• Existing home sales rose 8.1% year over year in July, while the median home price increased 6.8% to $360,000.
• Year-to-date sales increased 4.9% compared to the first seven months of 2025, with the median price up 6.2% to $345,000.
• Inventory remains constrained at 4.2 months statewide, down slightly from 4.3 months last July.
• New listings rose 1.3%, and total listings increased 1.6% year over year.
• The average 30-year fixed mortgage rate was 6.54%, down 18 basis points from last year.

Additional analysis

Solid Summer Housing Market

“So far, we’ve seen a solid housing market this summer as statewide home sales are up nearly 8% compared to June 2025 and July 2025. This is the strongest first two months of peak summer sales since 2022 when mortgage rates began increasing.” 

Amy Curler, 2026 Chair of the Board of Directors, Wisconsin REALTORS^® Association

Demand Remains Strong Even with Tight Supply

“The state has technically been in a seller’s market for the past nine years, and strong price pressure and relatively high mortgage rates have severely eroded affordability. Still, demand remains quite strong, especially among millennials, who have had to adjust to the new normal of mortgage rates in the 6% to 7% range. While challenging for first-time buyers, this should continue to drive growth in sales over the remainder of the year.”

Tom Larson, President & CEO, Wisconsin REALTORS^® Association

Fed Leaving Rates Unchanged for Now

“New Fed Chairman Kevin Warsh has signaled an ongoing commitment to the 2% target rate for core inflation and, under his direction thus far, the Fed has kept the short-term Federal Funds Rate unchanged. Getting core inflation closer to this target is important because it will lower inflationary expectations, which are a key driver of mortgage rates.”

Dave Clark, Professor Emeritus of Economics and WRA Consultant