Key Milestones Reached on Road to Recovery

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Minneapolis, Minnesota (April 10, 2013) – The 13-county Twin Cities regional housing market has achieved several major accomplishments in recent months and March 2013 was no different. For a 13th consecutive month, homes sold at a higher median price than during the prior year. Additionally, the percentage of all new listings that were traditional, non-distressed homes rose to 75.0 percent, its highest level since May 2008. Several patterns continued from 2012, including increased pending sales, decreased inventory, higher prices and a lighter distressed market.

There were 3,632 closed sales in March 2013, which was roughly even with last year. There were 4,656 pending sales, a 6.6 percent increase over 2012. Inventory levels declined 31.0 percent to 12,615 active listings, marking a new 10-year low. Driven by the changing mix of sales, the median price for the Twin Cities metro rose 17.4 percent to $176,000. More product sold at higher price points.

“We closely monitor the mix of homes that sell,” said Andy Fazendin, President of the Minneapolis Area Association of REALTORS®. “It’s evident that foreclosures and short sales are comprising a smaller share of overall listings and sales compared to recent years. This is great news for the traditional market.”

Although seller activity was down 5.0 percent in the metro area, traditional new listings were up 9.7 percent; foreclosure new listings were down 26.6 percent; short sale new listings were down 42.0 percent.

Since traditional homes sell for about 55.0 percent more than foreclosures, median sales price rose 17.4 percent compared to last year. The 10K Housing Value Index – which controls for data variability – showed a 10.5 percent increase to $182,378. More seller participation in the market will be crucial to ongoing recovery, as many consumers are frustrated by the limited supply of homes for sale. There is evidence that this is improving, as traditional seller activity has been on the rise lately.

Traditional homes represented more than 62.0 percent of all closed sales. Distressed properties made up the remaining 38.0 percent. The traditional median sales price was up 6.1 percent to $209,900; the foreclosure median sales price was up 28.5 percent to $134,900; the short sale median sales price was down 3.0 percent to $130,000.

“Buyers are filling the market pool with the arrival of spring,” said Emily Green, MAAR President-Elect. “Sellers are starting to dip their toes into the water, but we could use some divers.”

Weekly Market Report

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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.

Weekly Market Report

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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.

Weekly Market Report

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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.

Weekly Market Report

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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.

Twelve Consecutive Months of Price Gains

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Twin Cities homes sold for a higher median price than during the year prior for the 12th consecutive month. This is a significant milestone demonstrating a real and sustainable recovery. Several patterns continued from 2012: pending purchase activity was up, new and existing supply levels were down, prices were higher and distressed market activity eased.

There were 2,736 closed home sales during February 2013, 4.7 percent fewer than February 2012. There were 3,689 pending sales, a 2.0 percent increase over last year. The median sales price rose 15.5 percent to $160,000. Inventory levels declined 31.6 percent to 12,202 active listings, the lowest number for any month going back to January 2003. The number of homes for sale is at a 10-year low.

“We’re watching seller activity almost more than buyer activity,” said Andy Fazendin, President of the Minneapolis Area Association of REALTORS®. “Bank listing activity is down while traditional seller activity is up. That’s an encouraging shift.”

Looking at activity by sale type, traditional closed sales were up 21.5 percent; foreclosure sales were down 23.5 percent; short sales were down 28.5 percent. Since traditional homes sell for about 75.0 percent more than foreclosures, the median sales price rose, as it has for 12 straight months compared to year-ago levels. The 10K Housing Value Index – which controls for data variability – showed a tamer 10.2 percent increase to $179,010. Stronger confidence and less economic uncertainty will encourage more seller activity, thereby increasing the supply of homes for sale. There is evidence this is improving, as traditional seller activity has been on the rise lately.

A healing distressed segment has also facilitated recovery. At 72.3 percent, traditional homes represented more than 70.0 percent of all new listings for the first time since June 2008. Traditional homes also made up 55.4 percent of all closed sales. The traditional median sales price was up 14.2 percent to $205,500; the foreclosure median sales price was up 12.3 percent to $116,522; the short sale median sales price was up 10.1 percent to $127,750.

Months’ supply of inventory fell 40.8 percent to 2.9 months. Figures below 4.0 months suggest we’re in a fledgling seller’s market. Homes sold in 113 days, on average, or 21.5 percent quicker than February 2012. Sellers received 93.7 percent of their list price, on average, up from 90.6 percent last year. Conventional financing comprised 46.7 percent of all closed sales; FHA financing was used on 20.9 percent of sales; cash buyers made up 25.1 percent of sales.

“Judging by the number of inquiries agents are receiving, buyers seem prepared and motivated this spring,” said Emily Green, MAAR President-Elect. “We anticipate an uptick in new listings and we hope it is enough to meet the strength of buyer demand.”

Weekly Market Report

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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.

Weekly Market Report

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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.

Weekly Market Report

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Here’s an oldie but goodie: All Real Estate is Local. We’ve all heard it. It’s why industry insiders don’t pay much attention to national housing statistics. The national housing market is just an agglomeration of local housing markets. It’s like saying there is a national garage sale market. They’re all local. You don’t grab an umbrella in Miami based on the weather forecast in Seattle. So why would someone in San Francisco base a home sale or purchase decision on market data from Boston? Here’s your data for your local housing market.

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

  • New Listings decreased 4.9% to 1,196
  • Pending Sales increased 7.9% to 916
  • Inventory decreased 31.0% to 12,309

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.

February Monthly Skinny Video

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Where has the Twin Cities real estate market been and where is it heading? This monthly summary provides an overview of current trends and projections for future activity. Narrated by Cotty Lowry (2013 Treasurer, Minneapolis Area Association of REALTORS®), video produced by Chelsie Lopez.