In October, mortgage rates increased slightly from the three-year lows seen in September. While the Federal Reserve reduced the federal-funds target rate by .25%, this decline was widely expected and largely factored into mortgage rates already, which are still approximately 1% lower than this time last year. Fannie Mae is predicting that continued low rates, and possibly lower rates, are expected in 2020.
New Listings were down 0.1 percent to 673. Pending Sales increased 18.2 percent to 500. Inventory shrank 9.6 percent to 2,166 units.
Prices moved higher as Median Sales Price was up 4.9 percent to $350,270. Days on Market increased 10.5 percent to 147 days. Months Supply of Inventory was down 16.4 percent to 4.6 months, indicating that demand
With the kids back in school and the weather cooling, the housing market begins its annual cooldown as well. Nationally, buyer and seller activity remained strong, buoyed by low mortgage rates and a strong economy. The market fundamentals suggest no significant changes from recent trends, other than the seasonally tempered pace we see this time of year. As we move into the final three months of 2019, buyers will find fewer homes coming on the market, but also less competition for those homes.
New Listings were up 7.9 percent to 476. Pending Sales increased 41.8 percent to 451. Inventory shrank 8.6 percent to 2,133 units. Prices moved higher as Median Sales Price was up 4.8 percent to $325,000. Days on Market increased 8.5 percent to 141 days.
As the summer draws to a close, multiple opposing factors and trends are competing to define the direction of the real estate market. After the Federal Reserve lowered its benchmark interest rate on July 31, 30-year mortgage rates continued to decline, approaching all-time lows last seen in 2016. Yet most experts agree these reductions are unlikely to bring sufficient relief, at least in the short term, for first-time home buyers. The lack of affordable inventory and the persistence of historically high housing prices continue to affect the housing market, leading to lower-than-expected existing home sales at the national level.
New Listings were down 11.0 percent to 600. Pending Sales increased 16.2 percent to 510. Inventory shrank 6.5 percent to
At this point in the year, we are getting a good sense for how the housing market is likely to perform for the foreseeable future. And although it is not a particularly exciting forecast, it is a desirable one. Markets across the country are regulating toward a middle ground between buyers and sellers. While it remains true that sales prices are running higher and that inventory options are relatively low, buyers are beginning to find wiggle room at some price points and geographies.
New Listings were up 3.7 percent to 694. Pending Sales increased 9.7 percent to 601. Inventory grew 3.4 percent to 2,363 units.
Prices moved higher as Median Sales Price was up 0.5 percent to $321,500. Days on Market held steady at 136. Months Supply of Inventory
In addition to the quandary of ongoing housing price increases and affordability concerns in many U.S. markets, the first quarter of 2019 saw a fair share of adverse weather as well. Sales totals were mixed across the nation and sometimes dependent on what was a persistent wintry mix, especially in the Great Plains, Midwest and Northeast. Meanwhile, new listings and total homes for sale have been trending lower in year-over-year comparisons in many areas, and last year's marks were already quite low.
New Listings were down 3.4 percent to 748. Pending Sales decreased 2.3 percent to 553. Inventory grew 7.4 percent to 2,433 units.
Prices moved higher as Median Sales Price was up 8.7 percent to $325,000. Days on Market increased 0.7 percent to 139 days.
It is worthwhile to mention the weather when discussing residential real estate for large portions of the U.S. for February 2019, because this month has turned in some impressively cold, rainy and snowy days that have stalled some buying and selling actions. Nevertheless, housing markets have proven to be resilient despite predictions of a tougher year for the industry. It is still too early to say how the entire year will play out, but economic fundamentals remain positive.
New Listings were up 2.3 percent to 665. Pending Sales increased 26.2 percent to 515. Inventory grew 5.5 percent to 2,298 units. Prices were still soft as Median Sales Price was down 2.3 percent to $299,150. Days on Market decreased 8.3 percent to 132 days. Months Supply of
