Declines in closed sales, though contract activity increases

OVERVIEW

The Baltimore Metro Area housing market performance was mixed in July.  While the number of closed sales decreased for all property segments from last year, all property segments had more new pending contracts than last year.  Closed sales for townhomes fell the most of the property segments, but also had the largest increase in new pending contracts.  The median sales price decreased by 3.1 percent from last July, driven by declines in single-family detached homes and townhomes.  But the median sales price remains higher than its July-levels in 2009 through 2012.  Inventory continues to rise and active listings reached their highest level of any month since November 2011.  However, the number of homes for sale remains low, at just 68.6 percent of its peak-level.

Inventory up 18.6 percent from May 2013

OVERVIEW

The Baltimore Metro Area continued the pattern of flat buyer activity in May.  Closed sales and new pending contracts were essentially unchanged from last May as closed sales increased by one sale and new pending contracts decreased by one contract.  But both were above their May-level 10-year averages.  Seller participation continues to increase and both active listings and new listings rose.  Active listings increased 18.7 percent, bringing the number of active listings to its highest level in over two years.