November 2009 RMLS Market Action Recap

November 2009 RMLS Market Action Recap

Sales up, but in comparison to a dismal month last November

The big highlight this month for many areas is a large jump in closed sales compared to last November. Curry County posted a 141.7% increase and Portland and Clark County set records for percentage increases in same-month sales at 72.4% and 70.5%, respectively.

While these stats are obviously a good sign for market activity, continue to keep in mind that last year we were at the height of the economic crisis and we hit some of the lowest points in sales totals in recent years. So, yes, sales are way up compared to last year, but remember that we’re comparing it to unusually low sales totals.

Has the winter slowdown arrived?
Closed sales had been on the rise in many key areas month-to-month through October, but it appears that the winter slowdown has arrived. Compared to this October, pending and closed sales were down in most areas, including Columbia Basin, Douglas County, Lane County, the Mid-Columbia region,  Portland and Clark County.

Inventory up
Inventory ticked up in every area except Curry County and Union County, however, most areas are well below last year’s inventory levels thanks to fewer listings entering the market and higher sales totals. For example, Portland’s inventory stands at 7.1 months – 53% less than last November’s 15 months of inventory.

Supra Lockbox Activity – Updated Through December 6

Supra Lockbox Activity – Updated Through December 6

House Hunters Hit the Pavement After The Holiday

When comparing the week of November 30 through December 6 with the week prior, the number of times an RMLS™ subscriber opened a Supra lockbox increased 32.6% in Washington and 35.4% in Oregon.


Click the chart for a larger view

Archive
View an archive of the Supra lockbox statistical reports on Flickr.

Lockbox Activity Down Over Holiday

Lockbox Activity Down Over Holiday

House Hunters Take Break for Thanksgiving

When comparing the week of November 23-29 with the week prior, the number of times an RMLS™ subscriber opened a Supra lockbox decreased 24.8% in Washington and 31.7% in Oregon.


Click the chart for a larger view (Oregon, top; Washington, bottom)

Archive
View an archive of the Supra lockbox statistical reports on Flickr.