(NewsNation) — September typically marks the start of the slow season in real estate, but a dip in mortgage rates and a strong stock market kept activity "unseasonably resilient" last month, according to Zillow.

New listings rose 3% year over year in September, defying the usual fall cool-off. Even last month's modest 2% dip from August was atypical, Zillow noted, as listings have historically fallen an average of 9% heading into the fall over the past seven years.

Kara Ng, senior economist at Zillow, attributed September's "surprising stamina" to lower mortgage rates and stock market highs.

"This time of year can be a sweet spot for buyers," Ng said. "There's often less competition than in the spring and more time to make sure the home's a perfect fit."

Total inventory is up 14% compa

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