2022 was a turbulent year for the US housing market, as inflation, soaring interest rates, and elevated sales prices combined to cause a slowdown nationwide.
Affordability challenges continue to limit market activity, with pending home sales and existing-home sales down month-over-month and falling 37.8% and 35.4% year-over-year, respectively, according to the National Association of REALTORS® (NAR). Higher mortgage rates are also impacting prospective sellers, many of whom have locked in historically low rates and have chosen to wait until market conditions improve before selling their home. New listings decreased 8.1 percent for Single Family homes and 7.9 percent for Townhouse-Condo homes. Pending Sales decreased 28.1 percent for Single Family homes and 20.4 percent for Townhouse-Condo homes. Inventory increased 82.2 percent for Single Family homes and 50.0 percent for Townhouse-Condo homes.
Month’s Supply of Inventory increased 109.1 percent for Single Family homes and 88.9 percent for Townhouse-Condo homes.
Median Sales Price increased 2.8 percent to $231,240 for Single Family homes and 17.5 percent to $169,500 for Townhouse-Condo homes.
Days on Market increased 52.2 percent for Single Family homes but decreased 12.5 percent for Townhouse-Condo homes.
Economists predict sales will continue to slow and housing prices will soften in many markets over the next 12 months, with larger price declines projected in more expensive areas. However, national inventory shortages will likely keep prices from dropping too much, as buyer demand continues to outpace supply, which remains limited at 3.3 months, according to NAR. Even if prices fall, many prospective buyers will find it difficult to afford a home in 2023, as higher rates have diminished purchasing power, adding hundreds of dollars to monthly mortgage payments.
If you are wondering how current national and global situations might be impacting your property’s value, your neighborhood, or the Real Estate market in general, we are happy to provide more specific information.
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If there is a home that you would like more information about, if you are considering selling a property, or if you have questions about the housing market in your neighborhood, please reach out. We’re here to help.
