January Market Statistics

Despite a strong U.S. economy, historically low unemployment and steady wage growth, home sales began to slow across the nation late last year. What could be causing the slowdown? Economists point towards a combination of high prices and a steady stream of interest rate hikes by the Federal Reserve. In a move described as a patient approach to further rate changes, the Fed did not increase rates during January 2019. The lack of increase seems to be the Fed’s response to the growing affordability conundrum.

Nationally, home affordability will continue to set the tone for the 2019 housing market. Early signs point to an improving inventory situation including in several markets that are beginning to show regular year-over-year percentage increases. In Greater Chattanooga for January, New Listings increased 15.6 percent to 1,082.

As motivated sellers attempt to get a jump on annual goals, many new listings enter the market immediately after the turn of a calendar year. This is true nationally and here in the Chattanooga region. If home price appreciation falls more in line with wage growth, and rates can hold firm, consumer confidence and affordability are likely to improve.

While New Listings were up for January, inventory levels did see a slight decrease of 1.2 percent top 2,635 units. Pending Sales were up 9.3 percent to 796, which is an increase of 9.3% over last year.

As expected when inventory is low, prices continued to gain traction for January. The Median Sales Price increased 1.1 percent to $180,000, and the Average Sales Price increased 2% to $216,752. Days on Market was down 8.8 percent to 62 days.

Sellers were encouraged as Months Supply of Inventory was down 6.1 percent to 3.1 months. As we move toward Spring and the typical time the market sees more activity, we anticipate the 3.1 Months Supply of Inventory to improve. This increased activity will make our annual Open House Weekend on April 27th and 28th that much more exciting!