Existing Home Sales - February 2025

Let’s dive into the February 2025 Existing-Home Sales Snapshot from the National Association of Realtors®—it’s packed with juicy details to help you navigate the housing market. Whether you’re hunting for your dream home or looking to sell, this chart breaks down the numbers in a fun and easy way. Let’s get started!

The Big Picture: Sales Are Moving!

In February 2025, existing-home sales hit 4.26 million (that’s the seasonally adjusted annual rate, for the data nerds out there). Here’s how that shakes out compared to last year and last month:

• Month-over-Month (MoM): Sales jumped 4.2% from January 2025. That’s a nice little boost—buyers are out there making moves!

• Year-over-Year (YoY): Sales dipped slightly by 1.2% compared to February 2024. So, the market cooled a bit from last year, but it’s still chugging along.

For Buyers: This uptick in sales means more competition—there are folks out there ready to snag a home! You might need to act fast if you find a place you love.

For Sellers: The slight dip year-over-year suggests the market isn’t as hot as it was in 2024, but that 4.2% monthly increase shows buyers are still eager. It’s a good time to list if you’re ready!

Inventory: How Many Homes Are Up for Grabs?

Inventory measures how long it would take to sell all the homes on the market at the current sales pace. In February 2025, we’ve got 3.5 months of inventory.

• That’s up from 3.0 months in February 2024—a 0.5-month increase. More homes are sitting on the market compared to last year.

For Buyers: Hooray! A 3.5-month supply means you’ve got a bit more to choose from than last year. It’s still a seller’s market (typically, 6 months is a balanced market), but you’ve got a little more breathing room to shop around. For Sellers: More inventory means a tad more competition. You’ll want to make sure your home stands out—think fresh paint, great staging, or a competitive price.

Median Sales Price: What’s the Damage?

The median sales price in February 2025 was $398,400. Let’s see how that compares to last year:

• Year-over-Year: Prices are up 3.8% from February 2024. Homes are getting pricier, but the increase isn’t wild.

For Buyers: That 3.8% price hike means you’re paying more than last year for a similar home. If you’re on a budget, you might need to adjust your expectations or look for up-and-coming neighborhoods. On the bright side, price growth isn’t skyrocketing, so it’s not a runaway train! For Sellers: Woo-hoo! Your home’s value likely went up 3.8% since last year. If you’ve been on the fence about selling, this price increase could mean a nice profit.

What Does This All Mean?

Let’s break it down into a quick cheat sheet:

• The Market Vibe: Sales are up from last month but down slightly from last year. The market is active, but not as fiery as 2024.

• Inventory Check: At 3.5 months, there are more homes to choose from than last year, but it’s still a seller’s market.

• Price Trends: Homes are costing more—$398,400 on average, up 3.8% from last year. Prices are climbing, but not at a crazy pace.

Buyers, Here’s Your Game Plan: The market is competitive, but with more inventory, you’ve got options. Be ready to move quickly on a great home, and keep that 3.8% price increase in mind when budgeting.

Sellers, Here’s Your Strategy: You’re in a good spot! Prices are up, and buyers are active. But with more homes on the market, make yours shine to stand out.

Fun Fact to Impress Your Friends

At a 4.26 million sales pace, that’s about 355,000 homes sold per month (4.26 million ÷ 12). Imagine a city the size of Tampa, Florida, selling out every month—that’s the kind of action we’re seeing!

The housing market in February 2025 is like a lively dance floor—there’s movement, a few more dancers (inventory), and the drinks (prices) are a bit more expensive than last year. Whether you’re buying or selling, now’s a great time to jump in with the right strategy! 🏡💃