Positive news about the housing market has permeated the headlines for several months now, and it’s not just a case of less supply and more demand. It’s also a function of product mix. When there is a transition from a 50 percent foreclosure market to a 25 percent foreclosure market, prices inevitably rise because there are fewer low-priced homes in the sales mix. Of course, this is not the case in all submarkets, so here’s what else is happening around town.

In the Twin Cities region, for the week ending April 13:

• New Listings decreased 2.0% to 1,605
• Pending Sales increased 6.1% to 1,186
• Inventory decreased 28.7% to 13,145

For the month of March:

• Median Sales Price increased 17.8% to $176,650
• Days on Market decreased 24.3% to 109
• Percent of Original List Price Received increased 3.1% to 95.0%
• Months Supply of Inventory decreased 38.0% to 3.1

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

The unpredictable season of spring is here. Wily snowstorms, thunderous rain and summer-like heat waves strike across the U.S. It’s a good thing that we can count on at least one thing – a steadily improving housing market. Even the few naysayers left can’t ignore the cherry blossom blooms within the market metrics. So get out your umbrella, sunscreen and snow boots because, no matter the weather, we are watching a burgeoning market take form. With scarf, shorts and galoshes on, let’s wade into this week’s local housing stats.

In the Twin Cities region, for the week ending April 6:

• New Listings increased 22.6% to 1,731
• Pending Sales increased 17.1% to 1,158
• Inventory decreased 30.1% to 12,821

For the month of March:

• Median Sales Price increased 18.0% to $176,840
• Days on Market decreased 24.3% to 109
• Percent of Original List Price Received increased 3.1% to 95.0%
• Months Supply of Inventory decreased 38.0% to 3.1

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

The housing market continues to assert itself, often changing the hearts and minds of housing bears, skeptical politicians, curmudgeonly economists and buyers and sellers alike. Over the past six to eighteen months, we’ve seen real estate stabilize, turn around and even start to recover. But it can sometimes feel like a moving target. With diminished inventory levels, cheap finance options, strong sales and rising prices, the prudent market participant will remain vigilant in monitoring his or her local real estate activity. That should be an easy task; start by simply turning the page!

In the Twin Cities region, for the week ending March 30:

• New Listings decreased 12.1% to 1,349
• Pending Sales increased 12.0% to 1,210
• Inventory decreased 29.6% to 12,909

For the month of March:

• Median Sales Price increased 17.4% to $176,000
• Days on Market decreased 24.3% to 109
• Percent of Original List Price Received increased 3.1% to 95.0%
• Months Supply of Inventory decreased 40.0% to 3.0

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

No one knows how accurate that February groundhog is, but by this time of year everyone is screaming of cabin fever. The spring market is in full swing, so keep your eyes on the prize and your mobile device in hand. Prepare yourself for seeing even more buyers buying, more sellers selling and lots of attention being given to the need for new inventory. Will you like what you see? Well, let’s take a look. Here’s the lowdown on your local market.

In the Twin Cities region, for the week ending March 23:

• New Listings increased 2.8% to 1,453
• Pending Sales increased 11.9% to 1,116
• Inventory decreased 29.8% to 12,779

For the month of February:

• Median Sales Price increased 15.5% to $160,000
• Days on Market decreased 22.2% to 112
• Percent of Original List Price Received increased 3.4% to 93.7%
• Months Supply of Inventory decreased 38.8% to 3.0

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

Most housing markets across the country are continuing to chug along toward recovery as the local market begins its first buds into spring mode. New listings and overall inventory have become the prominent indicators to watch, as demand for quality homes to buy is up. Agents in some areas are seeing the highest prices and fastest selling times in years. Where it used to take months, it can now take mere days to sell an appealing home. Here’s a quick recap of the week that was.

In the Twin Cities region, for the week ending March 16:

• New Listings increased 4.9% to 1,475
• Pending Sales increased 11.9% to 1,094
• Inventory decreased 30.1% to 12,661

For the month of February:

• Median Sales Price increased 15.5% to $160,000
• Days on Market decreased 22.2% to 112
• Percent of Original List Price Received increased 3.4% to 93.7%
• Months Supply of Inventory decreased 38.8% to 3.0

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

With February’s jobs data looking better than expected and inflation running well within the Fed’s target range, mortgage rates ticked higher. It s not much, and this affordability environment is still hugely attractive, but it’s just enough to notice. Combined with low inventory, low rates have been a prominent motivation for buyers. But sellers need the real encouragement these days. Consistent year-over-year price gains have proven insufficient thus far, but that’s subject to change come spring.

In the Twin Cities region, for the week ending March 9:

• New Listings decreased 6.1% to 1,361
• Pending Sales increased 10.9% to 1,019
• Inventory decreased 30.7% to 12,476

For the month of February:

• Median Sales Price increased 15.5% to $160,000
• Days on Market decreased 22.2% to 112
• Percent of Original List Price Received increased 3.4% to 93.7%
• Months Supply of Inventory decreased 38.8% to 3.0

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

The prevailing trend continues to be more showings, more offers, higher prices and faster sales, with inventory becoming a growing problem — or rather, a shrinking problem. There aren’t enough homes to choose from for hungry buyers eager to get in while the gettin’ is good. Meanwhile, rents are on the rise and there is a rising sense of improvement for new construction projects. With national unemployment down to 7.7 percent, there is a springy breeze in the air for better days ahead, even in the face of increased taxes and higher cable TV prices.

In the Twin Cities region, for the week ending March 2:

• New Listings increased 0.9% to 1,422
• Pending Sales increased 12.0% to 1,001
• Inventory decreased 31.0% to 12,371

For the month of February:

• Median Sales Price increased 15.5% to $160,000
• Days on Market decreased 22.2% to 112
• Percent of Original List Price Received increased 3.4% to 93.7%
• Months Supply of Inventory decreased 40.8% to 2.9

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

REALTORS® must sell. Whether it’s themselves, a property or an offer, an integral part of the life is convincing other people of something. Clean clothes, shiny shoes, a tucked shirt, upright posture. That’s just to get in the door. But it’s not enough to walk the talk. Proving to be the real(TOR®) deal means you know your stuff. You need stats, real stats, GOOD stats. Impress with empirical industry know-how and dazzle with substantiated evidence. Don’t be the kid in class with grass stains, gum in hair and an unsharpened No. 3 pencil. Bring the following local real estate expertise to the local listing presentation.

In the Twin Cities region, for the week ending February 23:

• New Listings decreased 6.1% to 1,176
• Pending Sales increased 3.1% to 927
• Inventory decreased 30.9% to 12,341

For the month of January:

• Median Sales Price increased 14.3% to $160,000
• Days on Market decreased 24.1% to 107
• Percent of Original List Price Received increased 2.5% to 93.5%
• Months Supply of Inventory decreased 40.0% to 3.0

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