MARKET UPDATE FOR JANUARY 2019
Despite a strong U.S. economy, historically low unemployment and steady wage growth, home sales began to slow across the nation late last year. Blame was given to a combination of high prices and a steady stream of interest rate hikes by the Federal Reserve. This month, the Fed responded to the growing affordability conundrum. In a move described as a patient approach to further rate changes, the Fed did not increase rates during January 2019.
New Listings were down 4.7 percent for Single Family homes and 1.8 percent for Townhouse-Condo properties. Pending Sales decreased 51.1 percent for Single Family homes and 58.0 percent for Townhouse-Condo properties.
The Median Sales Price was up 1.9 percent to $680,500 for Single Family homes but decreased 2.2 percent to $440,000 for Townhouse-Condo properties. Months Supply of Inventory increased 38.1 percent for Single Family units and 106.7 percent for Townhouse-Condo units.
While the home affordability topic will continue to set the tone for the 2019 housing market, early signs point to an improving inventory situation, including in several markets that are beginning to show regular year-over-year percentage increases. As motivated sellers attempt to get a jump on annual goals, many new listings enter the market immediately after the turn of a calendar year. If home price appreciation falls more in line with wage growth, and rates can hold firm, consumer confidence and affordability are likely to improve.
The Median Sales Price was up 1.9 percent to $680,500 for Single Family homes but decreased 2.2 percent to $440,000 for Townhouse-Condo properties. Months Supply of Inventory increased 38.1 percent for Single Family units and 106.7 percent for Townhouse-Condo units.
While the home affordability topic will continue to set the tone for the 2019 housing market, early signs point to an improving inventory situation, including in several markets that are beginning to show regular year-over-year percentage increases. As motivated sellers attempt to get a jump on annual goals, many new listings enter the market immediately after the turn of a calendar year. If home price appreciation falls more in line with wage growth, and rates can hold firm, consumer confidence and affordability are likely to improve.
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