The past few months have been slow moving for contract activity compared to last year...

July 2026 = 98 contracts (compared to 127 in 2025)

August 2026 = 100 contracts (compared to 139 in 2025)

...and here's an early look at September contract activity...

September 2026 = 112 contracts (compared to 126 in 2025)

At least some of the changing trajectory in contract activity in 2026 as a whole can likely be tied to mortgage interest rates.  

Interestingly, in the month that rates surpassed 7% (September) we started to see contract activity increase (compared to August) whereas last year September was slower than August.

Perhaps some buyers are realizing that waiting a few months isn't necessarily going to result in lower mortgage interest rates and they are going ahead and locking in a contract on a house now?

Perhaps some sellers are realizing that waiting a few months isn't necessarily going to result in lower mortgage interest rates to allow more buyers to qualify to buy their home and they are going ahead and adjusting their list price now?

It will be interesting to see how both contract activity and mortgage interest rates trend as we move through October and into November.