Weekly Market Report


For Week Ending October 10, 2020

According to a National Association of Home Builders analysis of Census Bureau data, the lot size of new construction homes is getting smaller. The median lot size for single-family homes sold in 2019 was 8,177 square feet, or .188 acres, its smallest on record. While lot sizes vary by region due to population density, the availability of land, and local regulations, shrinking lot sizes is one way to help partially offset the increasing costs of building a new home.

In the Twin Cities region, for the week ending October 10:

  • New Listings increased 12.4% to 1,705
  • Pending Sales increased 25.2% to 1,375
  • Inventory decreased 30.2% to 9,091

For the month of September:

  • Median Sales Price increased 10.8% to $310,000
  • Days on Market decreased 15.9% to 37
  • Percent of Original List Price Received increased 2.0% to 100.5%
  • Months Supply of Homes For Sale decreased 33.3% to 1.8

All comparisons are to 2019

Click here for the full Weekly Market Activity Report. From MAAR Market Data News.

Mortgage Rates Drop, Hitting Another All-Time Low

October 15, 2020
Low mortgage rates have become a regular occurrence in the current environment. As we hit yet another record low, the tenth record this year, many people are benefitting as refinance activity remains strong. However, it’s important to remember that not all people are able to take advantage of low rates given the effects of the pandemic.

Information provided by Freddie Mac.

Weekly Market Report


For Week Ending October 3, 2020

As the weather continues to cool, real estate activity slowly cools along with it. While buyer activity is following its normal seasonal trend lower, it remains substantially higher than the same time last year, continuing a months-long trend. Strong buyer demand continues to draw down the available inventory of homes for sale at a rapid pace, leaving buyers with fewer homes to choose from and many sellers with multiple offers.

In the Twin Cities region, for the week ending October 3:

  • New Listings increased 10.4% to 1,702
  • Pending Sales increased 19.1% to 1,493
  • Inventory decreased 29.7% to 9,234

For the month of August:

  • Median Sales Price increased 9.8% to $315,000
  • Days on Market decreased 4.9% to 39
  • Percent of Original List Price Received increased 1.3% to 100.3%
  • Months Supply of Homes For Sale decreased 30.8% to 1.8

All comparisons are to 2019

Click here for the full Weekly Market Activity Report. From MAAR Market Data News.

Mortgage Rates Remain Flat

October 8, 2020
The year-long slide in mortgage rates seems to be ending as rates have flattened over the last month and the economic rebound has slowed. But with near record low rates, buyer demand remains robust with strong first-time buyers coming into the market. The demand is particularly strong in more affordable regions of the country such as the Midwest, where home prices are accelerating at the highest rates over the last two decades.

Information provided by Freddie Mac.

Weekly Market Report


For Week Ending September 26, 2020

The Mortgage Bankers Association reported that the share of mortgages currently in forbearance dropped to 6.93% as of September 13, 2020, the 15th weekly decline in a row and its lowest level in five months. The share of mortgages in forbearance peaked in June at 8.55%. The continued decline is a positive sign, but current levels suggest many homeowners are still struggling from unemployment or underemployment due to the pandemic.

In the Twin Cities region, for the week ending September 26:

  • New Listings increased 11.2% to 1,747
  • Pending Sales increased 27.7% to 1,449
  • Inventory decreased 31.1% to 9,154

For the month of August:

  • Median Sales Price increased 9.8% to $315,000
  • Days on Market decreased 4.9% to 39
  • Percent of Original List Price Received increased 1.3% to 100.3%
  • Months Supply of Homes For Sale decreased 30.8% to 1.8

All comparisons are to 2019

Click here for the full Weekly Market Activity Report. From MAAR Market Data News.

Mortgage Rates Decrease

October 1, 2020
As a result of low mortgage rates that have stayed under three percent since July, the housing market has seen a strong, upward trajectory during a very uncertain time. We’re seeing potential home buyers who now have more purchasing power and many current homeowners who have the option to refinance their loan for a better rate. However, several factors could disrupt this activity including high home prices, low inventory and lender capacity.

Information provided by Freddie Mac.