Where homebuying is heating up—and why it matters
In a housing market full of noise and uncertainty, knowing where real opportunity exists is key—especially for first-time home buyers. Rising mortgage activity often signals renewed confidence, more inventory, and areas where buyers are finding success.
Each month, MMI’s Mortgage Benchmark Report highlights the U.S. counties and states seeing the biggest increases (and decreases) in home purchase activity. These trends aren’t just numbers—they’re a snapshot of where people are actively getting into homes.
Let’s take a closer look at what’s moving—and what it could mean for your next move.
Verify your home buying eligibility. Start hereRegional housing trends
The tables below reflect MMI’s April repost, showing the variance in purchase and construction production volumes across states and counties from March to April 2025.
Top 5 Rising States
| State | Unit Change | Units | Vol Change | Vol |
| Alaska | 21.21% | 836 | 22.86% | $286M |
| Oregon | 19.28% | 5,915 | 19.71% | $2B |
| Hawaii | 14.20% | 1,367 | 14.16% | $806M |
| Colorado | 13.22% | 11,547 | 16.75% | $5B |
| Kansas | 12.99% | 2,905 | 18.07% | $772M |
Top 5 Falling States
| State | Unit Change | Units | Vol Change | Vol |
| South Dakota | -86.42% | 55 | -87.79% | $14M |
| Georgia | -82.32% | 2,411 | -83.14% | $773M |
| New York | -59.31% | 4,105 | -64.66% | $1B |
| Indiana | -33.02% | 6,387 | -36.29% | $1B |
| Rhode Island | -32.89% | 853 | -31.51% | $306M |
Top 10 Hottest U.S. Counties
Here are the ten U.S. counties with the highest growth in home buying and building activity, likely driven by strong demand and local appeal.
| County, State | Unit Change | Units | Vol Change | Vol |
| Anderson Co, KY | 141.38% | 70 | 150.71% | $15M |
| Lawrence Co, TN | 107.55% | 110 | 140.50% | $25M |
| Wise Co, TX | 89.77% | 167 | 91.19% | $60M |
| Logan Co, KY | 89.19% | 70 | 84.15% | $14M |
| Jackson Co, NC | 87.18% | 73 | 102.76% | $41M |
| Sweetwater Co, WY | 86.05% | 80 | 64.35% | $18M |
| Spencer Co, KY | 83.87% | 57 | 75.49% | $15M |
| Mercer Co, OH | 83.78% | 68 | 148.27% | $18M |
| Carteret Co, NC | 79.61% | 185 | 75.90% | $70M |
| Shiawassee Co, MI | 79.45% | 131 | 104.44% | $21M |
First-time buyer watch: Where opportunity meets activity
Not sure if it’s the right moment to buy? The latest data offers encouraging signs: buyers like you are already making moves.
Counties like Anderson, Kentucky; Jackson, North Carolina; and Wise, Texas are now among the fastest-growing housing markets—clear signs that purchase activity is on the rise.
These are places where first-time buyers are getting into homes, not just watching from the sidelines. Momentum is building, and it could be your chance to act before these markets become even more competitive.
Verify your home buying eligibility. Start hereRegional trends: What’s driving market heat?
Zooming out, the broader picture shows a shift in momentum toward the Southeast and Sunbelt regions—areas known for their relative affordability, population growth, and favorable tax climates. States like Alaska, Oregon, Hawaii, Colorado, and Kansas are now leading the way in mortgage activity growth, signaling that both local and relocating buyers are fueling demand.
In Oregon and Colorado, thousands of new home purchases are pushing volume past $2 billion and $5 billion respectively, showing renewed strength in Western markets. Meanwhile, Alaska has seen over 21% growth in mortgage units, with Hawaii and Kansas also posting double-digit gains—driven by buyers capitalizing on opportunity in smaller, less competitive markets.
Builders are adjusting pricing, rate buydowns are supporting affordability, and fresh inventory is hitting the market, all of which are drawing buyers back in.
Counties like Sweetwater, WY and Carteret, NC continue to attract attention from remote workers, retirees, and those seeking a lower cost of living without sacrificing lifestyle. These communities are becoming go-to alternatives for buyers priced out of larger metros.
In short, market “heat” isn’t just a headline—it’s a signal. Where mortgage activity is rising, opportunities are opening. For first-time buyers, knowing where to look can make all the difference in turning a challenging market into a winning one.
Time to make a move? Let us find the right mortgage for youTips for first-time buyers in fast-moving markets
Even in fast-moving markets, first-time buyers can compete—especially with the right game plan. Here’s how to stay ahead without overreaching:
- Get Pre-Approved Early: A mortgage pre-approval shows sellers you’re serious and ready. In hot markets, it’s often a must to even get your offer considered. Go a step further with a fully underwritten pre-approval if you can.
- Work With a Local Agent: An experienced agent knows what’s moving fast, which neighborhoods offer value, and how to craft a winning offer without blowing your budget.
- Be Ready, But Stay Grounded: Know your must-haves—and your deal breakers. When homes move fast, being clear on your limits helps you act quickly and wisely.
- Use First-Time Buyer Programs: Down payment assistance, grants, and special loan options (like FHA or USDA) can stretch your buying power. Many of the growing markets offer local programs worth exploring.
About this report
This list is based on the MMI Benchmark Report, which tracks real-time mortgage trends including loan volume, average size, and transaction type. We update this article monthly to help buyers stay informed and prepared.
