The National Association of Realtors pending home sales index rose 1.8% to 72.1 in February, defying expectations of a 0.6% decline. This marks a 0.8% fall from the previous year. The index remains well below historical peaks.
The National Association of Realtors (NAR) reported that its pending home sales index increased by 1.8% in February to 72.1. Economists had anticipated a 0.6% drop, making the rise unexpected. Compared to the year-ago period, the index is down 0.8% according to the data released on March 17, 2026, by author Jennifer Nash on Seeking Alpha. The index stands 44% below its all-time high recorded in August 2020. On a population-adjusted basis, it is 51% off its peak from April 2005. Contributing to market conditions, Freddie Mac noted that the average 30-year fixed-rate mortgage averaged 6.05% in February 2026, the lowest monthly average since August 2022.
