Back in April 2017 (same time last year), the number of new listings on the market was 10,518 listing as compared to 10,804 listing in March 2018 which is only an increase of 286 listings. More concerning is the number of active listings was 21,682 listing in April 2017 as compared to 18,928 listings in April 2018 which is a decrease of -2,754 listings or -12.7%. In April 2016 there were 25,169 listing, in April 2015 there were 24,965 listings and in April 2014 there were 29,308 listing. As for the number of sold transactions, we had fewer transactions in April 2017 of 8, 833 transactions as compared to 9,182 transactions in April 2018. Due to the lack of new listings and the high amount of transactions the months of inventory has gone from 3.9 months in January 2018 to 2.06 months in April 2018.
The Phoenix Housing Market ended 2017 with an overall annual appreciation rate of approximately +9.0%. If inventory remain low throughout 2018 and a strong demand for housing continues we can expect the market to continue to appreciation above the national average. Historically, real estate prices don’t start to increase until March as the buying season begins and with the low inventory of homes the market has already appreciated 4.7% from an average sold price of $308,715 in February 2018 to $323,306 in April 2018. Another sign we are in a healthy market is the current percentage of foreclosures and short sales sold remains at only 1% of the total market. Since April 2017 (12 months ago), the average days on market has decreased approximately -7.1% (down from last month) and the number of sold transaction has increased approximately +6.3% (up from last month).
Since January 2018 we have seen three sharp trends: The average days on market have decreased -13.3%, the number of sold transactions has increased +47.8% and months of inventory have decreased -47.2%. Should this trend continue throughout 2018 we can expect another year of appreciation above the national average in the Phoenix real estate market. Historically, 18,928 homes for sale represent the lowest number of homes this market has seen for over a decade. This low number of homes for sale indicates we are in a seller’s market (low supply and increased demand). Property owners are not putting their homes on the market because they are holding off to accumulate additional equity from the market. Hopefully, this roller coaster will come to a slow end instead of everyone wanting to put their homes on the market at the same time.
Real estate prices will continue to increase and interest rates are planned to increase in 2018 so if you are thinking about buying a home this year will be the time to buy before you get priced out of the market. Give us a call to discuss your best buying or selling strategy, TODAY!!
Position Realty
Office: 480-213-5251
