This week, we’re looking back at the week of November 2-6 to analyze the residential real estate market in the Tri-Cities and surrounding areas. As always, keep in mind that these numbers are rounded averages and won’t be 100% exact, but they do give a great snapshot of the current market. All data was collected on the MLS (multiple listing service) for the Tri-City associations.
Listings
Last week, there was an average of 497 residential properties for sale, for an average listed price of $393,924. Of those, 225 were new construction, with a listing cost averaging $419,630. The average days on the market was 43 days.
What do these numbers mean? Compared to the previous week, the active market has remained fairly similar. Both the amounts of active listings and the average listed prices are roughly the same as the previous week, showing the market has steadied itself after rapidly decreasing inventories last month. Still, fewer than 500 active listings with a population of over 300,000 is incredibly low. New construction has remained consistently popular in the Tri-Cities market, making up just under half of all residential listings. Inventory typically drops around this time of year, so these trends aren’t too unusual, as fewer people tend to move in colder weather and around holiday events. Call to find out our holiday hours and schedules as we will be working.
Pending
There was an average of 946 properties pending last week, with 434 of them being new construction. The average listed price of pending properties was $338,172, and the average days on the market was 4 days.
What do these numbers mean? We saw a steep drop last week in the number of pending properties, likely reflecting the decrease in listed inventory and homes closing escrow. Despite that, the average listed price for pending properties has remained consistent for several weeks now, as has the average days on the market. The average listed price on pending properties is considerably lower than the average listed price of active properties, showing that the homes that are going under contract are more competitively priced. And those properties are going under contract in just a matter of four days.
Sold
A total of 100 properties sold last week, for an average price of $377,348. Of those, 25 were new construction, coming in at an average price of $429,421. Our team sold 18 properties in the last 30 days so we have been very successful working with our buyers and sellers in negotiating contracts.
What do these numbers mean? The amount of sold properties, like pending properties, also fell significantly last week, likely reflecting the drop in listed inventory. Despite that, the average sold price increased significantly over the previous weeks. Similarly, the amount of new construction properties sold also decreased, but the average sales price also increased. With decreasing inventory, it isn’t surprising to see increasing prices, as less competition means sellers can list their homes higher. We’ll continue watching these trends to see if they continue in the following weeks.
So, what does all of this mean for you? For sellers, the market continues to be lucrative. Prices have remained steady, and with inventory dropping, you have the opportunity to list your home at a higher price. The average listed price of pending properties has increased over $10,000 since summer, showing that sellers are getting more for their homes now than they were earlier this year. And at an average of four days on the market, you won’t have to wait long to sell your home. If you’re interested in selling, or just curious what your home could be worth in today’s market, contact us for a free property valuation report!
As a buyer, the market isn’t nearly as scary as these numbers make it sound. Both listed and listed pending prices seem to have stabilized. We’re still seeing record-low interest rates, sitting right around 2.875% for conventional loans. The trickiest part of buying in the Tri-Cities is how fast the market is moving. With an average of just four days on the market for properties to go under contract, you have a very short window to decide whether or not to put an offer in. If you decide to wait until tomorrow to see a property you’re interested in, that property may not be available by the following morning. You’ll need to be quick, and have an agent that’s even quicker. Luckily for you, we’ve got those agents! Our Buyer’s Specialists are aggressive, experienced and eager to get you into your new dream home. If you’re thinking of buying, or want more information on the real estate market, contact our Buyer’s Specialists today!