Over the course of the year, we’ve cleverly devised new tactics each week to communicate just how far the market has come. This week is no exception. Most level-headed housing advocates agree that lower residential vacancy rates are a good thing. Well, chalk one up for level-headed housing advocates, because Reuters just reported that the U.S. residential vacancy rate fell to 1.9 percent in the third quarter. That’s the lowest level in seven years. It’s just the latest installment of overwhelming bullish housing news.

In the Twin Cities region, for the week ending October 27:

• New Listings decreased 3.0% to 1,037
• Pending Sales increased 11.1% to 914
• Inventory decreased 28.8% to 15,700

For the month of September:

• Median Sales Price increased 12.7% to $174,625
• Days on Market decreased 28.5% to 101
• Percent of Original List Price Received increased 4.1% to 94.8%
• Months Supply of Inventory decreased 38.8% to 4.1

Click here for the full Weekly Market Activity Report.

From The Skinny.

Although the latest jobs report was less than exciting for those waiting for economic recovery to cast a warming glow all across the land, the residential real estate market continued to jog along at a nice pace, as though earbuds were drowning out the din of negative energies trying to dissuade healthy activity. For the most recent week, buyer activity was higher than year-ago levels while listing activity registered lower. Keep watching inventory and sales activity throughout the summer to see if this runner’s high will continue into fall.

In the Twin Cities region, for the week ending May 26:

• New Listings decreased 8.5% to 1,387
• Pending Sales increased 19.2% to 1,231
• Inventory decreased 29.8% to 17,740

For the month of April:

• Median Sales Price increased 12.1% to $162,500
• Days on Market decreased 15.2% to 135
• Percent of Original List Price Received increased 3.7% to 93.4%
• Months Supply of Inventory decreased 41.7% to 4.8

Click here for the full Weekly Market Activity Report.

From The Skinny.

The tempo in residential housing has remained upbeat through the first five months of 2012. Year-to-date figures begin to sing a compelling tune at this time of year, and the song thus far is that markets are moving back toward balance and home prices are beginning to reflect that stabilization. For the most recent week, buyer activity was higher than year-ago levels while listing activity registered lower. Keep an eye on months supply, seller concessions, market times and foreclosure rates. Multiple offers are back and tentative owners looking to move should take note. It’s okay to sing in public again.

In the Twin Cities region, for the week ending May 19:

• New Listings decreased 9.6% to 1,533
• Pending Sales increased 18.6% to 1,116
• Inventory decreased 29.4% to 17,648

For the month of April:

• Median Sales Price increased 12.1% to $162,500
• Days on Market decreased 15.2% to 135
• Percent of Original List Price Received increased 3.6% to 93.4%
• Months Supply of Inventory decreased 42.0% to 4.8

Click here for the full Weekly Market Activity Report.

From The Skinny.

Job growth, low mortgage rates, rising rents and a relatively inexpensive housing stock. These are just some of the playful teases in the burlesque revue that is today’s market recovery. Another week passed with buyers displaying no signs of slowing down. In general, sellers are discovering a less-intimidating scene, and buyers are reveling in the showy marketplace. As expected, spring’s warming glow continues to fuel optimism and consumer activity. But that won’t necessarily be the case in every area or segment, so do your research before making that move.

In the Twin Cities region, for the week ending April 14:

• New Listings decreased 9.5% to 1,637
• Pending Sales increased 25.5% to 1,170
• Inventory decreased 27.8% to 17,384

For the month of March:

• Median Sales Price increased 7.1% to $149,900
• Days on Market decreased 9.6% to 145
• Percent of Original List Price Received increased 3.8% to 92.1%
• Months Supply of Inventory decreased 38.0% to 4.7

Click here for the full Weekly Market Activity Report.

From The Skinny.

Market sentiment can become a self-fulfilling prophecy. Just as negative economic news sent a chill through the housing industry over the last several years, a newly confident consumer buying up excess inventory and further housing-related sundries helps stabilize and support home values. Some sellers are even starting to see rising prices. The numbers are beginning to reflect the fact that multiple offers on homes for sale are now more than anecdotal conversation between real estate professionals. For this week, new listings were down while purchase contracts were up compared to the same week in April 2011.

In the Twin Cities region, for the week ending April 7:

• New Listings decreased 19.0% to 1,411
• Pending Sales increased 15.5% to 1,036
• Inventory decreased 27.3% to 17,289

For the month of March:

• Median Sales Price increased 7.1% to $149,900
• Days on Market decreased 9.4% to 145
• Percent of Original List Price Received increased 3.8% to 92.1%
• Months Supply of Inventory decreased 38.5% to 4.7

Click here for the full Weekly Market Activity Report.

From The Skinny.

The weekly scorecard showcases that home buyers were more active compared to the same week last year. Buyers have been taking advantage of an affordable market, but sellers in many areas have been lazing in the tall grass like lions as the herd moves past. Watch for a changing landscape this spring and summer. Even skeptical sellers are sensing a need to get back into the hunt.

In the Twin Cities region, for the week ending March 31:

• New Listings decreased 12.1% to 1,532
• Pending Sales increased 25.2% to 1,113
• Inventory decreased 27.2% to 17,274

For the month of March:

• Median Sales Price increased 6.4% to $149,000
• Days on Market decreased 10.0% to 144
• Percent of Original List Price Received increased 3.7% to 92.1%
• Months Supply of Inventory decreased 39.2% to 4.6

Click here for the full Weekly Market Activity Report.

From The Skinny.