NCJAR News
U.S. existing home sales ticked up 0.5% from the previous month to a seasonally adjusted annual rate of 4.13 million, marking the third consecutive monthly increase, according to the National Association of REALTORS® (NAR). However, sales were down 1.0% from the same period last year. Regionally, sales rose month-over-month in the Northeast and South, were unchanged in the West, and declined in the Midwest. On a year-over-year basis, sales were flat in the Northeast and South and fell in both the Midwest and West.
- Single Family Closed Sales were up 2.2 percent to 1,575.
- Townhouse-Condo Closed Sales were down 6.3 percent to 372.
- Adult Communities Closed Sales were up 36.2 percent to 64.
- Single Family Median Sales Price increased 6.7 percent to $640,000.
Virtual: The Right Start – New Agent Training
Monday, January 26 & Monday, February 2, 2026 | 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM | Live via Zoom
Launching a successful real estate career starts with the right foundation. NCJAR is proud to present The Right Start – New Agent Training, a comprehensive virtual program designed to help new licensees build confidence, develop essential skills, and position themselves for long-term success in today’s competitive market.
This two-part live virtual training goes beyond theory, offering practical instruction and hands-on exercises that help new agents attract clients, demonstrate their professional value, and secure written commitments from buyers and sellers.
What You’ll Learn
Part One: Building Your Business & Demonstrating Your Value
Establish a strong foundation for your real estate business by learning how to:
Heating and cooling your home can be one of your biggest monthly expenses—especially as energy costs continue to rise. If you’ve noticed higher gas or electric bills lately, you’re not alone. A 2025 poll by PowerLines, a consumer education nonprofit, found that nearly three out of four Americans are concerned about increasing energy costs.
The good news? There are practical steps you can take to make your home more energy efficient. Many of these upgrades not only help lower your utility bills but can also make your home more appealing to future buyers.
Start With Smart Home Upgrades
When planning home improvement projects, it’s helpful to think long-term. According to the REALTORS® Residential Sustainability Report, buyers place high value on energy-efficient features like windows, doors, and siding. In fact, 37% of REALTORS® say these upgrades are very important to buyers, and another 49% say they’re somewhat important.
Before you begin, check with your energy provider to see if energy audits or rebates for efficiency upgrades are available in your area—you may be able to save even more.
Thank you to everyone who attended the NCJAR Grievance and Professional Standards Mandatory Committee Training held yesterday, January 5, 2026, at The Hanover Manor. We appreciate your time, commitment, and dedication to upholding the REALTOR® Code of Ethics.
The full-day training, led by Diane Disbrow, provided valuable guidance and in-depth instruction on ethics, grievance procedures, and professional standards, ensuring our committee members are well-prepared to carry out their important responsibilities with fairness and integrity.
We are grateful to all who participated and contributed to a productive and engaging session. Your involvement plays a critical role in maintaining professionalism and ethical excellence within NCJAR and the real estate industry as a whole.
Thank you again for your attendance and continued service.
For questions, please email at
