ending May 10, the second-biggest increase in the last seven months.

More homebuyers are entering the market partly because the job market is improving, making some Americans feel more secure about making a major purchase. Mortgage rates declined for three straight weeks in April, another factor making house hunters more confident—though the daily average mortgage rose to 6.57% on Wednesday, near the highest level since August. Additionally, spring is typically the busiest season for the housing market; that seasonality may be kicking in late this year.

Sellers are not quite as keen as buyers. New listings fell 1.6% year over year, the third straight week of declines. Some would-be sellers are waiting to see whether strengthening demand pushes home prices even higher later this year, and some are still reluctant to give up ultra-low mortgage rates. And while the labor market is firming up, some homeowners are still reluctant to list their home when the economy feels uncertain due to the ongoing Iran war and rising oil prices.

The housing market has been strongly favoring buyers for at least the last year, but it may be past peak buyer’s market. The gap between sellers and buyers has shrunk and may shrink more in the coming months if homebuying demand continues to accelerate.

“House hunters should take note: As more buyers enter the market, they may lose some negotiating power,” said Chen Zhao, Redfin’s head of economics research. “Even though mortgage rates have ticked up in recent weeks, serious buyers may consider moving forward sooner rather than later. More buyers in the market equals more competition, which could create bidding wars, push prices up and make it harder to secure that perfect home.”

For Redfin economists’ takes on the housing market, please visit Redfin’s “From Our Economists” page.

Leading indicators

Key housing-market data

To view the full report, including charts, please visit:
https://www.redfin.com/news/housing-market-update-pending-home-sales-jump

About Redfin

Redfin is a technology-driven real estate company with the country's most-visited real estate brokerage website. As part of Rocket Companies (NYSE: RKT), Redfin is creating an integrated homeownership platform from search to close to make the dream of homeownership more affordable and accessible for everyone. Redfin’s clients can see homes first with on-demand tours, easily apply for a home loan with Rocket Mortgage, and save thousands in fees while working with a top local agent.

You can find more information about Redfin and get the latest housing market data and research at https://www.redfin.com/news. For more information about Rocket Companies, visit https://www.rocketcompanies.com.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20260514552482/en/

Contact Redfin Journalist Services:
Tana Kelley
press@redfin.com

Source: Redfin