MARKET REPORTS: FEBRUARY 2018
The three most prominent national market trends for residential real estate are
the ongoing lack of abundant inventory, the steadily upward movement of home
prices and year-over-year declines in home sales. Sales declines are a natural
result of there being fewer homes for sale, but higher prices often indicate
higher demand leading to competitive bidding. Markets are poised for increased
supply, so there is hope that more sellers will take advantage of what appears
to be a ready and willing buyer base.
New Listings in the Milwaukee region decreased 15.7 percent to 1,577. Pending Sales were down 55.8 percent to 646. Inventory levels fell 5.0 percent to 3,960 units.
Prices continued to gain traction. The Median Sales Price increased 4.6 percent to $187,000. Days on Market was down 11.5 percent to 69 days. Absorption rates were even with last year as Months Supply of Inventory remained flat at 2.6 months.
In February, prevailing mortgage rates continued to rise. This has a notable impact on housing affordability and can leave consumers choosing between higher payments or lower-priced homes. According to the Mortgage Bankers Association, the average rate for 30-year fixed-rate mortgages with a 20 percent down payment that qualify for backing by Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac rose to its highest level since January 2014. A 4.5 or 4.6 percent rate might not seem high to those with extensive real estate experience, but it is newly high for many potential first-time home buyers. Upward rate pressure is likely to continue as long as the economy fares well.
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