Pending home sales rose 3.8% month over month and 4.8% year over year in May 2026, according to NAR data released June 17. The gain pushed the National Association of Realtors (NAR) Pending Home Sales Index to 76.8, its highest reading since last November.
NAR Chief Economist Dr. Lawrence Yun said the data pointed to a decisive psychological shift among American homebuyers. "A late spring buyer rush — even with mortgage rates not budging — is an indication of pent-up housing demand and consumers' acceptance of above-6% mortgage rates as the new normal," Yun said.
