What did pending home sales look like in May 2026? | OriginPointBUYING A HOME by Phil Metzger | 2 min read Buyers signed contracts to buy more homes across the nation in May compared to April, and decided to buy more as compared to the same time a year earlier, too.It’s evidence of a trend that could continue as mortgage interest rates decline, a report released today by the National Association of Realtors® (NAR) said.May saw a 3.8% month-over-month increase in pending home sales over all regions tracked by the NAR, while year-over-year data saw an overall 4.8% increase in those same regions.“A late spring buyer rush ... is an indication of pent-up housing demand and consumers’ acceptance of above-6% mortgage rates as the new normal,” NAR Chief Economist Lawrence Yun said. “The inventory-constrained Northeast region, which has seen faster home price growth but slower home sales for several months, is now showing more buyer contract signings.”Pending home sales are indicators of the direction of the housing market in general based on purchase contracts signed for homes for sale.Which regions showed changes in pending home sales? All four regions the NAR tracks in the U.S. showed increases in pending sales in May from the previous month, with all four regions also showing increases in pending home sales compared to the same time last year.The Northeast experienced an 8.7% increase in pending home sales from the previous month and a 6.1% increase from last year. Pending sales in the Midwest rose 8.1% from April and increased 9.3% from the same time last year. Signed contracts in the South increased 1% from the previous month and increased 3.3% from April 2025. The West saw an increase in pending home sales from the previous month at 0.7% and a 1.2% increase from a year ago. “Going forward, falling oil prices will help lower mortgage rates,” Yun said.Mortgage rates earlier this year hit a three-year low, then hit a one-month low earlier this week. However, seasoned homebuyers know that you purchase the home, not the mortgage rate, so finding the right home should be the most important factor. Homeowners can always change their mortgage rate with a refinance should rates drop further.Did mortgage rates show any change? According to data from Freddie Mac, the 30-year fixed rate mortgage averaged 6.52% as of June 11*. That’s up slightly from 6.48% one week ago but down considerably from 6.84% one year ago.The cooler months of winter tend to see fewer potential buyers in the market, typically allowing those shopping at that time more negotiating power. The warmer summer months tend to see a larger number of homes on the market, giving those looking to purchase a home more to choose from.Are you ready to start the homebuying process? Start by applying for a mortgage pre-approval and begin your journey toward your dream home with OriginPoint! A pre-approval shows sellers and real estate agents that you’re serious and gives you an idea of how much of a mortgage you’re likely to be approved for.*National average rates from Freddie Mac as of June 11, 2026, are not advertised rates from OriginPoint.Applicant subject to credit and underwriting approval. Not all applicants will be approved for financing. Receipt of application does not represent an approval for financing or interest rate guarantee. Refinancing your mortgage may increase costs over the term of your loan. Restrictions may apply.All information provided in this publication is for informational and educational purposes only, and in no way is any of the content contained herein to be construed as financial, investment, or legal advice or instruction. OriginPoint does not guarantee the quality, accuracy, completeness or timelines of the information in this publication. While efforts are made to verify the information provided, the information should not be assumed to be error-free. Some information in the publication may have been provided by third parties and has not necessarily been verified by OriginPoint. OriginPoint its affiliates and subsidiaries do not assume any liability for the information contained herein, be it direct, indirect, consequential, special, or exemplary, or other damages whatsoever and howsoever caused, arising out of or in connection with the use of this publication or in reliance on the information, including any personal or pecuniary loss, whether the action is in contract, tort (including negligence) or other tortious action.Your journey home begins here. OriginPoint’s Same-Day Mortgage (aka “FastTrack”) promotion offers qualified customers who provide certain required financial information/documentation to OriginPoint within 8 hours of locking a rate on a mortgage loan the opportunity to receive a loan approval within 1 business day of timely submission of documentation and does not suggest that the borrower will receive funding on the same day as their application submission. For purposes of this offer, documents provided after 1 pm local time or on a weekend or company holiday will be deemed submitted the next business day. OriginPoint cannot guarantee that a loan will be approved or that a closing will occur within a specific timeframe. OriginPoint reserves the right to revoke this approval at any time if there is a change in your financial condition or credit history which would impair your ability to repay this obligation. Read and understand your Loan Commitment before waiving any mortgage contingencies. Borrower documentation and Intent to Proceed must be signed within 8 business hours of receipt. Not eligible for all loan types or residence types. Minimum down payment requirements apply. Self-employed borrowers and Co-borrowers are not eligible. Not all borrowers will be approved. Borrower’s interest rate will depend upon the specific characteristics of borrower’s loan transaction, credit profile and other criteria. Eligible borrowers who successfully provide all required documentation within 8 business hours will receive a $250 Closing Cost Credit applied at closing, no cash value, and may not be combined with any other Lender promotions, discounts, or concessions. Not available in all states. Restrictions apply. Visit OriginPoint.com/same-day-mortgage for terms and conditions. **Eligible borrowers must qualify for a “Clear to Close Loan Commitment” (“CTC”). OriginPoint cannot guarantee that a loan will be approved or that a closing will occur within a specific timeframe. CTC is subject to certain underwriting conditions, including clear title and no loss of appraisal waiver, amongst others. Not eligible for all loan types or residence types. Minimum down payment requirements apply. Property must be eligible for an Appraisal Waiver and borrower must opt in to AccountChek for automated income and asset verification. Self-employed borrowers and Co-borrowers are not eligible. Not all borrowers will be approved. Restrictions apply.Applicant subject to credit and underwriting approval. Not all applicants will be approved for financing. Receipt of application does not represent an approval for financing or interest rate guarantee. Restrictions may apply, contact OriginPoint for current rates and for more information. All information provided in this publication is for informational and educational purposes only, and in no way is any of the content contained herein to be construed as financial, investment, or legal advice or instruction. OriginPoint, Inc. does not guarantee the quality, accuracy, completeness or timelines of the information in this publication. While efforts are made to verify the information provided, the information should not be assumed to be error free. Some information in the publication may have been provided by third parties and has not necessarily been verified by OriginPoint, Inc. OriginPoint, Inc. its affiliates and subsidiaries do not assume any liability for the information contained herein, be it direct, indirect, consequential, special, or exemplary, or other damages whatsoever and howsoever caused, arising out of or in connection with the use of this publication or in reliance on the information, including any personal or pecuniary loss, whether the action is in contract, tort (including negligence) or other tortious action. OriginPoint does not provide tax advice. Please contact your tax adviser for any tax related questions. 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