Back in March 2017 (same time last year), the number of new listings on the market was 12,200 listing as compared to 11,559 listing in March 2018 which is a decrease of 641 listings or -5.3%. More concerning is the number of active listings was 22,246 listing in March 2017 as compared to 19,129 listings in March 2018 which is a decrease of 3,117 listings or -14.0%. In March 2016 there were 25,329 listing, in February 2015 there were 25,570 listings and in February 2014 there were 29,435 listing. As for the number of sold transactions, we had approximately the same number of transactions in March 2017 of 9,365 transactions as compared to 9,652 transactions in March 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 1.98 months in March 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 February or March as the buying season begins and with the low inventory of homes we can expect to continue to see the market appreciate. 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 March 2017 (12 months ago), the average days on market has decreased approximately -4.1% (down from last month) and the number of sold transaction has increased approximately +9.3% (up from last month).
Since January 2018 we have seen three sharp trends: The average days on market have decreased -5.3%, the number of sold transactions has increased +55.4% and months of inventory have decreased -49.2%. Should this trend continue throughout 2018 we can expect another year of appreciation above the national average in the Phoenix market. Historically, 19,129 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 appreciation 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
