Housing Options Expand, Offering Buyers More Choices in August

In August, U.S. housing market listings showed mixed signals as mortgage rates rose above last year's levels. Active listings increased 1.2% from July and over 3% annually, despite a 5% monthly drop in new listings. New listings rose 1.5% in the West. Pending sales fell 0.2% annually, ending eight months of growth. Median list prices declined 1.3% year-over-year, with one-fifth of listings reduced. Rising mortgage rates challenge buyers and sellers, slowing housing activity.