U.S. existing-home sales rose from a 13-year low, climbing 0.8% from the previous month and breaking a five-month streak in which sales declined, according to the National Association of REALTORS® (NAR). Despite the increase, sales were down 7.3% compared to the same period last year, as affordability challenges continue to hinder prospective buyers. Most of this period’s closed sales went under contract in October, when mortgage rates were at a two-decade high. With rates having dropped more than a full percentage point since then, existing-home sales may continue to pick up in the months ahead.
New Listings decreased 1.1 percent for Single Family but increased 3.1 percent for Townhouse/Condo. Pending Sales increased 3.4 percent for Single Family but decreased 18.0 percent for Townhouse/Condo. Inventory
decreased 13.4 percent for Single Family and 14.4 percent for Townhouse/Condo.
Median Sales Price increased 2.7 percent to $385,000 for Single Family but decreased 0.4 percent to $248,500 for Townhouse/Condo. Days on Market decreased 4.3 percent for Single Family and 26.3 percent for Townhouse/Condo. Months Supply of Inventory decreased 4.0 percent for Single Family but increased 5.6 percent for Townhouse/Condo.
Low levels of inventory continue to impact U.S. home sales, offering few options for aspiring buyers to choose from. Going into December there were 1.13 million units for sale, down 1.7% from the previous month but up 0.9% from the same period last year, for a 3.5 months’ supply at the current sales pace. As a result, sales prices remain high nationwide, with NAR reporting the median existing-home price rose 4% annually to $387,600 as of last measure, the fifth consecutive month of year-over-year price gains. Homebuyer demand is picking up, and without a significant increase in
supply, experts believe home prices will likely remain elevated for some time to come.