Housing starts haven’t been quite as robust as forecast, climatological factors have chilled demand in many places and dramatic declines in foreclosure activity has become the norm in several housing markets. These factors can sometimes pull down overall sales numbers, so it’s important to dig beneath the headlines. All of this looks and feels like a natural part of the transition toward a healthier marketplace. Prices are still experiencing upward pressure, and sellers are still receiving competitive offers.

In the Twin Cities region, for the week ending February 15:

• New Listings decreased 2.9% to 1,162
• Pending Sales decreased 8.4% to 816
• Inventory decreased 9.7% to 11,965

For the month of January:

• Median Sales Price increased 12.4% to $179,850
• Days on Market decreased 12.3% to 93
• Percent of Original List Price Received remained flat at 93.5
• Months Supply of Inventory decreased 15.6% to 2.7

All comparisons are to 2013

Click here for the full Weekly Market Activity Report.From The Skinny.

With the first days of February under our belts, it’s safe to say that housing has managed to weather the heart of winter with little issue. Although 2014 activity may appear sluggish compared to gangbuster 2013, housing has stabilized and should continue to find moderate footing. Look for some signs of inventory and sales activity thawing, but keep your jacket handy as activity always varies by location and segment.

In the Twin Cities region, for the week ending February 8:

• New Listings decreased 3.0% to 1,193
• Pending Sales decreased 8.8% to 794
• Inventory decreased 10.2% to 11,809

For the month of January:

• Median Sales Price increased 12.4% to $179,850
• Days on Market decreased 12.3% to 93
• Percent of Original List Price Received remained flat at 93.5
• Months Supply of Inventory decreased 15.6% to 2.7

All comparisons are to 2013

Click here for the full Weekly Market Activity Report.From The Skinny.

While the housing market may have completed most of its backflips and jaw-dropping acrobatics, it is now showcasing steady knees and good traction. That may mean fewer riskier tricks on the half-pipe but more endurance and stability over the long haul. After several years of uncertainty followed by grueling rehabilitation, steadier performance that matches expectation resonates well with both current and prospective homeowners.

In the Twin Cities region, for the week ending February 1:

• New Listings decreased 16.9% to 934
• Pending Sales decreased 9.4% to 788
• Inventory decreased 9.5% to 11,936

For the month of January:

• Median Sales Price increased 12.4% to $179,900
• Days on Market decreased 12.3% to 93
• Percent of Original List Price Received remained flat at 93.5
• Months Supply of Inventory decreased 15.6% to 2.7

All comparisons are to 2013

Click here for the full Weekly Market Activity Report.From The Skinny.

Optimistic housing start stats encourage rumors that 2014 should be another year of recovering. Activity may not be volatile enough to garner bold headlines, which suits residential real estate markets just fine. The steady-as-she-goes pace and quietly consistent good news should bring out a few more previously underwater sellers to list their homes. Keep an eye out for fresh inventory and keen interest from hungry buyers.

In the Twin Cities region, for the week ending January 25:

• New Listings decreased 11.9% to 914
• Pending Sales decreased 13.0% to 663
• Inventory decreased 8.6% to 12,050

For the month of December:

• Median Sales Price increased 13.1% to $190,000
• Days on Market decreased 20.4% to 86
• Percent of Original List Price Received increased 1.0% to 94.7%
• Months Supply of Inventory decreased 15.6% to 2.7

All comparisons are to 2013

Click here for the full Weekly Market Activity Report.From The Skinny.