Median home sale prices hit a record $440,600 in June, yet housing affordability improved due to faster wage growth (3.5%) outpacing price growth (1.8%) and lower mortgage rates (6.49% vs. 6.82% a year ago). Affordability rose nationwide, especially in the West and South, despite regional variations. Continued wage growth and potential rate declines may sustain affordability gains, but supply shortages remain a key challenge.