Amidst the backdrop of familiar challenges echoing those of the preceding year, the real estate landscape of the first quarter remained resilient, exhibiting signs of positive momentum and promising trajectories. Despite persistent factors such as low inventory and elevated mortgage rates keeping home prices aloft, encouraging developments in the first quarter provide optimism for the spring market. Notably, a 14.3% quarter-over-quarter increase in signed contracts, accompanied by a 2.2% increase from the previous year, injected optimism into the sector. Contract signed sales volume saw an increase of 8.1% from the previous year and 22.0% from the last quarter, driven significantly by the signing of 12 contracts valued at $20 million or more, predominantly within the new construction projects. Sales experienced a modest decline of 7.7% year over year and 10.8% quarter over quarter. The average price of sales declined 4.7%, while the median climbed 3.1%. Encouragingly, although new listings observed an 8.5% decline compared to the prior year, a substantial 34% increase from the previous quarter buoyed hopes. While total inventory continues to hover at low levels, a notable 5% increase from the previous year provides a glimmer of optimism, signaling potential shifts on the horizon. Despite the headwinds that faced the market, more listings entering the market and a recent surge in contract activity suggests momentum building and brighter prospects ahead.
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