A line chart illustrating how the recent rise in mortgage rates could slow new and existing home sales across the country. In June 2000, home sales numbered 5,863,000, and the mortgage rate was 8.28%. In September 2000, home sales numbered 6,222,000, and the mortgage rate was 7.94%. In December 2000, home sales numbered 6,053,000, and the mortgage rate was 7.39%. In March 2001, home sales numbered 6,349,000, and the mortgage rate was 6.97%. In June 2001, home sales numbered 6,272,000, and the mortgage rate was 7.13%. In September 2001, home sales numbered 6,063,000, and the mortgage rate was 6.78%. In December 2001, home sales numbered 6,429,000, and the mortgage rate was 7.06%. In March 2002, home sales numbered 6,457,000, and the mortgage rate was 7.02%. In June 2002, home sales numbered 6,329,000, and the mortgage rate was 6.62%. In September 2002, home sales numbered 6,597,000, and the mortgage rate was 6.08%. In December 2002, home sales numbered 6,992,000, and the mortgage rate was 6.03%. In March 2003, home sales numbered 6,758,000, and the mortgage rate was 5.72%. In June 2003, home sales numbered 7,030,000, and the mortgage rate was 5.19%.