Home sales rebound in May 2025 despite West region's decline

In May 2025, the United States experienced a surprising increase in existing home sales after two months of a downward trend. According to the National Association of Realtors (NAR), nearly all regions saw a boost in sales, except for the West where the market struggled. The total existing-home sales rose by 0.8 percent month over month, achieving a seasonally adjusted annual rate of 4.03 million. This figure surpassed economists' expectations who had anticipated sales to reach 3.95 million based on data from FactSet. As home sales improved nationally, the trend highlighted a recovery in various local markets across the country. The last months had been challenging for the housing sector, as uncertainties from previous economic conditions dampened buyer confidence. However, the increase in sales suggests that potential buyers are seizing opportunities to enter the market before prices climb further. Prices for homes were also noted to have continued to rise, contributing to the challenges many buyers face. The strengthening of the housing market overall means that despite varied regional performance, there remains an underlying demand for ownership in the United States. This upward momentum may encourage additional developments and investments in real estate as sellers respond to the revitalized interest from buyers. In conclusion, the May sales figures reflect a significant dynamic shift within the market, as buyers seem more inclined to act despite potential economic hurdles. While the West region continued to show signs of decline, other regions have found ways to attract sales, pointing to a broader resurgence in the U.S. real estate market.