US pending home sales rose 1.8% month-over-month in February 2026, ending a two-month streak of declines and defying market expectations for a 0.5% decrease. Performance differed by region: contract signings increased in the Midwest (+4.6%), the South (+2.7%), and the West (+0.9%), while the Northeast posted a decline (-3.6%). On a year-over-year basis, pending home sales were down 0.8%.
NAR Chief Economist Dr. Lawrence Yun stated that the modest increase in pending contracts reflects some improvement in affordability. However, he cautioned that this progress could be at risk if rising oil prices drive mortgage rates higher. Yun highlighted that the Midwest, the most affordable region, led February’s gains, whereas the Northeast lagged due to high home prices and constrained inventory.
