Housing Market Shows No Signs of Slowing Down 
Cincinnati home sales (closings) continued a trend of reaching a 6-year high each month in 2013.  Home sales last month totaled 2,271 compared to 1,911 from a year ago, up 18.8%. This represents 23 consecutive months of increased sales. Sales in May 2013 compared to April 2013 were up 17.7%.

May’s average home selling price was $175,750 vs. $158,017 a year earlier, an 11.2% increase.  The average price has increased year-over-year for 15 consecutive months. For the first 5 months of 2013, the average price of homes has increased 7.6%.

Local home mortgage rates in May averaged 3.92% for a 30-year fixed rate loan. Even though the rates are up slightly from 3.90% a year ago, they are still at a level that enhances home affordability. The inventory of homes for sale as of May 31 continued its year-over-year declining trend to 10,386 from 12,298 a year ago, down 15.6%. However, May inventory increased by 2.3% compared to April 2013. This means that homes for sale, if priced competitively and are move-in ready, are in a position to sell faster. It is common for inventory to start low and build as the year goes on. As of today, the inventory of homes for sale is at 10,582 listings.

Nationwide, May home sales were up 4.2% from April on a seasonally adjusted basis and were up 12.9 % from May 2012. May home sales marked the 23nd consecutive month where home sales –nationwide and statewide – also improved over a year ago.