• ICE Mortgage Monitor for May 2026 showed US home prices rose 0.32% in April on a seasonally adjusted basis, strongest monthly gain since mid-2024, implying 3.9% seasonally adjusted annualized rate.
• Annual home price growth accelerated to 0.9% in April, signaling firmer momentum into spring buying season.
• Price gains broadened, with 90% of markets rising on a seasonally adjusted basis; year-over-year declines were concentrated in South and West while Northeast led appreciation.
• Refinance activity surged, with $242 billion of first-lien refinances closed in Q1 2026; refinances made up nearly 44% of originations, highest share in four years.
• First-time buyers drove more than half of purchase loans closed in March, highest share since June 2020, while average purchase-loan closing time fell to 36.8 days, fastest since tracking began in 2019.

Disclaimer: This news brief was created by Public Technologies (PUBT) using generative artificial intelligence. While PUBT strives to provide accurate and timely information, this AI-generated content is for informational purposes only and should not be interpreted as financial, investment, or legal advice. ICE - Intercontinental Exchange Inc. published the original content used to generate this news brief via Business Wire (Ref. ID: 20260511051674) on May 11, 2026, and is solely responsible for the information contained therein.