by Geoff Ramsey, president, Greater Chattanooga Realtors
The booming U.S. economy continues to prop up home sales and new listings in much of the nation, although housing affordability remains a concern. Historically, housing is still relatively affordable. Although Freddie Mac recently reported that the 30-year fixed rate is at its highest average in seven years, reaching 4.94 percent, average rates were 5.97 percent ten years ago, 6.78 percent 20 years ago and 10.39 percent 30 years ago. Nevertheless, affordability concerns are causing a slowdown in home price growth in some markets, while price reductions are becoming more common.
New Listings in the Chattanooga region decreased 6.3 percent to 849, and despite this drop New Listings are up 3.1 percent year-to-date.
Pending Sales were up 1.5 percent to 678. Inventory levels shrank 5.9 percent to 2,889 units.
Prices continued to gain traction. The Median Sales Price increased 6.2 percent to $190,000. Days on Market was down 14.0 percent to 49 days. Sellers were encouraged as Months Supply of Inventory was down 7.9 percent to 3.5 months.
The Bureau of Labor Statistics recently reported that the national unemployment rate was at 3.7 percent. Low unemployment has helped the housing industry during this extensive period of U.S. economic prosperity. Home buying and selling activity relies on gainful employment. It also relies on demand, and
builders are showing caution by breaking ground on fewer single family home construction projects in the face of rising mortgage rates and fewer showings.