Real Estate Glossary

What is Index?

A numerical value used to measure changes in a particular economic or financial data point. In real estate, an index is often used to measure changes in property values or the overall housing market. There are many different types of real estate indices, including the S&P/Case-Shiller Home Price Index, which tracks changes in home prices in major metropolitan areas, and the National Association of Realtors' Pending Home Sales Index, which tracks changes in the number of homes under contract to be sold. Index can give a good indication of the trends in the market, and can be helpful for investors, buyers, and sellers in making decisions.