Realtor.com Sees 4.5% Spring Contract Signing Surge, Highest Since 2022
NWSA•Realtor.com’s Spring 2026 Housing Market Progress Report shows national contract signings rose 4.5% year-over-year in April, the strongest reading since 2022, while new listings climbed 1.4% through April. Midwest metros led the rebound, with Kansas City listings up 12.5% and signings up 20.7%.
1. National Spring Housing Surge
In April 2026, contract signings jumped 4.5% year-over-year, marking the strongest growth since mortgage rates surged in 2022. New listings also rose 1.4% through April, signaling synchronized supply and demand recovery unseen in three years.
2. Midwest Leads Market Recovery
Among the top 50 metros, Midwest cities dominated two-sided gains. Kansas City saw listings increase 12.5% and signings 20.7%, while Louisville and Indianapolis posted double-digit listing growth paired with robust contract activity.
3. Pricing Realism Unlocks Demand
Markets like Phoenix and Austin saw contract signings rise 8.1% and 7.6% respectively despite fewer listings, driven by aggressive initial price cuts. This dynamic underscores the critical role of realistic pricing in reactivating sidelined buyers.
