The economy is improving, unemployment is falling, and the U.S. real estate market remains strong as we head into the holiday season, a period when activity typically slows as people take time to travel, celebrate, and spend time with loved ones. Although the market is not as frenetic as was seen earlier this year, buyer demand is high, bolstered by attractive mortgage rates and a low supply of inventory.
New Listings increased 6.1 percent for single-family homes but decreased 4.5 percent for townhouse-condo properties. Pending Sales increased 11.7 percent for single-family homes but decreased 10.4 percent for townhouse-condo properties. Inventory decreased 45.6 percent for single-family homes and 44.8 percent for townhouse-condo properties.
The Median Sales Price was up 15.8 percent to $415,000 for single-family homes and 7.0 percent to $276,000 for townhouse-condo properties. Days on Market decreased 20.5 percent for single-family homes and 44.4 percent for townhouse-condo properties. Months Supply of Inventory decreased 47.4 percent for single-family homes and 40.0 percent for townhouse-condo properties.
The most recent data from the National Association of REALTORS® reports the median single-family existing home sales price rose 16% in the third quarter of this year to $363,700, with all four regions of the country experiencing double-digit price growth. In new construction, builder confidence increased in November, surpassing analyst expectations and rising to 83 on the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB)/Wells Fargo Housing Market Index (HMI), the highest level since spring, despite persistent labor and supply chain challenges and a shortage of available lots.
