Surging Prices, Rates Test Demand in U.S. Housing Market

Fear of missing out may persuade Americans with an eye on buying a home to hurry their decision before it gets more expensive. But while demand shows few signs of teetering, jumps in both property values and borrowing costs will test the market’s durability.

Home sales are now hovering near expansion highs, though momentum has been kept in check by lean inventory that’s fueling an acceleration in prices. That’s the conundrum for the nation’s housing industry and its customers.