Note: August 2018 data below are the most recent released by the National Association of Realtors.

Existing-home sales remained steady in August after four straight months of decline, according to the National Association of Realtors®. Sales gains in the Northeast and Midwest canceled out downturns in the South and West. 

Total existing-home sales (transactions including single-family homes, townhomes, condominiums and co-ops) did not change from July and remained at a seasonally adjusted rate of 5.34 million in August. Sales are now down 1.5 percent from a year ago (5.42 million in August 2017).  

NAR's chief economist, Lawrence Yun said the decline in existing home sales appears to have hit a plateau with robust regional sales. “Strong gains in the Northeast and a moderate uptick in the Midwest helped to balance out any losses in the South and West, halting months of downward momentum,” he said. “With inventory stabilizing and modestly rising, buyers appear ready to step back into the market.”

The median existing-home price in the U.S. in August was was $264,800, up 4.6 percent from August 2017 ($253,100). August’s price increase marks the 78th straight month of year-over-year gains. 

Total U.S. housing inventory at August's end remained unchanged from July at 1.92 million existing homes available for sale, and is up from 1.87 million a year ago. Unsold inventory is at a 4.3-month supply at the current sales pace, consistent from last month and up from 4.1 months a year ago.  

Individual markets vary, but properties nationwide remained on the market for 29 days in August, up from 27 days in July but down from 30 days a year ago. Fifty-two percent of homes sold in August were on the market for less than a month.  

Per Freddie Mac data, the average commitment rate for a 30-year, conventional, fixed-rate mortgage increased to 4.55 percent in August from 4.53 percent in July. The average commitment rate for all of 2017 was 3.99 percent. 

Smart sellers understand that a proactive selling strategy can go a long way in getting their home sold quickly, and for top dollar. Here are three tips for today’s sellers:

1. Make your home shine. Buyers like to envision a home they can move right into. Clean carpets, fresh paint, and a nicely landscaped yard can go a long way to make perspective buyers feel at home.
    
2. Anticipate the selling season. Many sellers wait for the market to pick up before they place their home for sale, but smart sellers anticipate these seasonal adjustments and list their homes early in the sales cycle. Give yourself the best opportunity by placing your home on the market before everyone else does!
    
3. Price your home right. Markets change, so don't be influenced by last year's selling activity and home prices. We will evaluate your home based on the most recent sales data and price it to sell for the most money in the shortest amount of time.

Whether you're looking to sell today or are thinking of selling tomorrow, please feel free to call and ask for an analysis of our recent market activity. We would be more than happy answer any questions you might have.