— 2 — The third quarter brought renewed activity across many of the markets we serve, as a rise in new listings offered buyers more choice. Prices advanced in most regions, while the luxury segment continued to demonstrate strength. As the quarter drew to a close, however, rising mortgage rates introduced a new consideration for buyers and sellers alike. Across Barnstable County, days on market fell from 51 to 40, the median sales price climbed 5% to $775,000 and homes sold at 98.2% of list price. The Lower Cape stood out, with homes selling in 33 days, down from 59, and the median sales price went up 12% to $897,000. The Upper Cape median sales price rose 8% to $790,500 while total sales across the Mid Cape grew 12%. The Cape Cod luxury market also delivered notable gains. Sales of properties priced at $2 million and above increased 12%, while average market time decreased from 88 to 62 days. The median sales price in this segment rose 7% to $2.88 million. Luxury sales also grew in Boston and on the South Shore, increasing 24% and 15%, respectively. Sales grew 21% in New Bedford, 14% on the South Shore and 10% on the North Shore. The North and South Shores are our tightest markets, with 1.7 months of supply, and both averaged above asking, at 101.0% and 100.8% of list price. In Boston, new listings rose 11%, while closings increased 3%. The Seaport has nearly 10 months of supply, more than any other market we serve, highlighting that in select markets buyers are still taking their time. For most of the summer, mortgage rates held steady near 6.5% to 6.7%, according to Freddie Mac, so they did little to slow third-quarter closings. Rates climbed past 7% in September and reached 7.40% in early October, the highest since late 2023, and pending sales trailed last year’s pace in many markets. For sellers, pricing is now decisive: homes selling quickly are priced correctly from day one. For buyers, more choice is a real advantage. With Fannie Mae forecasting rates near 7.5% through 2027, waiting for a drop may mean giving up today's leverage. The fourth quarter will be the first real test of higher rates, and our markets enter it at very different speeds. That is when local expertise matters most, and our agents at Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Robert Paul Properties help every client price with precision and negotiate with confidence. George Patsio Managing Partner Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Commonwealth Real Estate Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Robert Paul Properties EXECUTIVE SUMMARY Third Quarter 2026 | Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Robert Paul Properties
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