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Home Sales Slip, but Remain Strong

Average Price Sets Record for 16th Consecutive Month

October home sales remain strong, but couldn’t reach last year’s levels, down – 6.73 % compared to October a year ago.  Home sales this month were 2,052 compared to 2,200 in October 2016.  “The average price of homes set another new record for the month of October, extending our consecutive record months to sixteen,” said David Welch, President of the Cincinnati Area Board of REALTORS®. “Home sales remain strong and, from all indications, should remain strong through the end of this year,” said Welch.

The average home price climbed to $199,616 compared to $194,086 a year earlier, a + 2.85 % increase.
At the same time, the inventory of homes for sale, as of October 31, continued its year-over-year declining
trend to 5,491 from 6,244 a year ago, down – 12.06 %.

“Inventory is low; interest rates remain low; the average price of property, in general, continues to rise and the economy appears to be strong.  We are in “the perfect storm.” Property that is in “move-in” ready condition in a desired location is selling quickly, sometimes with multiple offers. We have buyers that are ready to purchase the home of their dreams. If you are thinking about selling your home, list it with a Realtor today,” said Welch.

Local home mortgage rates in October averaged 3.94% for a 30-year fixed rate loan. The rates were up
compared to 3.51% a year ago. At these fixed rates, the monthly principal and interest payment on a $100,000
home loan with no money down would be approximately $474.

 

“Consumers need to contact a REALTOR to help guide them through all the important details involved in buying and selling a home.  A REALTOR will assist them through the entire process and is your absolute best source for professional and accurate information,” said Welch.

Call a real estate professional !! Call a  STAR ONE REALTOR today!

Nationwide, October home sales were up + 2.0 % from September on a seasonally adjusted basis, but  were down – 0.9 % from October 2016.

April Home Sales Strong, but takes a Break

April Home Sales Strong, but takes a Break
Average Price for April sets another record

April home sales were strong, but could not maintain a record setting pace, down – 10.29 % compared to April a year ago. Home sales this month were 2,119 compared to 2,362 in April 2016.

“Even though inventory remains low, 2017 home sales remain strong,” said David Welch, President of the Cincinnati Area Board of REALTORS®. “The real estate market is not showing any signs of slowing down and will probably continue at this pace for some time,” said Welch.

The average home price climbed to $204,254 compared to $186,436 a year earlier, a + 9.56 % increase. At the same time, the inventory of homes for sale, as of April 30, continued its year-over-year declining trend to 4,885 from 6,436 a year ago, down – 24.10 %.

“The average price of homes set a new record for the month of April, extending our consecutive record months of average home sale prices to eleven. Even though interest rates are climbing ever slightly, low inventory along with consumers ready to purchase is the perfect combination for driving prices higher. Homes that are priced right and that are in move-in ready condition are the properties that are selling quickly,” said Welch.

Local home mortgage rates in April averaged 4.19% for a 30-year fixed rate loan. The rates were up compared to 3.60% a year ago. At these fixed rates, the monthly principal and interest payment on a $100,000 home loan with no money down would be approximately $488.

“Consumers need to contact a REALTOR to help guide them through all the important details involved in buying and selling a home. A REALTOR will assist them through the entire process, and is your absolute best source for professional and accurate information,” said Welch.

Call a real estate professional !! Call a REALTOR today!

Nationwide, April home sales were down – 2.3 % from March on a seasonally adjusted basis and were up + 1.6 % from April 2016.

Greater Cincinnati Home Sales Remain Strong!

Greater Cincinnati Home Sales Remain Strong!
Average Price and Closings Continue to Climb
September home sales remained strong, up 5.00 % compared to a robust September a year ago. September home sales were 2,362 compared to 2,250 in September 2015. For the first nine months of 2016, home sales are up almost 6.4% over the first nine months of 2015.  “Being a very stable and affordable housing market, Greater Cincinnati continues its upward sales trend,” said Patti Stehlin, President of the Cincinnati Area Board of REALTORS®. “Our closings in September have been their highest since 2005,” said Stehlin.

The average home price climbed to $191,078 compared to $176,257 a year earlier, a + 8.41 % increase. At the same time, the inventory of homes for sale, as of September 30, continued its year-over-year declining trend to 6,447 from 8,438 a year ago, down – 23.6 %.

“Our average price of homes has been at record highs. Our low inventory coupled with low interest rates and consumers ready to purchase make this a very active market that continues to drive the prices higher. Remember, homes that are priced right and that are in move-in ready condition are the properties that are selling quickly,” said Stehlin.

Local home mortgage rates in September averaged 3.45% for a 30-year fixed rate loan. The rates were higher at 3.84% a year ago. At these fixed rates, the monthly principal and interest payment on a $100,000 home loan with no money down would be approximately $446.

“Consumers need to contact a REALTOR to help guide them through all the important details involved in buying and selling a home. A REALTOR will assist you through the entire process, and is your absolute best source for professional and accurate information,” said Stehlin.

Call a real estate professional !! Call a REALTOR today!

August Home Sales Continue Upward Growth Unit Sales Up; Prices Up

August Home Sales Continue Upward Growth Unit Sales Up; Prices Up

Greater Cincinnati home sales this month were very strong, up 11.37 % compared to a record setting August a year ago. August home sales were 2,595 compared to 2,330 in August 2015.  For the first eight months of 2016, home sales are up almost 6.4% over the first eight months of 2015.

“August home sales continued their upward momentum compared to the same month a year ago,” said Patti Stehlin, President of the Cincinnati Area Board of REALTORS®.  “Housing in Greater Cincinnati is very affordable and the sales this month were the highest in over 10 years,” said Stehlin.

The average home price jumped to $193,808 compared to $185,330 a year earlier, a + 4.57 % increase.  At the same time, the inventory of homes for sale, as of August 31, continued its year-over-year declining trend to 6,753 from 8,522 a year ago, down – 20.8%.

“Our inventory of homes for sale remain low, but as new construction increases and consumers, wanting to sell, put their homes on the market, we will see a continued increase in sales and slow growth in inventory.  Homes that are priced right and that are in move-in ready condition, properties are selling quickly,” said Stehlin.

“Consumers need to contact a REALTOR to help guide them through all the important details involved in buying and selling a home. A REALTOR will assist you through the entire process, and is your absolute best source for professional and accurate information,” said Stehlin.

Call a real estate professional !!  Call a REALTOR today!

Nationwide, August home sales were up -0.9% from July on a seasonally adjusted basis, and were up + 0.8% from August 2015.

 

30-Year Fixed Rate Mortgage (local)

August   2016       (average)        3.41%

August   2015       (average)        3.85%

Most recent (Sept. 22, 2016)       3.64%

A year ago   (Sept. 22, 2015)      3.84%

Confidence in Housing Market Continues to Grow

Confidence in Housing Market Continues to Grow
A vast majority of Americans believe that buying a home is a solid financial decision, and most believe they could sell their home for at least its initial purchase price, according to a new survey from the National Association of REALTORS®. The 2015 National Housing Pulse Survey also found that a preponderance of Americans think that now is a good time to buy a home.
The survey, which measures consumers’ attitudes and concerns about housing issues in the nation’s 50 largest metropolitan statistical areas, found that more than eight in 10 Americans believe that purchasing a home is a good financial decision, and 68 percent believe that now is a good time to buy a home. Seventy-one percent believe they could sell their house for what they paid for it, a jump of 16 percentage points from 2013.
When asked for reasons about why homeownership matters to them, respondents’ answers did not change significantly from past years. Building equity, wanting a stable and safe environment, and having the freedom to choose their neighborhood remain the top three reasons to own a home.
“Homeownership is part of the American Dream, and this survey proves that dream is alive and thriving in our communities,” says NAR President Chris Polychron.
“REALTORS® believe that anyone who is able and willing to assume the responsibilities of owning a home should have the opportunity to pursue that dream in a safe, responsible way, which is why NAR advocates homeownership issues and educating potential buyers about achieving their property investment goals.”
The number of renters who are now thinking about purchasing a home has increased since the last survey in 2013, up from 36 percent to 39 percent. Sixty-one percent of renters stated that owning a home is a priority for their future. According to the survey, 80 percent of respondents believe that pre-purchase counseling programs and classes are very or somewhat important. Forty-five percent of homeowners who says they did not take a counseling program, reported they would have taken part in one had it been easily available to them.
Attitudes about the housing market have improved in recent years. Forty-nine percent of respondents indicated that they feel activity in the housing market has increased in the past year, compared to 44 percent in 2013 and 12 percent in 2011. Eight-nine percent expect home sales in their area to either increase or remain the same. Concern about foreclosures has also declined, with only 15 percent of respondents indicating that foreclosure is a major concern.
In addition to improved attitudes about the housing market, survey participants also showed an improved outlook regarding the economy. Only 36 percent think that job layoffs and unemployment are a big problem, a substantial drop from 45 percent in 2013.
Perceived obstacles to homeownership have remained mostly unchanged compared to recent years; 78 percent of respondents point to college debt and student loans as the main obstacle to making a home purchase affordable. Seventy-six percent of participants says they have a full-time job but still did not make enough money to purchase a home. Seventy-four percent believe they do not have enough money for a down payment and closing costs.
As the market has improved, concern about the cost of housing has increased. Two-thirds of survey participants says that home prices are more expensive than they were a year ago. There is additional concern over the lack of available housing; 41 percent says the lack of affordable homes is either a very big or fairly big problem in their area, an increase of 9 percent points from 2013.
For adult millennials under the age of 35, the burden of student debt is their chief concern, with 86 percent of respondents naming college debt as an obstacle to homeownership. Over half reported that their housing costs are a financial strain on their budget, 65 percent are concerned about high rental prices, and 60 percent are concerned about high home prices. However, millennials tend to have a more upbeat and positive view about the future of the nation than older Americans, with 42 percent of millennials saying that the country is headed in the right direction compared to only 20 percent among those aged 50 and older.
The 2015 National Housing Pulse Survey is conducted by American Strategies and Myers Research and Strategic Services for NAR’s Housing Opportunity Program. The telephone survey polled 1,000 adults nationwide in the 50 most populous metropolitan statistical areas. An additional 250 interviews were conducted with millennial adults (born after 1981) from the same geography. The study has a margin of error of plus or minus 3.1 percentage points.

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