Published October 25, 2026 in Market Update

Sales rose in the Primary market even with rates above 7%

By Erik Kelly

Real estate, Primary market

Freddie Mac put the 30-year fixed rate at 7.32% as of October 22, 2026. That is the number most homeowners worry about. But the Real Estate Data Aggregator counted 1,640 homes sold across the Primary market in the three months ending August 31, 2026. That is up 9.3% from the same months of 2025. Demand is real, not just a headline.

More people also listed. The Real Estate Data Aggregator counted 1,916 new listings across the Primary market in that same period, up 4.3% from a year before. More choice for buyers, more company for sellers. Neither side is frozen.

Homes for sale across the Primary market slipped 4.1% year over year, to 2,216, according to the Real Estate Data Aggregator. More buyers, fewer listings available. That balance matters when you price a home.

Rates are high, but the national picture moved too

Realtor.com put the average mortgage rate at 7.40% as of October 22, 2026. Even so, the National Association of Realtors reported existing-home sales reached 3.99 million units in September 2026. Sales happened. Rates did not stop them.

The National Association of Realtors also reported existing-home prices up 1.3% in September 2026. Prices did not fall nationally, even with rates where they are.

Each ZIP code tells its own story

The market-wide number is useful. But each ZIP moved differently. Some prices rose, some dipped. Days on market ranged widely. Here is how the twelve ZIP codes compared in the three months ending August 31, 2026, all from the Real Estate Data Aggregator.

A few ZIP codes saw prices dip from a year ago. The Real Estate Data Aggregator shows 85018 down 7.5%, 85045 down 9.6%, 85048 down 7.7%, 85044 down 7%, and 85014 down 9.1%. Not every corner of the market moved up. That is worth knowing before you pick a number.

Speed: some ZIP codes moved much faster

The Real Estate Data Aggregator shows 85044 at a median of 46 days on market, 18 days shorter than a year ago. ZIP 85045 came in at 50 days, 36 days shorter. Not every home sat long. Pricing and location still drive speed.

Sellers got close to their asking price

Across most ZIP codes, sellers received 96% to 98% of their list price. The Real Estate Data Aggregator shows 85048 at 98%, 85249 at 98.1%, and 85044 at 97.4%. Buyers are not walking away empty-handed, but they are also not overpaying much.

One street can read very differently from the whole ZIP code. The numbers above cover broad areas. Your block may be faster, slower, higher or lower. I am happy to pull the detail for your specific address.