Understanding Existing-Home Sales: What It Means for You

Ever wonder how the real estate market is really doing? One key indicator is the “Existing-Home Sales” report. But what exactly is it, and why should you care? We break it down in this blog article.

What Are Existing-Home Sales, Anyway?

Basically, this report tells us how many previously owned homes were sold nation wide each month. It’s not about brand new construction; it’s about homes that have already been lived in. The National Association of Realtors (NAR) puts out this data around the 25th of each month, giving us a snapshot of the market’s health.

Think of it this way: when you buy a used car, that’s a “used car sale.” Similarly, when you buy a house someone else has already owned, that’s an “existing-home sale.” And since most home sales are for existing homes (over 90%), this report gives us a pretty good picture of the overall housing market.

Where Does This Data Come From?

NAR gathers info from real estate boards and multiple listing services (MLSs) across the country, covering a huge chunk of the market. They then break it down by region: Northeast, South, Midwest, and West. This helps us see how different parts of the country are performing.

Why Does This Data Matter?

• Market Trends: This report helps us understand if the housing market is heating up or cooling down. Are more homes selling? Are prices rising or falling? This is crucial for anyone thinking of buying or selling.
• Seasonal Shifts: You might notice more homes selling in the spring and summer. That’s normal! The report accounts for these seasonal changes, giving us a clearer view of the underlying market trends.
• Pricing Insights: The report provides median home prices, which are a better reflection of what’s actually happening than average prices. It tells us the price point where half of the homes sold for more, and half sold for less.
• For Real Estate Professionals: For realtors, this data is invaluable. It helps them advise clients, understand market conditions, and advocate for housing policies.
• National Impact: This data is widely reported in the news and influences policy decisions in Washington D. It’s a key indicator of the overall economy.

Why the “Seasonally Adjusted” Numbers?

You’ll often hear about “seasonally adjusted” sales figures. That’s because home sales naturally fluctuate throughout the year. To get a true sense of the market’s direction, economists remove these seasonal ups and downs. This way, we can see the real trends, not just the effects of the weather.

In Simple Terms:

Essentially, this report is a vital tool for anyone interested in the housing market. It gives us a clear, data-driven picture of what’s happening, helping us make informed decisions. Whether you’re a buyer, seller, or simply interested in the economy, understanding existing-home sales is key.

Here’s a breakdown of the key information from the National Association of Realtors (NAR):

• January Sales Decline:
  • Existing-home sales experienced a 4.9% decrease from December, reaching a seasonally adjusted annual rate of 4.08 million.  
• Median Home Price Increase:
  • The median existing-home sales price rose to $396,900, marking a 4.8% increase from January of the previous year. This is the 19th consecutive month of year-over-year price growth.  
• Inventory Increase:
  • The inventory of unsold existing homes increased by 3.5% from December, totaling 1.18 million units.  
• Key Factors:
  • NAR Chief Economist Lawrence Yun highlighted that “Mortgage rates have refused to budge for several months despite multiple rounds of short-term interest rate cuts by the Federal Reserve. When combined with elevated home prices, housing affordability remains a major challenge.”  

To sum this all up, while sales dipped in January, home prices continue to climb, and inventory is showing signs of improvement. But, affordability remains a significant hurdle due to persistent mortgage rates.  

The latest NAR data, with its 4.9% drop in existing-home sales alongside rising median prices and increased inventory, has some distinct implications for home staging.

Key Takeaways for Home Staging:

• Increased Competition:
  • With more homes on the market (increased inventory), sellers face greater competition. This makes effective staging even more critical to stand out. A staged home can create a memorable and positive impression, distinguishing it from the competition.
• Emphasis on Value:
  • With rising median prices, buyers are increasingly price-sensitive. Staging should highlight the home’s value and justify the asking price. This means focusing on key selling points and minimizing any perceived flaws.
• Creating a Move-In Ready Experience:
  • In a market where affordability is a concern, buyers are looking for homes that require minimal additional investment. Staging should create a “move-in ready” feel, demonstrating that the home is well-maintained and requires little to no immediate work.
• Targeting Buyer Preferences:
  • Understanding buyer demographics and preferences in the specific market is crucial. Staging should be tailored to appeal to the target buyer, whether it’s a young family, first-time buyer, or downsizing retiree.
• Online Presence is Paramount:
  • With the majority of buyers beginning their home search online, high-quality photos and virtual tours of staged homes are essential. Staging should be photogenic and create a compelling online presence.
• Addressing Affordability Concerns:
  • Because of the higher prices and mortgage rates, staging can help a smaller home feel larger, or a less updated home feel more modern. Staging can help buyers envision how they can make the home work for their needs.
• Highlighting Key Features:
  • If a home has desirable features, like a renovated kitchen or a spacious outdoor area, staging should emphasize these selling points.

In essence:

In a market with fluctuating sales and rising prices, professional staging can be a powerful tool for sellers. It can help attract buyers, justify the asking price, and ultimately lead to a faster and more profitable sale.

Please reach out to us at 248-591-4290 or fill out our contact us form for any questions you may have!