The Hilton Head Homes Blog

The three most prominent national market trends for residential real estate are the ongoing lack of abundant inventory, the steadily upward movement of home prices and year-over-year declines in home sales. Sales declines are a natural result of there being fewer homes for sale, but higher prices often indicate higher demand leading to competitive bidding. Markets are poised for increased supply, so there is hope that more sellers will take advantage of what appears to be a ready and willing buyer base.

• New Listings were up 19.5 percent to 650. Pending Sales increased 14.0 percent to 441. Inventory shrank 7.0 percent to 2,100 units.
• Prices moved higher as Median Sales Price was up 12.2 percent to $314,200. Days on Market decreased 13.7 percent to 145 days.
• Months Supply of Inventory was down 17.5 percent to 5.2 months, indicating that demand increased relative to supply.

In February, prevailing mortgage rates continued to rise. This has a notable impact on housing affordability and can leave consumers choosing between higher payments or lower-priced homes. According to the Mortgage Bankers Association, the average rate for 30-year fixed-rate mortgages with a 20 percent down payment that qualify for backing by Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac rose to its highest level since January 2014. A 4.5 or 4.6 percent rate might not seem high to those with extensive real estate experience, but it is newly high for many potential first-time home buyers. Upward rate pressure is likely to continue as long as the economy fares well.