Given the fact that the school year is about a month away (yikes) and we’ve already had our first preview of fall weather, it feels like a good time to talk about seasonality. First of all, whatever you do, don’t use the term “seasonably adjusted.” Second of all, don’t make matters worse by talking about the “seasonably adjusted medium sales price.” That’s not a thing.

All kidding aside, both agents and the public have a vested interested in knowing how and when listings, inventory levels, purchase agreements and closed sales ebb and flow throughout the year. Ever been asked the question or wondered “when do the most new listings come on the market?” Or “when do buyers write the most offers?” Or how about “what month tends to have the greatest number of homes for sale?”

These are legitimate and important questions that can inform a variety of market-related strategies. Technically, April sees the highest volume of new listings, but buyers have the greatest number of choices in July. Signed purchase agreements peak in June along with closed sales. The shape of the seasonal curves can also be revealing. Seller activity tends to ramp up quickly in March and April and then quiet down rapidly starting in October. New listings are front-loaded in the first half of the year. Buyer activity, particularly pending sales, tends to follow more of a “normal” or even distribution throughout the year.

From The Skinny Blog.

Despite the decelerating gains in buyer activity, June 2017 was a new record high for home sales in the Twin Cities. Compared to last June, closed sales in the metro rose 2.2 percent to reach a new high of 7,430 units. Meanwhile, pending sales only showed a 0.2 percent gain and new listings fell 0.5 percent. Persistently low inventory levels are keeping some would-be buyers out of the market. The number of homes for sale fell 16.5 percent to 12,464 active listings in the metro. Declining foreclosure and short sale activity can contribute to market-wide declines. For example, within the traditional segment, new listings rose 1.6 percent and pending sales rose 2.4 percent.

Prices are still marching higher. In fact, the median sales price rose 7.0 percent from last year to $259,000—a new record high. Home prices have now risen for the last 64 consecutive months. At 47 days on average, homes went under contract 16.1 percent faster than last June. However, half the homes that went under contract in June took less than 20 days to do so. The average percent of original list price received at sale was 99.5 percent, 0.8 percent higher than June 2016. Similarly, the median percent of original list price received at sale was 100.0 percent, meaning half the sales closed for over list price. The metro area has a sparse 2.5 months of housing supply—the lowest June reading since 2003. Generally, five to six months of supply is considered a balanced market where neither side has a clear advantage.

“The numbers confirm what agents already know about this market,” said Cotty Lowry, Minneapolis Area Association of REALTORS® (MAAR) President, “We are still very thirsty for listings. That means sellers who list well-presented, well-priced homes are being rewarded, and they’re finding the move-up market to be less competitive.”

A thriving and diverse local economy has been conducive to housing recovery, as job growth is key to new household formations. The most recent national unemployment rate is 4.4 percent, though it’s 3.7 percent locally. The Minneapolis–St. Paul region has a resilient economy with a global reach, a talented workforce, top notch schools and a quality of life that’s enabled one of the highest homeownership rates in the country.

The average 30-year fixed mortgage rate has declined from 4.3 percent to 4.0 percent recently, still well below its long-term average of about 8.0 percent. Excluding any surprising data or events, the Federal Reserve is likely to increase their target federal funds rate at least once more this year. Wage and inventory growth are key to offsetting affordability declines brought on by higher rates and rising prices.

“Although supply is tight, attractive and competitively-priced homes remain in high demand,” said Kath Hammerseng, MAAR President-Elect. “But even as construction activity recovers somewhat, wage and housing supply growth remain key to balancing out affordability concerns.”
From The Skinny Blog.

Compared to May 2016, new listings in the Twin Cities inched up 0.7 percent while closed sales fell 1.1 percent. Given that there were 17.3 percent fewer homes on the market compared to last May, it’s clear that buyers remain motivated. Declining foreclosure and short sale activity can contribute to market-wide declines. For example, traditional new listings rose 2.5 percent while traditional closed sales rose 2.1 percent. Those shopping for homes have 11,615 properties from which to choose in the metro area, the highest figure so far this year but the lowest May inventory reading since 2003.

Prices continued to rise. The median sales price rose 5.5 percent from last year to $250,000. Nominal home prices have now risen for the last 63 consecutive months. Multiple offers on updated, turn-key properties are common in low inventory environments. Properties also tend to sell quickly and for close to or above list price. Homes went under contract 15.0 percent faster than last May. Half the homes on the market sold in less than 20 days. The average percent of original list price received at sale was 99.5 percent, 0.9 percent higher than last year. Similarly, the median percent of original list price received at sale was 100.0 percent, meaning half the sales closed for over list price. The metro area has just 2.3 months of housing supply—the lowest May reading since 2003. Generally, five to six months of supply is considered a balanced market where neither buyers nor sellers have a clear advantage.

“Not only does the traditional market now account for over 96.0 percent of sales,” said Cotty Lowry, Minneapolis Area Association of REALTORS® (MAAR) President, “but traditional new listings and sales continue to rise, despite the shortage of homes on the market.”

A thriving and diverse local economy has been conducive to housing recovery, as job growth is key to new household formations. The most recent national unemployment rate is 4.3 percent, though it’s 3.3 percent locally. The Minneapolis–St. Paul region has a resilient economy with a global reach, a talented workforce, top notch schools and a quality of life that’s enabled one of the highest homeownership rates in the country.

The average 30-year fixed mortgage rate has declined from 4.3 percent to 3.9 percent recently, still well below its long-term average of about 8.0 percent. Excluding any surprising data or events, the Federal Reserve is likely to increase their target federal funds rate at least once more this year. Wage and inventory growth are key to offsetting affordability declines brought on by higher rates and rising prices.

“It’s tempting to treat this market as one entity,” said Kath Hammerseng, MAAR President-Elect. “However, that won’t provide an accurate and detailed picture of what’s really happening. Different areas, market segments and price points all behave quite differently.”
From The Skinny Blog.

Compared to April 2016, new listings in the Twin Cities declined 8.3 percent while pending sales decreased 8.5 percent. Given that there were about 20.0 percent fewer homes for sale, a modest decrease in signed purchase agreements compared to last year reflects a shortage of listings and not necessarily declining demand. Days on market is still down and the number of showings per listing rose compared to last April. Buyers are still eager to purchase a home, but supply side constraints are weighing on sales activity. Those shopping for homes have 10,916 properties from which to choose in the metro area, the lowest April reading since 2003.

Low supply and high demand environments tend to drive prices higher. The median sales price rose 6.3 percent from last April to $245,500. Multiple offers on updated, turn-key properties are common in low inventory environments. Properties also tend to sell quickly and for close to or above list price. Average days on market until sale fell 20.5 percent to 58 days compared to 73 in April 2016. It’s worth noting that the median days on market for April was a brisk 21 days—a 10-year record pace. The average percent of original list price received at sale was 99.2 percent, 1.2 percent higher than last year. Similarly, the median percent of original list price received at sale was 100.0 percent, meaning half the sales closed for less than full list price while the other half closed for over list price. The Twin Cities has only 2.2 months of housing supply—the lowest April reading since 2003. Generally, five to six months of supply is considered a balanced market where neither buyers nor sellers have a clear advantage.

“Any agent or house hunter can confirm that buyers are in no way disappearing,” said Cotty Lowry, Minneapolis Area Association of REALTORS® (MAAR) President. “But we are seeing signs that the shortage of listings is starting to hold back our demand indicators such as pending [sales] and closed sales. Despite fewer listings, we still saw more showings per listing.”

A healthy and diverse local economy has been conducive to housing recovery. The most recent national unemployment rate is 4.4 percent, though it’s 3.8 percent locally. The Minneapolis–St. Paul region has a resilient economy with a global reach, a talented workforce, top notch schools and a quality of life that’s enabled one of the highest homeownership rates in the country.

The average 30-year fixed mortgage rate has declined from 4.3 percent to 4.0 percent lately, still well below a long-term average of about 8.0 percent. Excluding any surprising data or events, the Federal Reserve is likely to increase their target federal funds rate at least once more this year. Wage and inventory growth are key to offsetting affordability declines brought on by higher rates.

“The shortage of supply in our market is showing up in several ways beyond price gains, quick markets times and multiple offers,” said Kath Hammerseng, MAAR President-Elect. “Additional inventory is key to sustaining our housing recovery and is critical to maintaining a healthy and accessible marketplace.”

All information is according to the Minneapolis Area Association of REALTORS® (MAAR) based on data from NorthstarMLS. MAAR is the leading regional advocate and provider of information services and research on the real estate industry for brokers, real estate professionals and the public. MAAR serves the Twin Cities 13-county metro area and western Wisconsin.

From The Skinny Blog.

Seller activity rose 1.3 percent compared to March 2016. The number of signed purchase agreements declined 3.0 percent, though the number of closed sales rose 8.3 percent. Housing demand has outpaced supply, thus continuing the trend of falling active listings. In March, inventory levels fell about 20.0 percent compared to 2016 levels. Those shopping for homes have 10,213 properties from which to choose in the metro area. Given that figure stands near a 15-year low and demand has reached an 11-year high, affordably-priced homes that are listed often fetch full-price offers or better in record time.

These market conditions tend to drive prices higher. The median sales price increased 7.0 percent from last March to $237,500. Multiple offers on attractive, turn-key properties in the most desirable neighborhoods and school districts are common in low inventory environments. Properties also tend to sell quickly and for close to or above list price. Average days on market until sale fell 14.1 percent to 73 days compared to 85 in March 2016. It’s worth noting that the median days on market for March was a brisk 34 days. The average percent of original list price received at sale was 98.1 percent, 1.3 percent higher than last March. Similarly, the median percent of last list price received at sale was 100.0 percent. The Twin Cities has only 2.0 months of housing supply—the lowest March reading since 2003. Generally, five to six months of supply is considered a balanced market where neither buyers nor sellers have a clear advantage.

“Buyers were still very active during the first quarter,” said Cotty Lowry, Minneapolis Area Association of REALTORS® (MAAR) President. “This is encouraging as households adjust to marginally higher borrowing costs, though it’s likely a lack of listings that’s suppressing even stronger gains.”

A thriving local economy has been conducive to housing recovery. The most recent national unemployment rate is 4.5 percent, though it’s 4.2 percent locally. The Minneapolis–St. Paul region has a diversified and resilient economy with a talented workforce that’s enabled one of the highest homeownership rates in the country.

The average 30-year fixed mortgage rate has declined from 4.3 percent to 4.1 percent lately, still well below a long-term average of about 8.0 percent. Barring any unforeseen events, the Federal Reserve is likely to increase their target federal funds rate at least once more this year. Wage and inventory growth are key to offsetting affordability declines brought on by higher rates.

“We’re still seeking a healthier balance in the marketplace that enables all participants to achieve their goals,” said Kath Hammerseng, MAAR President-Elect. “It’s essential to bring additional options to buyers, particularly in the more affordable price brackets.”

From The Skinny Blog.

Right around the time when second-hand shops receive an influx of donated exercise equipment, we get our first glimpse of the year at our local housing market. Overall, it was a healthy and balanced start to the new year. New listings rose 3.1 percent to 4,304—the second strongest gain in nearly a year. Pending sales increased 4.3 percent compared to last January. Given the rush to lock in interest rates and close deals before the end of 2016, closed sales lagged slightly.

When it comes to inventory, the market is still feeling deprived. There were only 8,212 for-sale properties last month, 25.4 percent fewer than last January. That officially marks a 14-year record low for inventory. The median sales price increased 4.7 percent from last year to $225,000. Additional supply is a missing piece of this recovery and is critically needed. Competing bids on the most attractive properties are common in low inventory environments, and homes tend to sell quickly for close to or above list price. Average days on market until sale fell 7.1 percent to 79 days compared to 85 in January 2016. The average percent of original list price received at sale was 95.9 percent, 0.9 percent higher than last January. But the median days on market fell to 53 days and the median percent of current list price received increased to 98.9 percent. Given strong demand of late, the marketplace has only 1.6 months of supply—the lowest figure on record for any month since January 2003. This indicator measures the balance between supply and demand. Generally, five to six months of supply is considered a balanced market.

“Both buyers and sellers were feeling confident compared to January 2016,” said Cotty Lowry, Minneapolis Area Association of REALTORS® (MAAR) President. “It is obviously still early in the year, but that increase in new listings was the second strongest gain in about a year. If that is sustained, we should be able to achieve the balancing act of steady price gains while maintaining our affordability.”

Though single family sales dominate the Twin Cities market by number, townhome sales showed the largest year-over-year sales increase followed by condos. Similarly, though previously-owned properties make up the largest share of sales, new construction properties had a much larger year-over-year sales increase. The most active price range over the last 12 months is $190,000 to $250,000 but the largest gain in sales occurred in the $350,000 to $500,000 range.

A thriving local economy has been conducive to housing recovery. The most recent national unemployment rate is 4.7 percent, though it’s 3.6 percent locally. The Minneapolis–St. Paul metropolitan area has one of the lowest unemployment rates of any major metro area.

The average 30-year fixed mortgage rate stands at 4.17 percent, still well below a long-term average of about 8.0 percent. Marginally higher rates were widely expected in 2016, but the Federal Reserve waited until December. Expect about two minor increases in the federal funds rate in 2017—barring any unforeseen events. Job, wage and inventory growth are key to offsetting any declining affordability brought on by higher rates.

“The trick will be increasing supply enough to keep price growth at a moderate pace,” said Kath Hammerseng, MAAR President-Elect. “That will allow households to better absorb rising borrowing costs. Overall 2017 is expected to be another good year for housing.”

From The Skinny Blog.

The big story of 2016 was twofold: the median sales price reached an all-time high; while closed sales reached an 11-year high. Closed sales nearly broke their all-time record, but fell 0.3 percent short of their all-time 2004 high. Seller activity declined 1.1 percent. Near-record sales activity combined with flat-to-weaker seller activity created a supply shortage. Active housing supply levels fell to a 14-year low. This shortage has created a competitive environment where multiple offers have become more common. Sellers are receiving strong offers in record time, but this fast-paced market can frustrate some consumers. Days on market fell to a 10-year low. Absorption rates fell to 1.6 months of supply at year-end, a record low. Foreclosure activity fell for a fifth straight year and is back below 2007 levels. Although single-family homes made up about 75.0 percent of all sales, both townhomes and condos showed a stronger increase in sales. Similarly, previously-owned homes made up about 93.0 percent of sales but new construction showed a much stronger increase.

2016 by the Numbers

Sellers listed 76,531 properties on the market, a 1.1 percent decrease from 2015
Buyers closed on 59,988 homes, a 6.2 percent increase from 2015 and the highest figure since 2005
Inventory levels for December fell 26.3 percent to 8,197 units compared to 11,125 in 2015—a 14-year low
Months Supply of Inventory was down 30.4 percent to 1.6 months, also a 14-year low
The Median Sales Price rose 5.5 percent to $232,000, which is an all-time record high
Cumulative Days on Market declined 15.8 percent to 64 days, on average (median of 33)—a 10-year record low
Changes in sales activity varied dramatically by market segment

• Single-family sales rose 5.1 percent; condo sales rose 9.5 percent; townhome sales rose 9.9 percent
• Traditional sales rose 10.0 percent; foreclosure sales fell 25.0 percent; short sales fell 31.1 percent
• Previously-owned sales rose 5.7 percent; new construction sales rose 14.9 percent

Poignant Quotables

“The most important achievement of 2016 was erasing the losses in prices and equity caused by the downturn. As sales surpassed their 10-year high, Twin Citizens demonstrated that they are just as committed to homeownership as ever. There are some manageable challenges, but a favorable affordability picture, attractive rates, job growth and wage growth will continue to sustain a healthy real estate market,” said Cotty Lowry, President of the Minneapolis Area Association of REALTORS®.

“We reached some key milestones last year, and hope to continue with this momentum in 2017. It is a great time for those considering listing their home, as buyers are looking for more options. With median sales price at an all-time high, now is a great time to find out the current value of your home,” said Tina Angell, President of the St. Paul Area Association of REALTORS®.
From The Skinny Blog.