In June, both the state of Minnesota and the Twin Cities metro experienced a notable 20% increase in home listings. This surge has subsequently led to a modest uptick in buyer activity, as detailed in recent reports from state and local Realtors associations. This rise in listings has significantly impacted inventory levels across the state and metro areas.
Impact on Inventory Levels
The increase in home listings has boosted inventory levels throughout Minnesota to just over 12,400 homes, translating to about 2.2 months of supply, according to a report from Minnesota Realtors. In the Twin Cities metro area, the joint report by the Minneapolis Area Realtors and St. Paul Area Association of Realtors indicates an inventory of just above 7,700 units, or approximately 2 months of supply. This increase signals the arrival of the spring market but does not necessarily mean a drop in home prices.
Market Prices and Influences
Despite the increase in inventory, the cost of buying homes has continued to rise. The median sale price in the Twin Cities metro saw a 4.1% increase, climbing from $369,900 last year to $385,250. Statewide, the median price for a home rose 4.5%, from $335,000 to $350,000. According to Minnesota Realtor President Geri Theis, the reasons for rising prices include a slight dip in interest rates and persistently low inventory levels, compelling buyers to make higher bids to secure homes. This anticipates that prices may not increase as rapidly, depending on various market factors.
Regional Inventory and Market Balance
In some parts of Greater Minnesota, inventory levels are approaching a balanced market, characterized by four to six months of supply. For example, the West Central Region has 3.7 months of inventory, the Upper Minnesota Valley Region has 3.4 months, and the Northwest Region has 4.1 months. In contrast, the Twin Cities metro requires around 20,000 active listings to achieve a balanced market. According to MAR President Jamar Hardy, although the market is undersupplied, creating an advantage for sellers, both buyers and sellers can still meet their needs, even if not all their wants are fulfilled.
Sales Trends in Twin Cities Metro
Single-family home prices in the Twin Cities metro average around $425,000, while condos and townhomes are priced at approximately $217,000 and $312,000, respectively. Notably, condo sales in the region have surged by 25.5% compared to last year, with single-family homes and townhomes also seeing increases of 9.3% and 1.2%, respectively. This trend highlights the dynamic nature of the Twin Cities real estate market, influenced by various factors and continually evolving buyer preferences.