The median U.S. home-sale price reached a new record of $396,500 during the four weeks ending June 15, according to a report from real estate brokerage Redfin. This is a 1 percent increase compared to the same time last year, even though overall activity in the housing market remains low.

Sales of previously owned homes rose very slightly in May, up 0.8% from April, to a seasonally adjusted, annualized rate of 4.03 million units, according to the National Association of Realtors

Home sale prices are at a record high, but buyers are nevertheless paying below sellers' asking prices, research shows.