Market Overview
Rising home prices, higher interest rates and increased building material costs have pressured housing affordability to a ten-year low, according to the National Association of Home Builders. Keen market observers have been watching this situation take shape in the real estate market for quite some time. Nationally, median household income has risen 2.6% in the last 12 months, while home prices are up 6.0%. That kind of gap will eventually create fewer sales due to affordability concerns, which is happening in several markets, especially in the middle to high-middle price ranges.
New Listings in the Triangle region increased 0.1 percent to 4,319. Under Contract Sales were up 9.6 percent to 3,702. Inventory levels fell 7.0 percent to 8,448 units.
Prices continued to gain traction. The Median Sales Price increased 7.9 percent to $269,680. Days on Market was down 12.9 percent to 27 days. Sellers were encouraged as Months Supply of Inventory was down 10.7 percent to 2.5 months.
While some are starting to look for recessionary signs like fewer sales, dropping prices and even foreclosures, others are taking a more cautious and research-based approached to their predictions. The fact remains that the trends do not yet support a dramatic shift away from what has been experienced over the last several years. Housing starts are performing admirably if not excitingly, prices are still inching upward, supply remains low and consumers are optimistic. The U.S. economy is under scrutiny but certainly not deteriorating.
Click on the links below for more detailed information about the Real Estate Markets in Durham & Orange counties:
For information about how the local market affects your real estate needs, contact any of the real estate experts at Peak Swirles & Cavallito Properties.
*All data from Triangle Multiple Listing Service, Inc. ©2018
