From colder-than-average temperatures to a record-breaking snow storm, this spring has been anything but normal. While those searching for homes have seen more options since January or February, they’re still seeing fewer options compared to last year. That’s capped sales activity—particularly at the entry-level prices—and the lack of inventory combined with rising prices is encouraging some sellers to hold onto their properties.

In March, sellers listed 17.5 percent fewer homes on the market—the fifth consecutive month of declines compared to a year ago. Largely due to the shortage, closed sales declined 10.3 percent compared to the year prior. For-sale housing inventory was 26.1 percent lower than March 2017, the largest decline in over a year. This shortage has created a competitive environment where multiple offers and homes selling for over list price have become more common.

Sellers are receiving strong offers close to their original list price quickly, which can sometimes frustrate home buyers. New construction closed sales rose 13.1 percent compared to last March. Although single family homes made up about 74.0 percent of all sales, townhomes have enjoyed more resilient demand lately. Similarly, previously-owned homes made up about 89.0 percent of sales but new construction showed a much stronger increase in pending and closed purchase activity.

“We’re seeing some early evidence that the seller’s market could be starting to shift toward a balanced market,” said Kath Hammerseng, President of the Minneapolis Area Association of REALTORS® (MAAR), “When it comes to the long-term health of the housing market, that’s very much a good thing.”

March 2018 by the Numbers (compared to a year ago)

• Sellers listed 6,737 properties on the market, a 17.5 percent decrease
• Buyers closed on 3,978 homes, a 10.3 percent decrease
• Inventory levels for March fell 26.1 percent compared to 2017 to 8,289 units
• Months Supply of Inventory was down 22.7 percent to 1.7 months
• The Median Sales Price rose 9.8 percent to $258,000, a record high for March
• Cumulative Days on Market declined 21.9 percent to 57 days, on average (median of 22)
• Changes in Sales activity varied by market segment:
  • Single family sales fell 9.8 percent; condo sales declined 10.0 percent; townhome sales shrank 9.6 percent
  • Traditional sales fell 7.5 percent; foreclosure sales decreased 39.3 percent; short sales fell 47.3 percent
  • Previously-owned sales fell 11.4 percent; new construction sales rose 13.1 percent

“Prices continue to rise while market times remain brisk,” said Todd Urbanski, President-Elect of MAAR. “This spring market is shaping to be more buyer-friendly than last year, it’s still a great time to get properties listed.”