Scott Newman

I think he could have a big influence if he wants to.

Right now he's very neutral.

The National Association of Realtors' monthly report on sales of existing houses includes both single-family homes and condos.

Overall, they are down two-tenths of a percent from July, but up nearly two percent year-on-year.

The NAR also noted a two percent increase in the median sales price of existing homes to $422,600.

Although the Northeast saw the biggest drop, sales in the Midwest were actually up a bit.

Sales of existing homes peaked in 2021 and have been on a generally downward trend since, with higher mortgage rates tamping down demand.

The U.S.

Census Bureau on Wednesday sharply increased by about 20 percent its estimate of new single-family houses sold to a seasonally adjusted annual rate of 800,000 units.

Scott Newman, NPR News, Washington.