Existing Home Sales are at their highest levels in over 2 years, according to an October report published by the National Association of REALTORS (NAR). Fueled by increased activity among first time home buyers, the existing housing market has shown gains in five of the last six months. Based on the recent 9.4 percent increase from August to September, NAR is predicting annual sales volume of 5.57 million units for 2009, up from the earlier prediction of 5.10 million units.
Buyers are taking advantage of low interest rates and a first time buyers tax credit available through the end of November. “Much of the momentum is from people responding to the first-time buyer tax credit, which is freeing many sellers to make a trade and buy another home,” said Lawrence Yun, NAR chief economist.
Total housing inventory is trending down across the country, reaching its lowest level in two and a half years. Inventory fell to 3.6 million homes available for sale at the end of September. This represents a 7.8 month supply at our current sales pace. “If we could continue to absorb inventory at this pace, home prices would return to normal, modest appreciation patterns next year,” Yun said.
Anne Arundel County figures for October 2009 are shown below.
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Source: Metropolitan Regional Information Systems, Inc. – MLS Resale Data
Copyright 2009
– Information deemed reliable, but is not guaranteed.
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