Most home price measures increased in July, though new home prices weakened slightly. NAR's median price measure showed weakness in July and August, possibly due to the end of the peak buying season and changing home mix. Over the year, home prices are down slightly but the decline is small, especially excluding distressed sales. Low new construction and little new home activity cause volatility in new home price data. Distressed sales, which hold back prices, comprise around 30% of sales, down from 40% earlier in the year, and this should help support price increases. Stable to declining inventories and rising apartment rents relative to affordable home prices make buying attractive.