NVBR Market Reports are sponsored
by the North Country Federal Credit Union

January started off strong for the housing market, with healthy buyer demand and strong market fundamentals. A robust increase in housing starts in December points to an active year for new construction, but higher material costs, especially lumber, and a limited supply of buildable lots will temper the number of new units.

New Listings decreased 14.6 percent for single-family homes and 41.3 percent for townhouse-condo properties. Pending Sales increased 8.0 percent for singlefamily homes but decreased 18.6 percent for townhouse-condo properties. Inventory decreased 56.7 percent for single-family homes and 65.4 percent for townhouse-condo properties.

The Median Sales Price was up 6.9 percent to $339,000 for single-family homes but decreased 9.4 percent to $234,750 for townhouse-condo properties. Days on Market decreased 44.3 percent for single-family homes and 27.8 percent for townhouse-condo properties. Months Supply of Inventory decreased 57.1 percent for single-family homes and 65.0 percent for townhouse-condo properties.

The Mortgage Bankers Association’s January research estimates approximately 2.7 million homeowners with mortgages are currently in forbearance plans. Some of these homes may eventually come to market, but given the strong appreciation in most market segments in recent years, these eventual home sales are likely to be mostly traditional sellers. However, a modest increase in short sales and foreclosures at some point this year would not be surprising.

Monthly Statistics by Town and County