The pace of new-home construction was higher than economists expected, even as homebuilders expressed concern about the impact of tariffs and supply-side challenges. 

Falling consumer sentiment suggests potential homebuyers are wary of the short-term economic outlook and future inflation, CoreLogic Chief Economist Selma Hepp said. 

At the same time, the median sales price for a new home hit its highest level since 2022, according to the U.S. Census Bureau and the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development.   

In Chicago, home prices rose 6.6% year over year and 0.19% month over month in December. The annual increase was the second highest in the U.S. after New York. 

At the same time, builder sales expectations for the next six months posted their second-largest drop since the sentiment index started in 1985. 

After Chicago, Miami, Las Vegas and Washington, D.C., posted the greatest year-over-year gains. 

The median existing-home price for all housing types in December rose 6% from its year-ago level.    

Nationally, home sales were up 13.3% year over year and 4.4% month over month, RE/MAX said. 

In its last reading before the end of the year, the National Association of REALTORS®  Pending Home Sales Index posted its fourth consecutive monthly increase in November. 

The median-sales price slid from $425,600 in October to $402,600 last month. 

The year-over-year increase of 6.1% is the greatest since June 2021, according to the association. 

On a monthly basis, however, sales were down 13.3%, RE/MAX said. 

More buyers are touring homes and applying for mortgages as the 2024 housing market enters its home stretch, according to a new Redfin report.

Despite the new record in September, the rate of increase continues to slow. 

The new findings come from real estate tech strategist Mike DelPrete.

The increase follows two months of declines, the National Association of REALTORS® said.