Each month, the Research Division of the NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS® receives data on existing-home sales (single-family, condos and co-ops) from local associations/boards and multiple listing services (MLS) nationwide. NAR captures 30-40% of all existing-home sale transactions with its monthly survey. The data provide the total number of closed existing-home sales in each association/board/MLS and also total sales within price categories ranging from less than $30,000 to more than $600,000.

Participants of the survey are situated in every region of the country and provide wide geographic coverage of the existing home market. While almost all reporting associations/boards/MLSs are located in, or adjacent to, metropolitan statistical areas, comparisons of their sales with the American Housing Survey (Census Bureau) show that, as a group, their experience is representative of sales activity and prices that generally prevail in each region of the country.

The statistics are published for the United States and for the four census regions of the country. State volume is based on the entire survey of nearly 700 associations/boards/MLSs and is reported quarterly to ensure each state receives optimal representation.