Existing-home sales grew for the second consecutive month in March, but lagging inventory levels and affordability constraints kept sales activity below year ago levels, according to the National Association of Realtors®.
Total existing-home sales1, https://www.nar.realtor/existing-home-sales, which are completed transactions that include single-family homes, townhomes, condominiums and co-ops, rose 1.1 percent to a seasonally adjusted annual rate of 5.60 million in March from 5.54 million in February. Despite last month’s increase, sales are still 1.2 percent below a year ago.
…”Although the strong job market and recent tax cuts are boosting the incomes of many households, speedy price growth is squeezing overall affordability in several markets – especially those out West,” said Lawrence Yun, NAR chief economist.
More resources and commentary:
- Existing-Home Sales Climb 1.1 Percent in March
- Housing Supply and Affordability are at Odds in Markets Across U.S.
- Editorial note: here are the affordability scores of our states:
California: 0.57
Oregon 0.60
Idaho 0.65
Washington: 0.68
