As was widely expected, the Federal Reserve did not change the target range for the federal funds rate – currently set at 2.25 to 2.5 percent – during their June meeting. Although the economy is still performing well due to factors such as low unemployment and solid retail sales, uncertainty remains regarding trade tensions, slowed manufacturing and meek business investments.
New Listings in the Milwaukee region decreased 1.1 percent to 2,451. Pending Sales were down 64.0 percent to 731. Inventory levels rose 31.2 percent to 4,903 units.
Prices continued to gain traction. The Median Sales Price increased 5.1 percent to $247,000. Days on Market was down 20.0 percent to 28 days. Buyers felt empowered as Months Supply of Inventory was up 52.2 percent to 3.5 months.
In terms of relative balance between buyer and seller interests, residential real estate markets across the country are performing well within an economic expansion that will become the longest in U.S. history in July. However, there are signs of a slowing economy. The Federal Reserve considers 2.0 percent a healthy inflation rate, but the U.S. is expected to remain below that this year. The Fed has received pressure from the White House to cut rates in order to spur further economic activity, and the possibility of a rate reduction in 2019 is definitely in play following a string of increases over the last several years.
The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the authors and should reflect only on trends that affect the economics of real estate.
