Days on market shortened and closings picked up, but spring sellers still faced uneven demand
February’s housing numbers from REMAX suggested that the US market has started to thaw heading into the key spring season, with homes selling faster and closings edging higher even as new listings stayed scarce.
Days on market across 50 metro areas averaged 57, down from 63 in January but still above the 51‑day mark of February 2025.
Closings rose 11.1% month over month, while remaining 3.2% below a year earlier, and inventory was flat from January yet 7.3% higher than last year.
For lenders and originators, that combination of quicker sales and modestly higher inventory arrived as mortgage rates hovered around 6% after briefly dipping below that threshold in late February, improving affordability compared with 2025 but keeping payments elevated by historical standards.
Recent data from Freddie Mac and other trackers showed 30‑year rates moving in a narrow band near 6%, a shift that analysts said has drawn some buyers off the sidelines without triggering a full‑blown surge in demand.
REMAX flags momentum but stresses pricing discipline
“With spring on the horizon, we started to see the market regain some momentum, particularly in how quickly homes are selling,” said Chris Lim, president of REMAX.
“For consumers, that means timing, pricing and strategy are becoming increasingly important – and working with an experienced REMAX agent can make all the difference in navigating those decisions.”
Manchester, N.H., stood out in the report as an early‑season hot spot, with homes typically selling in about three weeks and many closing at or above list price.
“In a market like Manchester, pricing must be precise. When sellers price their home correctly, it often creates stronger demand and can lead to offers above list price,” said Joe Beauchemin, broker/owner of REMAX Synergy in Bedford, N.H.
“For buyers, hesitation can be costly. If you see the right home and don't step up quickly, it may be gone by the end of the weekend.”
Diverging local markets and lessons for mortgage players
Beneath the national averages, the REMAX data showed sharp regional splits. New listings were down 6.8% year over year overall, led by steep declines in markets such as Trenton, NJ (-43.5%), Philadelphia, PA at (-38.2%) and Dover, DE at (-37.5%).
On the other hand, Bozeman, Fayetteville and Manchester posted double‑digit gains.
Price growth also varied: Trenton’s median price jumped 14.3% year over year, while Boston and Denver recorded modest declines.
Stay updated with the freshest mortgage news. Get exclusive interviews, breaking news, and industry events in your inbox, and always be the first to know by subscribing to our FREE daily newsletter.
