June 2018

Housing markets across the nation are most assuredly active this summer, and
buyer competition is manifesting itself into several quick sales above asking price.
While the strength of the U.S. economy has helped purchase offers pile up, the Fed
recently increased the federal funds rate by 0.25 percent, marking the second rate
hike this year and seventh since late 2015. Although the 30-year mortgage rate did
not increase, buyers often react by locking in at the current rate ahead of assumed
higher rates later. When this happens, accelerated price increases are possible,
causing further strain on affordability.

New Listings were up 18.2 percent to 1,770. Pending Sales increased 6.7 percent to
1,363. Inventory grew 8.1 percent to 3,771 units.

Prices moved higher as Median Sales Price was up 6.1 percent to $175,000. Days
on Market decreased 19.4 percent to 54 days. Months Supply of Inventory was up
3.0 percent to 3.4 months, indicating that supply increased relative to demand.

Inventory may be persistently lower in year-over-year comparisons, and home
prices are still more likely to rise than not, but sales and new listings may finish the
summer on the upswing. The housing supply outlook in several markets is beginning
to show an increase in new construction and a move by builders away from
overstocked rental units to new developments for sale. These are encouraging signs
in an already healthy marketplace.

Information courtesy of CMLS*