Existing-Home Sales Up 0.8% in October

Existing-home sales rose in October for the second month straight, though sales year-over-year (YOY) dropped, according to the National Association of Realtors. Sales of existing homes rose 0.8% from September to October, at a seasonally adjusted rate of 6.34 million. However, sales fell 5.8% YOY, down from 6.73 million in October 2020. “Home sales remain resilient, despite low inventory and increasing affordability challenges,” said Lawrence Yun, NAR’s chief economist. “Inflationary pressures, such as fast-rising rents and increasing consumer prices, may have some prospective buyers seeking the protection of a fixed, consistent mortgage payment.” Though sales were down compared to the same time last year, prices were up: the median price for an existing home was $353,900, up 13.1% from October…