Recent Trends in the U.S. Real Estate Market: How Sales Activity Impacts Employee Mobility Programs
While affordability remains a challenge for many, these trends work in the favor of employers who are looking to act on an employee relocation in the coming months.
Our partners at Morreale Real Estate Services (MRES) compiled some exciting U.S. real estate data that shows increasing momentum and buyer confidence thanks to stronger home sales, faster transaction timelines and steady pricing. While affordability remains a challenge for many, these trends work in the favor of employers who are looking to act on an employee relocation in the coming months.
Here are some of the top trends happening in the U.S. real estate market right now.
Trend #1: Average Sales Price Moderates
In Q2 2026, the average sales price of homes sold in the U.S. was $514,000, a decline from the $534,000 from the previous quarter. While prices softened, they remain elevated by historical standards, suggesting the market is experiencing a healthy normalization rather than a significant correction.
The median listing price increased to $430,000, up from $415,400, indicating that sellers continue to have confidence in the market, particularly in areas where inventory remains limited and demand is steady.
Trend #2: Days on Market Continue to Improve
The average Days on Market (DOM) declined to 53 days, down from 57 days in the previous quarter. This signals that homes are selling more quickly as buyers become more comfortable navigating today’s financing conditions.
Although transaction timelines remain above the exceptionally fast pace seen during the pandemic housing boom, the decline in DOM reflects a healthier and more efficient marketplace with sustained buyer interest.
Trend #3: Existing Home Sales Reach Their Highest Level in a Year
Existing home sales increased to approximately 4.17 million, the strongest quarterly performance since the market began stabilizing in 2025. This increase represents a meaningful improvement over the 4.09 million homes sold in Q1, suggesting that buyer demand has strengthened despite persistent affordability pressures.
The increase in completed transactions reflects growing confidence among both buyers and sellers, supported by a more balanced housing market and improving inventory conditions.
Other Real Estate Trends and Market Insights
- Demand Continues to Recover: Rising home sales and shorter marketing times indicate buyers are returning to the market despite elevated financing costs.
- Pricing Finds a More Sustainable Balance: While average sales prices moderated, higher listing prices suggest sellers remain optimistic and the market continues to support strong home values.
- Market Conditions Become More Balanced: Faster sales and improving transaction volumes point to healthier supply-and-demand dynamics than those experienced over the past two years.
The current housing market reflects continued stabilization and improving market fundamentals. Existing home sales reached their highest level in more than a year, homes sold more quickly, and pricing remained resilient despite a modest decline in average sales prices. While affordability and interest rates will continue to influence purchasing decisions, the overall outlook points toward a more balanced and sustainable market, benefiting both buyers and sellers as conditions continue to normalize.
Hilldrup: Your Partner Beyond the Truck
At Hilldrup, we see trends as conversation points for our corporate clients. Move data is constantly shifting, but by keeping our fingers on the pulse of what’s happening in the market, we can help HR and mobility leaders design positive employee experiences that lead to increased retention and more successful relos.
We are proud to be a partner that helps you build a strong employee mobility program – one that works for your employees, and your bottom line. Contact our team to get started today.
