Existing Home Sales Drop Again In January But Stay On The Trendline
But The Knoxville Real Estate Market Improves Sales Are Up…..
The winter months have not been kind to home sales.
After plunging 17 percent in December, Existing Home Sales fell by an additional 7 percent in January, according to the National Association of Realtors®. An “existing home” is a home resold by a previous owner (i.e. not new construction).
In looking at the annualized, adjusted Existing Home Sales data, we find:
- Sales volume is at its lowest levels since June 2009
- Sales volume fell below its 12-month rolling average
- Home supplies are at a 5-month high
These are similar findings to the New Home Sales data issued by the government last week. That report put new home sales at a 40-year low and showed new homes supplies higher by an entire month.
But don’t think housing rebound has halted! Home sales are cyclical and there are outside forces on today’s market.
For one, the market is still feeling the after-effects of the original First-Time Home Buyer Tax Credit. Sales spiked in the months leading up to the original November 2009 expiration date. A pull-back is natural and expected.
Looking at the long-term trend, Existing Home Sales volume appears right in line.
Furthermore, weather across much of the U.S. was awful in January. That, too, can impede home sales as homes are neither shown nor negotiated when weather is majorly inclement.
Anecdotal evidence is showing sales activity higher through February and into March. And, although it’s unlikely we’ll see a spike through April like we did last November, buy-side demand for homes should remain strong. The good news of the sagging sales reports is that today’s buyers may find home prices are lower and sellers are more willing to negotiate.
There has never been a better time to buy a home in the Knoxville Area than right now. The rates are low, prices are low and their are plenty of homes to choose from on the market. Another reason is the tax credit available not just to first time home buyers but move up buyers that I talked about in an earlier post. Considering all of the above NOW is the time to get out there and start shopping around for a new home.
Check out my 5 Step Program to make your buying experience smooth and painless. It is FREE and will help you. Call me at 865-675-8326 or [email protected] I would love to help you find a new home.
Also check out
