August US Pending Home Sales Index Posts Unexpected Increase

10:00 AM EDT, 09/17/2026 (MT Newswires) -- Pending home sales rose by 0.3% in August, compared with the 0.1% decrease expected in survey compiled by Bloomberg as of 7:35 am ET and following a 2.6% decrease in July, according to the National Association of Realtors. The monthly sales index was down 4.7% from August 2025. Pending home sales declined in the Northeast and Midwest regions from July but rose in the South and West regions. It declined in all four regions compared with a year earlier. "Buyers steadily entered into contracts in August even though mortgage rates increased," NAR Chief Economist Lawrence Yun said. "However, the housing market is still sluggish, with contract signings below last year. This is due to higher mortgage rates offsetting the increased buying power created by job gains and income growth outpacing home price growth." September existing-home sales data are scheduled for release on Oct. 13.