Weekly Market Activity Report
Vamoosh! Home sellers in the Twin Cities are continuing their great disappearing act, with new listings on the market in 2008 sitting far below last year's rate. Over the last three months, there have been almost 2,500 fewer listings put on the market than there were a year ago—a drop of 9.5 percent.
Inventory is still more plentiful than ever. Despite the pullback, we still have a record high number of houses on the market for this time of year. So what's the takeaway here? Well, if we look closer, we can see that the inventory gap between now and one year ago is closing, and closing hard. We've gone from being up 12.6 percent from a year ago to only 5.5 percent up in the last 12 weeks.
Gut check: We must keep perspective on the challenging environment that sellers still face, despite the softening competition. The number of signed purchase agreements (pending sales) for the last three months is 17.7 percent behind the same period a year ago. There's fewer of everything.
Tuesday, April 1, 2008
Monday, March 24, 2008
Market Report for the week of March 24th, 2008
Weekly Market Activity Report
Potential home buyers waiting for even more new inventory to hit the market may be waiting a long time. For the week ending March 15, there were almost 300 fewer properties put on the market in the Twin Cities than during the same week in 2007—a decline of 12.0 percent. And the number of new listings on the market in the last three months is 6.9 percent behind the same time one year ago. So while total inventory remains high, the frenzied peak of seller activity appears to be behind us.
The number of newly signed purchase agreements jumped significantly from the previous week; and for the same time period comparison last year was down only 8.9 percent. While this is a positive indication that buyers may be beginning to recognize the tremendous opportunities available, we are by no means out of the woods yet. Let's at least hope we're out of the snow.
Potential home buyers waiting for even more new inventory to hit the market may be waiting a long time. For the week ending March 15, there were almost 300 fewer properties put on the market in the Twin Cities than during the same week in 2007—a decline of 12.0 percent. And the number of new listings on the market in the last three months is 6.9 percent behind the same time one year ago. So while total inventory remains high, the frenzied peak of seller activity appears to be behind us.
The number of newly signed purchase agreements jumped significantly from the previous week; and for the same time period comparison last year was down only 8.9 percent. While this is a positive indication that buyers may be beginning to recognize the tremendous opportunities available, we are by no means out of the woods yet. Let's at least hope we're out of the snow.
Tuesday, March 18, 2008
Weekly market review for the week of March 17th, 2008
Weekly Market Activity Report.
Still waiting! Buyer activity remains relatively lethargic in the Twin Cities housing market. For the week ending March 8, the number of new purchase agreements signed was 682, behind the same time last year by 18.7 percent. Despite the deluge of properties available, rapidly improving affordability, attractive interest rates and motivated sellers, buyers appear to be unwilling or unable to take advantage of this incredibly attractive buyer's market.
This conundrum begs a question: Do buyers remain on the sidelines because they so choose or because they have no choice? In other words, is it tightening lending rules or a sincere lack of consumer interest that is keeping buyers in stasis? What do you think?
Weekly Market Activity Report features an updated figure for Months Supply of Inventory, which jumped in March to 9.2. This means that it will take the current supply of properties for sale roughly 9.2 months to sell through completely.
Still waiting! Buyer activity remains relatively lethargic in the Twin Cities housing market. For the week ending March 8, the number of new purchase agreements signed was 682, behind the same time last year by 18.7 percent. Despite the deluge of properties available, rapidly improving affordability, attractive interest rates and motivated sellers, buyers appear to be unwilling or unable to take advantage of this incredibly attractive buyer's market.
This conundrum begs a question: Do buyers remain on the sidelines because they so choose or because they have no choice? In other words, is it tightening lending rules or a sincere lack of consumer interest that is keeping buyers in stasis? What do you think?
Weekly Market Activity Report features an updated figure for Months Supply of Inventory, which jumped in March to 9.2. This means that it will take the current supply of properties for sale roughly 9.2 months to sell through completely.
Tuesday, March 4, 2008
Market update for the week of March 3rd, 2008
New listings for the week ending February 23 posted 1,832 units, down 10.1 percent from the same week in 2007. Signed purchase agreements (pending sales) declined from last year by 15.9 percent for the same timeframe comparison, posting 635 units. Despite the general decline in seller activity, the total number of homes for sale is ahead of this time last year by 9.8 percent. Also, this week's Weekly Market Activity Report features a new March Supply-Demand Ratio of 8.72 houses per buyer, up 38.4 percent from March 2007.
Looking for a silver lining to the weekly litany of grimacing news? Well, the seemingly endless swell in the growth of homes for sale has steadily declined. The Supply-Demand Ratio is the lowest it's been since June 2007. Housing affordability is at its highest point since 2004. And we're receiving anecdotal evidence of increased buyer traffic beyond seasonal norms over the past few weeks.
It ain't all bad news, folks. The word on the sheet may not yet match the work on the sheet, specifically pending sales, but ample supply, lower interest rates, weakening median prices and healthy affordability are all historical buyer opt-ins.
Buyers are out there. They may be uncertain of the market's bottom or current appreciation rates, but unless everyone moves away or decides to rent or does absolutely nothing, pent up buyer demand has the inevitable feel of unfurl. Whether it has already begun or starts a year from today is still in question.
Looking for a silver lining to the weekly litany of grimacing news? Well, the seemingly endless swell in the growth of homes for sale has steadily declined. The Supply-Demand Ratio is the lowest it's been since June 2007. Housing affordability is at its highest point since 2004. And we're receiving anecdotal evidence of increased buyer traffic beyond seasonal norms over the past few weeks.
It ain't all bad news, folks. The word on the sheet may not yet match the work on the sheet, specifically pending sales, but ample supply, lower interest rates, weakening median prices and healthy affordability are all historical buyer opt-ins.
Buyers are out there. They may be uncertain of the market's bottom or current appreciation rates, but unless everyone moves away or decides to rent or does absolutely nothing, pent up buyer demand has the inevitable feel of unfurl. Whether it has already begun or starts a year from today is still in question.
Tuesday, February 26, 2008
Market report for the week of Feb. 25th, 2008
Weekly Market Activity Report
With mercury dropping, snow falling, lips cracking, wet hair freezing, and cars stalling, February has mostly been an exercise in old-fashioned winter hibernation for those of us brave (or foolish) enough to live in the Twin Cities. The weather is by no means the only explanation for the lackluster showing of area home buyers—the uncertainty in the credit markets and dampened consumer confidence are obviously playing their own crucial roles—but it certainly isn't helping. That's why the uptick in temperatures seen in recent days is a welcome sight for home buyers, sellers and real estate brokers alike.
New listings for the week ending February 16 posted 1,859 units, down 8.3 percent from the same week in 2007. Signed purchase agreements (pending sales) declined from last year by 17.8 percent for the same time period comparison, posting 624 units. Despite the general decline in seller activity, the total number of homes for sale is ahead of this time last year by 12.1 percent.
With mercury dropping, snow falling, lips cracking, wet hair freezing, and cars stalling, February has mostly been an exercise in old-fashioned winter hibernation for those of us brave (or foolish) enough to live in the Twin Cities. The weather is by no means the only explanation for the lackluster showing of area home buyers—the uncertainty in the credit markets and dampened consumer confidence are obviously playing their own crucial roles—but it certainly isn't helping. That's why the uptick in temperatures seen in recent days is a welcome sight for home buyers, sellers and real estate brokers alike.
New listings for the week ending February 16 posted 1,859 units, down 8.3 percent from the same week in 2007. Signed purchase agreements (pending sales) declined from last year by 17.8 percent for the same time period comparison, posting 624 units. Despite the general decline in seller activity, the total number of homes for sale is ahead of this time last year by 12.1 percent.
Minneapolis considers cash incentive to help some home buyers
Hoping to prime demand, Minneapolis is proposing a $10,000 bonus for people who buy houses in its 18 most foreclosure-battered neighborhoods.
The $500,000 proposal is making its way to City Hall and has the backing of Mayor R.T. Rybak.
"We want to aggressively rebuild the market," said Tom Streitz, the city's new housing director.
The money could be used to cover down payments, closing costs and repair costs that exceed the home's appraisal. Although structured as a zero-percent loan, the aid would be fully forgiven after five years.
The idea builds on work pioneered several years ago in a cluster of neighborhoods hit hard by foreclosures. First the Folwell neighborhood, and later the Webber-Camden and McKinley neighborhoods, began offering small doses of assistance to home buyers in an attempt to build buyer interest.
Those neighborhoods plan to piggyback their programs on the city proposal, meaning some owner buyers could be eligible for up to $14,000.
"The excitement level in our neighborhood is very high," said Roberta Englund, staff director for the Folwell Neighborhood Association.
The proposal, to be considered by the council next month, has some catches. Borrowers must qualify for traditional credit, rather than the subprime mortgages for less credit-worthy borrowers that led to many foreclosures. The money can also be used for a contract-for-deed purchase from a nonprofit developer. The buyer must agree to homeownership counseling.
But unlike some city programs, the buyer need not be a first-time buyer.
The $500,000 would help with the purchase of at least 50 houses. It comes from city proceeds from the sale of the downtown Hilton hotel.
The 18 city neighborhoods were chosen because they have above-average levels of boarded and vacant property. The rationale for the city help is that boarded houses cripple the sales of other homes on a block, according to Mark Anderson, a contract manager for the city's development agency.
Minneapolis recorded almost 2,900 foreclosures last year, and had another 330 properties sold at sheriff's auction last month.
Buyers must purchase in one of those neighborhoods. All but four neighborhoods on the North Side are included, along with the Phillips, Whittier, Central and Powderhorn Park neighborhoods on the South Side and the Beltrami and Holland neighborhoods of northeast Minneapolis.
"We really need to reestablish a market in some of the neighborhoods that are really challenged," said Barbara Johnson, a North Side council member.
By STEVE BRANDT, Star Tribune
Last update: February 25, 2008 - 11:24 PM
The $500,000 proposal is making its way to City Hall and has the backing of Mayor R.T. Rybak.
"We want to aggressively rebuild the market," said Tom Streitz, the city's new housing director.
The money could be used to cover down payments, closing costs and repair costs that exceed the home's appraisal. Although structured as a zero-percent loan, the aid would be fully forgiven after five years.
The idea builds on work pioneered several years ago in a cluster of neighborhoods hit hard by foreclosures. First the Folwell neighborhood, and later the Webber-Camden and McKinley neighborhoods, began offering small doses of assistance to home buyers in an attempt to build buyer interest.
Those neighborhoods plan to piggyback their programs on the city proposal, meaning some owner buyers could be eligible for up to $14,000.
"The excitement level in our neighborhood is very high," said Roberta Englund, staff director for the Folwell Neighborhood Association.
The proposal, to be considered by the council next month, has some catches. Borrowers must qualify for traditional credit, rather than the subprime mortgages for less credit-worthy borrowers that led to many foreclosures. The money can also be used for a contract-for-deed purchase from a nonprofit developer. The buyer must agree to homeownership counseling.
But unlike some city programs, the buyer need not be a first-time buyer.
The $500,000 would help with the purchase of at least 50 houses. It comes from city proceeds from the sale of the downtown Hilton hotel.
The 18 city neighborhoods were chosen because they have above-average levels of boarded and vacant property. The rationale for the city help is that boarded houses cripple the sales of other homes on a block, according to Mark Anderson, a contract manager for the city's development agency.
Minneapolis recorded almost 2,900 foreclosures last year, and had another 330 properties sold at sheriff's auction last month.
Buyers must purchase in one of those neighborhoods. All but four neighborhoods on the North Side are included, along with the Phillips, Whittier, Central and Powderhorn Park neighborhoods on the South Side and the Beltrami and Holland neighborhoods of northeast Minneapolis.
"We really need to reestablish a market in some of the neighborhoods that are really challenged," said Barbara Johnson, a North Side council member.
By STEVE BRANDT, Star Tribune
Last update: February 25, 2008 - 11:24 PM
Wednesday, February 20, 2008
Floating soon to a river near you; St. Paul-based developer plans on bringing 'floating condo' through Stillwater
The boat, yet to be constructed, has been dubbed the Marquette and will be the first residential boat to cruise U.S. rivers full time. Plans call for 170 condominiums to be built on the steel river-barge hull, housing a community of 350 people who will stop at northern ports in the summer, with southern and Gulf Coast ports in the winter.
Nelson is the founder of River Cities, a St. Paul-based development company looking to build the world's largest inland passenger ship - which plans to float 10,700 miles of the Mississippi River and its navigational tributaries. He plans to bring the "floating community" to Stillwater in 2010.
"I'm a big dreamer. I'm really a pretty persistent person," Nelson said of creating the $94 million residential boat. "I think it's fair to say no one's built a boat like this on inland water."
For the full story and a picture of the boat, go to:
http://www.stillwatergazette.com/articles/2008/02/04/news/news500.txt
Nelson is the founder of River Cities, a St. Paul-based development company looking to build the world's largest inland passenger ship - which plans to float 10,700 miles of the Mississippi River and its navigational tributaries. He plans to bring the "floating community" to Stillwater in 2010.
"I'm a big dreamer. I'm really a pretty persistent person," Nelson said of creating the $94 million residential boat. "I think it's fair to say no one's built a boat like this on inland water."
For the full story and a picture of the boat, go to:
http://www.stillwatergazette.com/articles/2008/02/04/news/news500.txt
Tuesday, February 19, 2008
Market Report for the week of Feb. 19th, 2008
As 2008 progresses, the picture remains relatively static. New listings are holding steady with last year's pace, home sales remain sluggish and the total inventory of houses for sale is at record levels—all of which points to a market in the buyer's favor.
Yes, it's been a challenge to think of fresh ways to say the same thing every week: Sales down, inventory up. buyer's market, interest rates low, prices low, affordability high, buy now. If it were 1978, we'd be a broken record; 1988, a tangled tape; 1998, a skipping CD. But it's 2008, and digital capabilities have eliminated these faults while increasing the ability to interact with the makers of the recording. So let's take advantage.
In case you watch this space each week simply for the weekly numbers, here they are: For the week ending February 18, new listings posted 2,125 units, up 1.9 percent from the same week in 2007. New purchase agreements (pending sales) posted 634 units, down 13.9 percent for the same time period comparison.
Yes, it's been a challenge to think of fresh ways to say the same thing every week: Sales down, inventory up. buyer's market, interest rates low, prices low, affordability high, buy now. If it were 1978, we'd be a broken record; 1988, a tangled tape; 1998, a skipping CD. But it's 2008, and digital capabilities have eliminated these faults while increasing the ability to interact with the makers of the recording. So let's take advantage.
In case you watch this space each week simply for the weekly numbers, here they are: For the week ending February 18, new listings posted 2,125 units, up 1.9 percent from the same week in 2007. New purchase agreements (pending sales) posted 634 units, down 13.9 percent for the same time period comparison.
Tuesday, February 12, 2008
Market report for the week of Feb 11th.
Weekly Market Activity Report
With both the temperature and the region's home prices dropping, home buyers who are willing to brave the harsh and cold meteorological landscape are finding the home buying environment quite warm and welcoming. The MAAR Housing Affordability Index (HAI), which measures how affordable Twin Cities housing is to its residents, jumped in February to 149—the highest level in nearly four years—thanks to continued declines in mortgage rates, a smorgasbord of homes to pick from and a seller psychology that is motivated to move and ready to negotiate.
For the week ending February 2, the number of new units on the market was 1,930—a full 10.2 percent behind the same week in 2007. The decline in listings was met by an even more hearty decline in signed purchase agreements, as pending sales fell by 28.7 percent for the same time period.
In January, the Days on Market Until Sale increased to 165 and the Percent of Original List Price Received at Sale fell to 90.9—both indicators of the continued advantage the buyer holds in this market. The February Months Supply of Inventory increased to 8.9 months, up 37.5 percent from this time last year. A market that's balanced between buyers and sellers would have roughly a 5- to 6-month supply of homes for sale.
With both the temperature and the region's home prices dropping, home buyers who are willing to brave the harsh and cold meteorological landscape are finding the home buying environment quite warm and welcoming. The MAAR Housing Affordability Index (HAI), which measures how affordable Twin Cities housing is to its residents, jumped in February to 149—the highest level in nearly four years—thanks to continued declines in mortgage rates, a smorgasbord of homes to pick from and a seller psychology that is motivated to move and ready to negotiate.
For the week ending February 2, the number of new units on the market was 1,930—a full 10.2 percent behind the same week in 2007. The decline in listings was met by an even more hearty decline in signed purchase agreements, as pending sales fell by 28.7 percent for the same time period.
In January, the Days on Market Until Sale increased to 165 and the Percent of Original List Price Received at Sale fell to 90.9—both indicators of the continued advantage the buyer holds in this market. The February Months Supply of Inventory increased to 8.9 months, up 37.5 percent from this time last year. A market that's balanced between buyers and sellers would have roughly a 5- to 6-month supply of homes for sale.
Monday, February 4, 2008
Market Activity Report for the week of Feb. 4th
Weekly Market Activity Report
With cold weather, high winds and relatively low consumer confidence, the Twin Cities housing market continues to experience low levels of buyer activity in January. Newly signed purchase agreements (pending sales) posted 485 units sold for the week ending January 19, a decline of 19.4 percent from this time last year. For the same time period comparison, new listings held relatively steady, posting 1,877 new units on the market. Roughly half of these are re-lists that have already been placed on the market at least once in the last 12 months.
With cold weather, high winds and relatively low consumer confidence, the Twin Cities housing market continues to experience low levels of buyer activity in January. Newly signed purchase agreements (pending sales) posted 485 units sold for the week ending January 19, a decline of 19.4 percent from this time last year. For the same time period comparison, new listings held relatively steady, posting 1,877 new units on the market. Roughly half of these are re-lists that have already been placed on the market at least once in the last 12 months.
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