US existing-home sales slipped 1.7% in Early-Q3 to a 4.06M annual pace, slightly above economists' expectations and still ↑0.7% on a yearly basis.
Median existing-home prices reached a record for Early-Q3 at $434.1K, while the benchmark 30-yr fixed mortgage rate climbed near 7%, highest in >1 yr.
Inventory stayed tight at 1.54M unsold homes in Early-Q3, ↓1.9% MoM and ↓0.6% yearly, leaving a 4.6-mo supply at current sales pace.
An economist said owners with ultra-low pandemic-era mortgages had little incentive to sell, helping keep listings scarce and limiting how many buyers completed purchases.
First-time buyers made up 29% of purchases in Early-Q3, down from Late-Q2 and still below the historical norm of ~40% of sales.

California's median single-family home price hovered near $800K, leaving condominiums as a more realistic ownership path for many younger, working, and middle-class households.
The main barrier described was legal risk: condo projects faced defect disputes that could reach court before builders had a chance to repair problems.
After a homeowners association formed, attorneys could pursue claims quickly, and that exposure reportedly led many developers to favor apartments over for-sale condos.
The bill would create a right-to-repair process, giving builders time to fix defects first while preserving homeowners' ability to seek stronger remedies.
Supporters argued those changes could restore feasibility for starter ownership homes and pair with California's broader efforts to upzone, streamline approvals, and reduce fees.

California voters in Mid-Q4 will consider two housing measures: one focused on middle-class buyer help, another on lower-income housing and veteran loans.
The middle-class measure would use up to $25B in revenue bonds, covering down payments up to 17% for newly built homes statewide.
A separate $11.25B bond package would direct $10B to lower-income housing and $1.25B in revenue bonds to veteran home loan programs across California.
Unlike a grant, that middle-class assistance would likely be repaid monthly; supporters say it could encourage more for-sale construction, while critics warn taxpayers face risk.
The measures would arrive alongside a state-run shared-appreciation program that recently offered up to 20% down payment help, capped at $150K, for first-generation buyers.