Tag: charleston real estate update

Every market is unique, yet the national sentiment has given rise to the notion that housing markets are stalling. Although desirous buyers are out on an increasing number of showings, there remains a limited number of desirable listings. And although mortgage rates have remained enticingly low, home prices have reached unaffordable levels for many new entrants into the housing pool at exactly the same time that established owners are proving to be less interested in moving.

Last year at this time, the national storyline was about how high demand was propping up sales and prices despite low inventory and months of supply. That has actually continued to be a familiar refrain for many months in 2017 and now for the past couple of years. But with the likes of Hurricanes Harvey and Irma, different employment outlooks, disparate incomes, varying new construction expectations and potential housing policy shifts, regional differences are becoming more prevalent and pronounced.

Closed Sales  -12.6% |  Median Sales Price  +5.5% | Months Supply  -20.9%

Market Statistics by Area

There has been a general slowdown in sales across the country, and this cannot be blamed on negative economic news. Unemployment remains low and wage growth, though nothing to overly celebrate, has held steady or increased for several years in a row. There is strong demand for home buying, emphasized by higher prices and multiple offers on homes for sale in many submarkets. As has been the case for month after month – and now year after year – low inventory is the primary culprit for any sales malaise rather than lack of offers.

Market Statistics by Area

We can comfortably consider the first quarter to have been a good start for residential real estate in 2017. There was certainly plenty to worry over when the year began. Aside from new national leadership in Washington, DC, and the policy shifts that can occur during such transitions, there was also the matter of continuous low housing supply, steadily rising mortgage rates and ever-increasing home prices. Nevertheless, sales have held their own in year-over-year comparisons and should improve during the busiest months of the real estate sales cycle.

The U.S. economy has improved for several quarters in a row, which has helped wage growth and retail consumption increase in year-over-year comparisons. Couple that with an unemployment rate that has been holding steady or dropping both nationally and in many localities, and consumer confidence is on the rise. As the economy improves, home sales tend to go up. It isn’t much more complex than that right now. Rising mortgage rates could slow growth eventually, but rate increases should be thought of as little more than a byproduct of a stronger economy and stronger demand.

Daniel Island  |  Downtown Charleston  |  Folly Beach

Greater North Charleston  |  Kiawah Island  |  Johns Island

James Island  |  Isle of Palms/Wild Dunes  |  Lower Mount Pleasant

West Ashley  |  Upper Mount Pleasant  |  Upper Charleston Peninsula

Sullivans Island   |  Seabrook Island

According to preliminary data released today by the Charleston Trident Association of Realtors® (CTAR) 1,243 homes sold in November in the region at a median price of $243,000. In November 2015, 1,039 homes sold at a median price of $247,000.

Market Stats through November 2016

As we evaluate the final quarter of 2016 (so far), not much has changed since the year began. Market predictions have been, in a word, predictable. A relatively comfortable pace of activity has been maintained thanks to continuing low unemployment and mortgage rates. The one basic drag on market acceleration has been inventory decline, and there is little to indicate that the low inventory situation will resolve anytime soon.

Market Stats through October 2016

As anticipated at the outset of the year, demand has remained high through the first three quarters of 2016, propping up sales and prices despite heavy reductions in inventory and months of supply across the country. With rental prices and employment opportunities in a consistent climb, year-over-year increases in home buying are probable for the rest of the year but not guaranteed.

Market Stats through September 2016

Market Stats through August 2016

According to preliminary data released by the Charleston Trident Association of Realtors®, there has been a  2.8% decrease in sales volume and 1.5% growth in median price, comparing last July to this July.  Inventory has declined by 22% over the last 12-month period, with 5,335 homes listed as “active” for sale in the Charleston Trident Multiple Listing Service (CTMLS) as of July 31.

“The sales dip can be attributed to several factors. The current lack of inventory is certainly a major reason. Over the last 3 years, sales have peaked in June and this year is no exception,” said 2016 CTAR President Michael Sally. “The year-to-date numbers are strong, and a sign of steady growth. We should see similar, sustainable numbers over the next few months.”

Market Stats through July 2016