The National Association of Realtors (NAR) is reporting that existing-home sales increased in October 1.9% however there was a split in results in regions with the Northeast and West reporting drops in sales. Existing-home sales are based on transaction closings involving single-family, townhomes, condominiums and co-ops.
The NAR is reporting that existing-home sales increased 1.9% from September 2019 to a seasonally-adjusted annual rate of 5.46 million in October. They indicated that overall sales are up 4.6% from 2018. (5.22 million in October 2018). Median existing-home prices were up 6.2% to $270,900. A year ago existing home prices were at $255,100. All regions saw increases in home prices. The total amount of housing inventory at the end of October was calculated at 1.77 million units which is down approximately 2.7% from September and 4.3% from one year ago. Inventory sat at 1.85 million in October 2018.
Lawrence Yun, chief economist for the NAR believes that the results are positive and sees a positive future. He states “Historically-low interest rates, continuing job expansion, higher weekly earnings and low mortgage rates are undoubtedly contributing to these higher numbers. We will likely continue to see sales climb as long as potential buyers are presented with an adequate supply of inventory.” He also believes there will be more inventory coming along the way. “The issuance of more housing permits is a very positive sign and a good step toward more inventory,” said Yun, citing the latest data for housing starts. “In order to better counter and even slow the increase in housing prices, home builders will have to bring additional homes on the market” say Yun.
The regional breakdown is as follows:
Northeast: Existing-home sales in the Northeast region fell 1.4% to an annual rate of 690,000. There was no change from 2018 at the same time. The median price in the Northeast was $296,700, up 5.7% from October 2018
West: The West saw a decrease in existing-home sales of 0.9% to an annual rate of 1.13 million in October. The positive is that it is 3.7% above a year ago. The median price in the West was $410,700 which is up 7.8% from October 2018.
South: The South saw an increase of 4.4% to an annual rate of 2.35 million in October. This is up 7.8% from 2018. The median price in the South was $234,900. That is a 6.0% increase from a year ago.
Midwest: Existing-home sales in the Midwest increased 1.6% to an annual rate of 1.29 million. This is a jump of 2.4% from October 2018. The median price in the Midwest was $209,900, an increase of 6.7% increase from the same time last year.
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