Existing Homes Fall 1.5% in December, Marking 11th Month of Declines

Existing Homes Fall 1.5% in December, Marking 11th Month of Declines

Sales of existing homes slid 1.5% in December, somewhat better than expected but the 11th straight month of decline, the National Association of Realtors said on

Sales of existing homes slid 1.5% in December, somewhat better than expected but the 11th straight month of decline, the National Association of Realtors said on

Friday. The number was better than estimates of a 3.4% drop and brings the annual rate of home sales just a hair above 4 million. Sales are now down 34% from year-ago

Friday. The number was better than estimates of a 3.4% drop and brings the annual rate of home sales just a hair above 4 million. Sales are now down 34% from year-ago

levels. “December was another difficult month for buyers, who continue to face limited inventory and high mortgage rates,” said NAR Chief Economist Lawrence Yun. “However,

levels. “December was another difficult month for buyers, who continue to face limited inventory and high mortgage rates,” said NAR Chief Economist Lawrence Yun. “However,

expect sales to pick up again soon since mortgage rates have markedly declined after peaking late last year.” Prices, meanwhile, were slightly higher with the median

expect sales to pick up again soon since mortgage rates have markedly declined after peaking late last year.” Prices, meanwhile, were slightly higher with the median

selling price of $366,900 coming in at 2.3% above a year ago. Housing has taken it on the chin since the Federal Reserve began raising interest rates in earnest last year

selling price of $366,900 coming in at 2.3% above a year ago. Housing has taken it on the chin since the Federal Reserve began raising interest rates in earnest last year

to bring down inflation. The Fed meets Jan. 31 to Feb. 1 and is widely expected to hike rates again, most likely by a quarter percentage point. Recently, top Fed officials have

to bring down inflation. The Fed meets Jan. 31 to Feb. 1 and is widely expected to hike rates again, most likely by a quarter percentage point. Recently, top Fed officials have

sounded the message they are not finished with raising rates. Mortgage rates have doubled over the past year, although there has been some relief of late. While that

sounded the message they are not finished with raising rates. Mortgage rates have doubled over the past year, although there has been some relief of late. While that

directly affects the ability of would-be homeowners to afford a new home, it has also kept sellers on the sidelines as they may have mortgages with rates at or below 3% and so be

directly affects the ability of would-be homeowners to afford a new home, it has also kept sellers on the sidelines as they may have mortgages with rates at or below 3% and so be

less eager to move. “Most homeowners still have a significant equity cushion that should give them a good number of options if they are contemplating a sale,” Danielle

less eager to move. “Most homeowners still have a significant equity cushion that should give them a good number of options if they are contemplating a sale,” Danielle

Hale, Realtor.com chief economist, said ahead of the report’s release.

Hale, Realtor.com chief economist, said ahead of the report’s release.