We’re well into the spring home-buying season and the latest numbers for March are out to help us gauge how the 2012 real estate market is faring. The verdict is that we’re settling into a stable pattern of growth as monthly existing home sales have trended above year-ago levels for nine consecutive months.
However, there’s another interesting thing that’s happening. While year-over-year sales volume is up, there was a drop in March from February. The reason? National Association of Realtors Chief Economist Lawrence Yun notes that inventory levels are low, creating a situation in which there aren’t enough homes for sale to satisfy demand from buyers.
Total existing home sales declined 2.6% to a seasonally adjusted annual rate of 4.48 million in March from February, but were 5.2% above the 4.26 million-unit pace in March 2011, according to NAR’s report. Meanwhile, housing inventory declined 1.3% in March to 2.37 million existing homes for sale. Listed inventory is 21.8% below a year ago.
There’s no exact answer to why inventory has dropped so much. But we can infer that the shrinking foreclosure rate is contributing to a lack of properties on the market, as well tepid sellers playing the waiting game. If you don’t have to sell right now and you’re in a slower market or traumatized from the declining state of the last few years, then you’re likely staying put and waiting out the market until there are clear signs of an upswing.
In addition, buying conditions are so stellar in many markets right now - with extremely attractive interest rates and home prices – that demand is growing like a weed after a spring rain! NAR says that many of its members have reported a definite increase in “foot traffic” to see listings and open houses And we recently covered how some markets are back in bidding-war situations. So the signs are good, folks!
Another solid factor in the spring home-buying season this year is the 2.5% year-over-year increase in median sales price at $168,800. Additionally, distressed homes accounted for a smaller portion of sales in March (29%) than they did in February (34%) and in the same month a year ago (40%) – indicating that the distressed portion of the market is steadily shrinking.
The facts are in and it’s clear the real estate market is no longer a clear punching bag for economic ailments. We’re building momentum that appears to be built on a strong foundation – not just temporary home-buying tax credits and other federal initiatives. Spread the word!

