Buyers Market Helps Premium Home Sales Soar

We previously reported how a shortage of inventory in the starter and trade-up home markets is driving prices up and causing bidding wars, creating a true seller’s market. At the same time, in the premium home market, an over-abundance of inventory has started to see prices come down and put buyers in the driver’s seat, creating the beginning of a buyer’s market.

Last week, the National Association of Realtors released their Existing Home Sales Report which shed some additional light on the impact of inventory levels on sales in each price range.

The chart below shows the year-over-year difference in sales at each price range.

The under $100K range has shown declines in recent years due to the shortage of distressed homes available for sale (just 5% of sales this past month, compared to 35% in January 2012). Sales in the next two price ranges are no doubt being hindered by low inventory as buyers compete for the same home.

NAR’s Chief Economist, Lawrence Yun, explained:

“Those able to close on a home last month are probably feeling both happy and relieved. Listings in the affordable price range are scarce, homes are coming off the market at an extremely fast pace and the prevalence of multiple offers in some markets are pushing prices higher.”

The biggest surprise? This is the first time in years where the $1M and up price range had the highest jump in sales when compared to last year and to all other price ranges (29.1%)! The two price ranges right underneath the $1M range were a close second and third. As the price went up, so did the sales!

With additional inventory available in the higher price ranges, and the economy improving, many luxury buyers are finding it easier to find their dream homes. Yun commented,

“The job market in most of the country is healthy and the recent downward trend in mortgage rates continues to keep buyer interest at a robust level.”

Bottom Line

If you are one of the many homeowners who is looking to sell your starter or trade up home and move up to a luxury home, now is the time!

See 66 homes for sale in this year’s Denver Parade of Homes

The Parade of Homes includes 66 newly-built homes throughout the Denver metro area, all of which are up for sale. The tour is self-guided, allowing potential buyers to browse whichever homes they want.

The 2017 Denver Parade of Homes kicks off Thursday, Aug. 10 and runs through Labor Day, Sept. 4.

Homes will be open on Thursdays, Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. through Labor Day.

Homes featured on the tour span a wide range of prices, from the $300,000 range up to several million dollars.

Click or tap the image above to see photos of some of the featured homes.

Organizers expect 100,000 people to attend this year’s event.

For more information on the Parade of Homes, log on to paradeofhomesdenver.com.