The Louisville area real estate market cooled off a little more in July. New listings were up 14% vs last year while home sales were down 9%. As a result, home inventory increased.
The Greater Louisville Association of Realtors President commented that "We are seeing a gradual normalization of sales in some areas, but it's still a seller's market." She added that showing activity typically slows somewhat during the back-to-school weeks, and that "we hope that sellers continue to bring their homes to the market."
The Chief Economist for the National Association of Realtors® noted that "Home price gains and the accompanying housing wealth accumulation have been spectacular over the past year, but are unlikely to be repeated in 2022. There are signs of more supply reaching the market and some tapering of demand. The national housing market looks to move from 'super-hot' to 'warm' with markedly slower price gains.
The Louisville area real estate market cooled off just a little in June. New listings were up 17% vs May while home sales were up 10%. As a result, home inventory increased.
The following chart shows the Louisville area supply of homes expressed in terms of month's sales. The good news is that Louisville area home inventory appears to have bottomed out in March. However, at a one month supply of homes Louisville is still in a very strong seller's market. For perspective, a balanced market would be a six month supply of homes.
The Greater Louisville Association of Realtors President commented in the most recent press release, “The sellers’ market continued in full force during May, in virtually every price range. Buyers often have to make several offers before getting a home under contract. Buyers also are making modifications to the normal inspection, appraisal and possession portions of the purchase agreement to make their offers more attractive to sellers.”
The Chief Economist for the National Association of Realtors® noted that "More housing inventory will reach the market in a few months, certainly by autumn. The mortgage forbearance program will steadily wind down, leading to further available inventory. Moreover, the progress in vaccination among elderly homeowners will lead to normal life activity, including home sales that had been postponed since the onset of the pandemic."
Continued record low Louisville area home inventory is driving faster and faster home sales.
The average home is on the market for just 25 days. However, that period of time often includes 7 - 10 days for the buyer to complete a home inspection. As a result, the average home is going under contract in about two weeks!
The Greater Louisville Association of Realtors President said, "We continue to have very tight housing inventory in Louisville and the surrounding counties. Sales volume is up year-over-year with the comparison to the 2020 figures at the beginning of Covid-19. Prices are also up measurably, especially for homes near and slightly above the average." The Chief Economist for the National Association of Realtors® noted that "Multiple offers are widely prevalent in today's national market."
The Louisville real estate market is in uncharted waters. Intense competition, multiple offers and rapid sales now seem to be the norm.
Home inventory is down to 50% compared to this time last year at another record low of 1,550 active listings, or just under a 1 month supply of homes. For context, during normal conditions the number of listings hovers around 6,000 or a six month supply. The good news is that sales are up nearly 20%. Supply continues to shrink as buyers snap up homes with historically low mortgage rates. Meanwhile, many sellers remain on the sidelines waiting for COVID impacts to settle, the market to adjust, decisions around work-from-options, and other factors. As a result, prices were up 10%.
The Greater Louisville Association of Realtors President said, "We are experiencing an unprecedented market with extremely low inventory combined with very low interest rates. It's a great market for sellers, but I don't think things will change for buyers for another 18 to 24 months. The Chief Economist for the National Association of Realtors® noted that "We are also seeing record low inventory nationally, with the average time on the market around 20 days and prices up nearly 15% from last year."
Louisville home inventory set a new record low at 1,650 active listings in February. That was down 50% vs 2020. Supply continues to shrink as buyers snap up homes with record low mortgage rates. Meanwhile, COVID-19 has kept many sellers on the sidelines. As a result, prices were up 10%.On the bright side, rapid vaccination progress, falling new COVID case loads, and dramatically rising home prices will likely prompt more sellers to put their houses on the market as Spring unfolds. This should ease the pressure on buyers, and it will present a great opportunity for sellers to sell at top dollar while having more choices on new homes to buy!
Rudy aka Rudolph The Real Estate Retriever will be glad to help find your new home!
The Louisville area real estate market continued to stabilize in November, as the number of homes listed for sale equaled the number of homes sold, tapping the brakes on an overheated market. Home inventory seems to have bottomed out this Fall at a 1.5 month supply of homes. For perspective, a six to eight month supply of homes is considered a balanced market. That said, we remain in a strong seller's market as historically low mortgage rates are driving buyers to the market much faster than sellers are listing their houses. A portion of each home sold by Penava Properties is donated to The Kentucky Humane Society. Happy Holidays!
The Louisville area real estate market showed some signs of stabilizing in October. At 2,325 active listings, home inventory was up slightly vs September yet down an eye popping 46% vs last year. Home inventory may have bottomed out in September & October at a 1.5 month supply of homes. For perspective, a six to eight month supply of homes is considered a balanced market. New listings were up 1% and total homes sold were up 10%. This continues to support a strong seller's market as historically low mortgage rates are driving buyers to the market much faster than sellers are listing their houses. The average property sold in just over a month.
The Greater Louisville Association of Realtors President said, "Sales of starter and move-up homes are still happening at a very brisk pace with just 1.5 months of available inventory. We are also seeing buyers focus on homes that facilitate working from home."
The Chief Economist for the National Association of Realtors® commented that "the national housing market is in a clear V-shaped recovery with sales of new and existing homes hitting their highest mark since 2006." However, he does not see the same risks to the market compared to 2006. "Mortgages are now fully documented, builders are not overbuilding, and many owners own their homes outright or with substantial home equity."
Louisville area home inventory at 2,300 active listings in September was down an astonishing 47% vs last year. The Louisville real estate market hit yet another record low at a 1.56 month supply of homes. For perspective, a six to eight month supply of homes is considered a balanced market. New listings were down 6% and total homes sold were up 2%. This continues to exacerbate an epic inventory shortage as historically low mortgage rates are driving buyers to the market much faster than sellers. The average home sold in just a month and a half. What an amazing opportunity for sellers!
Louisville home inventory at 2,465 active listings was down an incredible 43% vs last year in August. That is yet another record low at a 1.65 month supply of homes. New listings were down 12% and total homes sold were up 5%. This is exacerbating an epic inventory shortage as historic low mortgage rates are driving buyers to the market much faster than sellers. The average home sold in just over a month.
This is an amazing opportunity for sellers!
The Greater Louisville Association of Realtors President said, "Our members are working with sellers of starter and
move-up homes, who see their properties sell very quickly due to the extremely low inventory.” She added
that, “Buyer activity moderates slightly as you move up in price points.”
The Chief Economist for the National Association of Realtors® commented that "Pending contracts are still very high, up about 10% from one year ago (and that) this will continue for the
rest of the year.” He cites large home equity positions, very low interest rates and buyer demand for home
office space as drivers in the national residential market into 2021.
Louisville home inventory at 2,725 active listings was down a stunning 34% vs last year in June. Total home sales closed were up 4% and pending sales were up 10%, while new listings were down 8%. This is leading to an epic inventory shortage as buyers snap back from the impact of COVID-19 much faster than sellers.
This has created a tremendous opportunity for sellers!
The Greater Louisville Association of Realtors President said, "Closings in June rebounded strongly with pent up demand from buyers. The real issue now is the very low level of inventory. For sellers that are comfortable moving forward, now is the time to make a move."
Interested in selling? Call me at (502) 235-4960 for a free market value estimate on your house!
Louisville home inventory hit a record low in January. Total sales of 1,000 homes were down 21% vs December, although they were 5% above prior year. Sales price growth fell to 2% as the market lapped strong price increases in 2019. Homes sold a little more slowly at an average of 72 days, and total home inventory dropped 7% to 3,400 active listings or a 2.3 month supply of homes.
The Greater Louisville Association of Realtors President said that, "Our members saw a continuation of strong demand for
entry level homes in January. We hope that continued low interest rates will support the mid and higher price
points heading into Spring.”
The Chief Economist for the National Association of Realtors® commented
that "The current national home inventory is at a 3 month supply,
which matches the lowest amount since the National Association of Realtors® started tracking inventory levels in the 1980s.
Louisville area real estate market activity continued to decelerate in December. Total sales of 1,290 homes were down 6% vs November, although they were just above last year. The average sale price was up 6% on even tighter home supply. Homes continued to sell quickly at an average of 60 days, and total home inventory dropped 14% to 3,680 active listings or a 2.5 month supply of homes.
The Greater Louisville Association of Realtors President commented that, "Our members wrapped up 2019 with sales figures similar to 2018, and prices up 4-5% depending on area and price range. We hope to see more sellers put their homes on the market, as there are almost 10% fewer homes available to buyers than at this time last year." The Chief Economist for the National Association of Realtors® commented that, “favorable conditions are expected throughout 2020 even though the supply of homes for sale is not yet meeting healthy demand. Builder confidence levels are high, so we just need new housing supply to (help) match demand."
Louisville area real estate market activity cooled off in November. Total sales of 1,375 homes were down 13% vs October, although they were 5% above last year. The average sale price was up 4% on tight home supply. Homes continued to sell fast at an average of 59 days, and total home inventory was steady at 4,250 active listings or a 2.9 month supply of homes.
The National Association of Realtors Chief Economist Lawrence Yun commented that, "Real estate is on firm ground with little chance of price declines. However, in order for the market to be healthier, more supply is needed to assure home prices as well as rents do not consistently outgrow income gains.”
Louisville area real estate market activity was steady in October. Total sales of 1,585 homes were flat vs September and 2% above last year. The average sale price was up 7.5% driven mainly by an increased mix of higher-end home sales. The average home continued to sell fast at 55 days. Home inventory was steady at 4,300 active listings or a 2.9 month supply of homes.
The Louisville area real estate market continued to slow down in September. Total sales of 1,575 homes were down 10% vs August and just above prior year. Prices were up 6%, and the average home sold fast in just under 50 days. Home inventory was steady at 4,325 active listings or a 2.9 month supply of homes.
The Greater Louisville Association of Realtors President commented that "The current absorption rate is still below 3 months, indicating a seller’s market, but it really depends on the location and price range of the property. Our members anticipate decent showing activity through mid-November when things typically slow down heading into the holiday season."
The Louisville area real estate market slowed down a little in August as the school year started. Total sales of 1,775 homes were flat vs. July and below prior year. Prices were up 5%, and the average home sold fast in just under 50 days. Home inventory was steady at 4,300 active listings or a 2.9 month supply of homes. The Greater Louisville Association of Realtors President commented that "We're continuing to see the trend of prices up 4-5% with unit sales down 2-3%. Multiple offers are still common for clean starter homes, and activity in the upper price ranges is more normal."
The Louisville area real estate market was as hot as the weather in July. Over 1,750 homes were sold, with prices up 5% and the average home selling very fast in just 49 days. Home inventory was up slightly to 4,250 active listings or a 2.9 month supply of homes. The Greater Louisville Association of Realtors President commented that "Starter homes continue to sell very quickly, and the average days on market for all properties is now less than 2 months. New listings are hitting the market, and we're steady at about 4,000 homes available to buyers."
The Louisville area real estate market is hot. Home inventory is at 3,800 active listings or a 2.6 month supply of homes. The total number of properties sold in May was up 20% vs. April. The average sale price was up 10% vs last year driven by higher home prices and an increased mix of higher-end home sales. The average home sold fast in just under 60 days.
The Greater Louisville Association of Realtors President commented that, "We are still technically in a sellers' market with the absorption rate and average days on market both around 2 months. However, it's still a tale of two markets where homes under $250,000 are selling very quickly and higher end homes are selling more slowly."
Louisville area real estate activity steadied in April. Home inventory rose slightly to 3,725 active listings or a 2.5 month supply of homes. The total number of properties sold in April was down 12% vs prior year; however, it was up 1% vs March. And, the average home sold quickly at just over 60 days on the market.
The Greater Louisville Association of Realtors President commented that, "Our members continue to see average priced homes sell quickly, making it good for sellers. New listings of homes in the mid and upper price ranges have also improved buyer selection slightly in recent months. We anticipate the inventory to grow slightly heading into May."
Louisville area real estate activity began to accelerate in March. Home inventory rose slightly to 3,650 active listings or a 2.5 month supply of homes. The total number of properties sold in March was down 6% vs prior year; however, it was up 24% vs February. And, the average home was on the market for 75 days.
The Greater Louisville Association of Realtors President commented that, "Our members are now seeing the typical early spring pick-up in listings and showings. We continue to see move-in ready, moderately priced homes sell quickly. Homes that are priced slightly above market value will sit for longer periods."
Overall Louisville area real estate activity continued to decelerate in February. Home inventory fell 4% to 3,600 active listings or a 2.5 month supply of homes. The total number of properties sold was down 9% vs prior year. And, the average home was on the market for just over 70 days.
Our real estate market is rebalancing with fewer buyers pursuing less listings. The Greater Louisville Association of Realtors President commented that, "The absorption rate (supply of homes expressed in terms of months sales) is still relatively low at 2.5 months of inventory, indicating a seller's market. We're starting 2019 similar to how 2018 left off. Clean, correctly priced homes are selling well in most areas." Sellers: Late winter is a great time to list as there is less competition from other listings, and buyers are serious this time of year. What's your home worth? Click this link for a Free Market Snapshot on local market activity. Professional home staging and architectural photographs are key and we provide both.
Buyers: Mortgage interest rates remain near historic lows. That makes this a great time to snap up a historically low rate. Waiting can be expensive as home prices and interest rates are both forecast to continue rising. We can help you find the right home! Be sure to get pre-approved for financing before you look. We have a great partner to help make that happen. We love referrals! Please keep us in mind.
Cold weather and the government shutdown kept many buyers and sellers on the real estate sidelines in January. Louisville area home inventory fell 7% to 3,750 active listings or a 2.5 month supply of homes. The total number of properties sold was down 11% vs prior year. And, the average home was on the market for nearly 70 days.
Our local real estate market continues to re-balance as reduced buyer activity is matched with low home supply. The Greater Louisville Association of Realtors President commented that, "Our market has about 3 months of inventory, so it's still technically a seller's market, but it really depends on your neighborhood." She added that, "In today's market, on average, listings that do sell are taking about 2 months to go under contract." Sellers: Winter is a great time to list as there is less competition from other listings, and buyers are serious this time of year. What's your home worth? Click this link for a Free Market Snapshot on local market activity. Professional home staging and architectural photographs are key and we provide both.
Buyers: Mortgage interest rates have fallen nearly 1/2 percent over the last few weeks. That makes this a great time to snap up a historically low rate. Waiting can be expensive as home prices and interest rates are both forecast to continue rising. We can help you find the right home! Be sure to get pre-approved for financing before you look. We have a great partner to help make that happen.
Thinking about buying a new home? Waiting until next year can be expensive with interest rates and home prices both rising. This article provides an interesting perspective ... INFOGRAPHIC
Is it better to buy or rent in Louisville? Much less expensive to buy! Take a look at this article from Louisville Business First ... Buying vs. Renting a Home in Louisville
Louisville area real estate activity took a break during the Holidays. Some sellers delayed listing their homes, and higher mortgage rates, political uncertainty, & rising home prices kept many buyers on the sidelines. Home inventory fell 9% to 4,050 active listings or a 2.7 month supply of homes. The total number of properties sold was down 10% vs prior year. Our local real estate market is beginning to come into balance as low home inventory is offset by reduced buyer activity. The Greater Louisville Association of Realtors President commented that, "Our members are reporting a normalizing market with the total number of homes sold, and available for sale, similar to that of last year." She added that, "In today's market, it's important for sellers to have their property in move-in ready condition and priced competitively."
Happy Holidays! Louisville area home inventory leveled off in November at 4,425 active listings or a 2.9 month supply of homes. The total number of homes sold was down 10% vs prior year as higher mortgage rates, continued political uncertainty, and rising home prices kept many buyers on the sidelines. The average sale price of $222,000 was up 2% vs last year, and the average property sold quickly in just under 2 months. We remain in a Seller's market, particularly for low to mid-price range properties. However, the market for higher-end homes is somewhat balanced. The Greater Louisville Association of Realtors President commented that, "Selection of homes for buyers has improved slightly and homes are selling at a steady pace."
Louisville area home inventory ticked up slightly in October to 4,450 active listings or a 2.9 month supply of homes. The total number of homes sold was flat vs prior year as higher mortgage rates, political uncertainty, and rising prices restricted demand. The average sale price of $217,000 was up 9% driven by an increased percentage of higher-end sales. And, the average property sold in just under 50 days.
The Greater Louisville Association of Realtors President commented that, "Our members are seeing the typical seasonal slowing of activity, coupled with a broader normalization in the market. With that said, we're still seeing move-in ready moderately priced homes sell quickly."
Housing is in short supply nationwide. Louisville ranks in the top 10 cities with the biggest drop in inventory over the last three years. Details in the attached article ... A Historic Housing Shortage. Thankfully, inventory has been rising recently offering buyers more choices!
America's best investment? Real estate! Home ownership is a great way to build net worth. Take a look at the attached article for a nice perspective on the wealth effect of home ownership ... Home Ownership Pays!
Home Supply Is Beginning to Rebuild Louisville area home inventory increased slightly in July to 4,200 active listings or a 2.8 month supply of homes. The number of homes sold was down 5% vs prior year and the average sale price of $238,000 was up 9%. Homes sold fast on limited supply, with the average property selling in just over 45 days. The Greater Louisville Association of Realtors President said, "Move-in ready homes under $250,000 are still selling at a brisk pace, but sales at higher price points have moderated." He added that, "The inventory situation is getting slightly better for buyers, with over 4,000 homes for sale in our system compared to 3,000 just a few months ago."
Home supply is not satisfying demand. This is true nationwide, and even more so in Louisville. That makes it a great time to list your house! Check out the details in the attached article ... The #1 Reason to List Your House Now!
Reduced Affordability & Lack of Inventory Slow the Market Rising mortgage interest rates and increasing home prices are making homes in the Louisville area less affordable. The combination of reduced home buyer purchasing power and a continued lack of housing inventory began to slow the Louisville real estate market in June. That said, home inventory and mortgage rates are both still historically low. Louisville remains a seller's market, and it is an excellent time to list your house. Starter and mid-priced homes continue to sell faster than higher-end homes, making it a great time to trade-up.The Greater Louisville Association of Realtors President said, "The inventory situation has improved slightly for buyers, but we are still a long way from normal inventory levels, especially for homes under $300,000. We look to see some clients move up their timeframes to make a move, in anticipation of rising mortgage interest rates later in the year." Louisville area home inventory increased 10% in June to 4,100 active listings or a 2.7 month supply of homes. The number of homes sold was down 11% vs prior year and the average sale price of $237,000 was up 6%. Homes sold fast on limited supply, with the average property selling in just less than two months.
Rising mortgage interest rates gently tapped the brakes on Louisville's real estate market in May. Rates on 30-year fixed mortgages were up nearly 0.75% since year-end, putting a crimp in home buyer purchasing power. Starter and move-up homes sold very rapidly, while higher-end homes moved more slowly. However, home inventory and mortgage rates both remain historically low, making this an excellent time to list your house, and an even better time to trade-up. The Greater Louisville Association of Realtors President remarked that, "Multiple offers for homes under $250,000 are still common, and move-in ready homes continue to sell within the first 1-2 weeks. It's a great market for move-up buyers, who can sell their existing homes quickly and have a decent amount of larger homes to choose from. Overall Louisville area home inventory increased slightly in May to 3,750 active listings or a 2.5 month supply of homes. The number of homes sold was down 9% vs prior year and the average sale price of $217,000 was up 2%. Homes sold fast on limited supply, with the average property selling in just over 50 days.
An extraordinary inventory shortage continues to drive a strong Spring seller's market for entry-level to mid-priced homes. Higher-end homes are moving somewhat more slowly and inventory levels are improving. This makes it a great time to list your house, and an even better time to trade-up! Historically low mortgage rates are still providing an affordability boost. The Greater Louisville Association of Realtors President noted that, "Multiple offers for move-in ready starter homes continues to be the norm, and 55% of homes are selling in 30 days or less. Our members are working diligently with prospective sellers to get their homes ready for the Spring and Summer markets." Overall Louisville area home inventory remained steady in April at 3,500 active listings or a 2.3 month supply of homes. The average sale price of $223,000 was up 10% on limited supply. The number of homes sold increased, while average days on the market rose slightly.
Thinking about buying a new home? How big should it be? Check out the attached article for some thought provoking questions to consider ... How Big a Home Do You Need?
A protracted inventory shortage continues to drive a very strong Spring seller's market for entry-level to mid-priced homes. Higher-end homes are moving more slowly and inventory is returning to historical levels. This makes it a great time to trade-up! Historically low mortgage rates are still providing an added affordability boost.
The Greater Louisville Association of Realtors President noted that, "The local market is still strong despite the fact that the current inventory of homes for sale is roughly 30% compared to 10 years ago. There is very strong competition for starter and move-up homes, and more normal levels of inventory for higher end homes." Overall Louisville area home inventory ticked up slightly in March to 3,475 active listings or a 2.3 month supply of homes. The average sale price of $211,000 was up 8% on continued limited inventory. The number of homes sold accelerated, while average days on the market remained steady.
The attached article provides a nice perspective on the national home market. We're in a nationwide home seller's market, with inventory at a lean 3.4 month supply of homes. Louisville's home inventory is even tighter at a 2 month supply. It is a great time to sell! Latest NAR Data Shows Now Is a Great Time to Sell!
Louisville is in a strong seller's market. Much like the rest of the nation. The attached Wall Street Journal article provides an excellent explanation on why this is happening.
A prolonged inventory shortage is driving an epic Spring seller's market for entry-level to mid-priced houses. Higher-end homes are moving more slowly and inventory is beginning to accumulate. This makes it a great time to trade-up! Historically low mortgage rates provide an added boost.
The Greater Louisville Association of Realtors President noted that, "The starter home market is still a hot sellers' market. Sales of mid-priced move-up homes are also strong, and the upper end of the market is more dependent on location and condition." Overall Louisville area home inventory dropped again in February to 3,350 active listings or a 2.2 month supply of homes. The average sale price of $205,000 was up 8% on continued limited inventory. Average days on the market, as well as the number of homes sold, were both flat on persistently short supply.
Spring comes early in real estate! The market is already rolling and continued limited inventory makes it a seller's market in Louisville for entry level to mid-priced houses. This is a great time to sell. And, and even better time to trade-up! This following article provides a nation-wide update ... 2018's Housing Market is Off And Running: What You Need to Know
Louisville's home inventory dropped again in January to 3,475 active listings or a 2.3 month supply of homes. The average sale price of $215,000 was up 10% as competition for entry-level homes continued. Days on the market increased slightly to 65 days, and the number of homes sold was flat on persistent short supply.
The GLAR President commented that, "2017 turned out to be a year of continued low inventory for starter homes and normalizing conditions for mid-priced and higher end homes. We will likely see 30 year mortgage rates move towards 5%, but that should not have a big impact on affordability for buyers in the greater Louisville area."
Millennials are entering the real estate market in record numbers as they form households, get married and have children. A strong job market and easier credit are providing a strong tail wind. Here are five reasons they're choosing to buy ... 5 Reasons Millennials Are Buying Homes
If you're considering a major home renovation this year, the payback may not be what you think. It's often better to repair or replace than renovate. And as always, curb appeal matters! Details by project in the attached article.