Nationwide the 2022 real estate market begins where 2021 left off, in which existing home sales reached their highest level since 2006, with the National Association of REALTORS® reporting sales were up 8.5% compared to the previous year as homebuyers rushed to take advantage of historically low mortgage rates. Home sales would’ve been even greater were it not for soaring sales prices and a shortage of homes for sale in many markets, forcing a multitude of buyers to temporarily put their home purchase plans on hold. In Washtenaw County, new Listings decreased 21.0 percent for Single Family homes but increased 14.1 percent for Townhouse/Condo homes. Pending Sales increased 34.3 percent for Single Family homes and 39.4 percent for Townhouse/Condo homes. Inventory decreased 54.8 percent for Single Family homes and 50.7 percent for Townhouse/Condo homes.
Median Sales Price increased 12.1 percent to $336,150 for Washtenaw County Single Family homes but decreased 0.6 percent to $233,500 for Townhouse/Condo homes. Days on Market increased 5.3 percent for Single Family homes but decreased 11.9 percent for Townhouse/Condo homes. Months Supply of Inventory decreased 56.3 percent for Single Family homes and 59.3 percent for Townhouse/Condo homes. For many buyers, 2022 marks a new opportunity to make their home purchase dreams a reality. But it won’t be without its challenges. Inventory of existing homes was at 910,000 at the start of the new year, the lowest level recorded since 1999, according to the National Association of REALTORS®, and competition remains fierce. Affordability continues to decline, as inflation, soaring sales prices, and surging mortgage interest rates reduce purchasing power. The sudden increase in rates and home prices means buyers are paying significantly more per month compared to this time last year, which may cause sales to slow as more buyers become priced out of the market.
Courtesy of the Ann Arbor Area Board of Realtors.