New home sales rebound as builders chase buyers’ budgets

August brought a boost in US new home sales, with builders leaning into price cuts and incentives to align with buyers’ budgets. Sales reached their fastest pace in eight months, although they’re still 2% below last year’s numbers. The median price settled at $393,700, while inventory remains high and builder confidence is challenged by rising financing costs. In my experience working with buyers and sellers across Salem and the Willamette Valley, navigating these shifts is all about understanding the interplay between price, inventory, and market sentiment. It’s a dynamic landscape—one where staying informed makes all the difference.