National Home Sales Surge in October —Here’s What It Means for Middle Georgia Real Estate
Learn what rising sales, shifting inventory, and moderating rates mean for buyers and sellers in Middle Georgia. National Home Sales Surge in October. Every month, I take a close look at the national housing data, and not because it dictates what we see in Macon and Middle Georgia, but because it helps us understand the momentum driving buyers and sellers. This October, home sales showed a clear and meaningful rise, marking the strongest pace since February. For anyone thinking about buying, selling, or investing in Middle Georgia, this improvement is worth understanding.
Home Sales Rise to Their Highest Pace Since Early This Year
In October, existing-home sales increased by 1.2% from the previous month, reaching a seasonally adjusted annual rate of 4.10 million homes. That’s the highest level seen since early spring.
Compared with October of last year, home sales were up 1.7%. While that doesn’t represent a major surge, it does signal steady, positive movement—something the market has been waiting for after months of slower activity caused by higher mortgage rates and tight inventory.
National Home Prices and Inventory Show a Shift Toward Balance
The national median price for an existing home reached $415,200 in October, a 2.1% increase from a year earlier. Price growth has cooled compared to the past few years, but the upward trend reflects ongoing demand.
Inventory is also improving. At the end of October, approximately 1.52 million homes were on the market, equal to a 4.4-month supply. A truly balanced market sits between five and six months of inventory. We’re getting closer, and that shift gives buyers more negotiating power.
In fact, October recorded the largest gap between sellers and buyers in years—with over half a million more sellers than buyers. That alone suggests competition is softening, and buyers are gaining advantages they haven’t enjoyed since before the pandemic.
Mortgage Rates Played a Major Role
Many of October’s closings originated from contracts written in late summer, when mortgage rates briefly fell into the low 6% range. Anytime rates dip—even slightly—buyers respond quickly, especially those pre-approved and ready to act.
If rates hold steady or decline further, we can expect stronger activity going into early 2026.
First-Time Buyers Still Face Challenges
One important detail: first-time buyers accounted for just 34% of October sales, below the historical average of around 40%. Elevated home prices, interest rates, and rising insurance costs continue to make entering the market difficult.
Here in Middle Georgia, first-time buyers are a major part of demand. Neighborhoods near Mercer University, Vineville, Wesleyan Woods, and North Macon often attract buyers entering the market for the first time. When first-time buyer activity slows nationally, we tend to see similar effects locally.
What This Shift Means for Middle Georgia Buyers
- More inventory means more options and fewer bidding wars.
- Lower or stable mortgage rates improve affordability.
- A softer competitive environment creates negotiating opportunities.
- Out-of-state buyers will continue looking at Middle Georgia as a value market.
With national momentum turning, buyers who were waiting on better conditions may find that the next few months offer the most favorable environment they’ve seen in a while.
What Sellers Should Know
This is still a strong market for sellers—but strategy matters more now. Well-prepared, well-priced homes continue to sell quickly. Overpriced homes, however, are spending more time on the market.
A 4.4-month supply is not a buyer’s market, but it’s the closest we’ve been to balance in years. That means proper pricing, staging, photography, and marketing make a real difference in final sale price and time on market.
What to Watch Heading Into the New Year
- Mortgage rates: This will be the biggest driver of buyer activity.
- Inventory levels: More inventory gives buyers more leverage.
- Local price trends: Middle Georgia typically lags national shifts by a few months.
- First-time buyer activity: Any improvement here helps stabilize the market as a whole.
Bottom Line
October’s surge in national home sales is a welcome sign that the market is beginning to rebalance. It isn’t a boom or a sudden shift—it’s gradual, steady improvement. And for the right buyers and sellers, that’s exactly the moment where opportunities open up.
If you’re planning a move in Middle Georgia or you’re an out-of-state buyer considering relocating here, I’m here to guide you through every step.
— Joanna “JoJo” Jones
New Listings: Macon Georgia
Sign up: Market Reports
Learn More: About JoJo
View More: Macon Listings
Featured: Macon Magazine
JoJo's Properties: JoJo's Listings Hub
Contact Me: Sell Smart with JoJo™