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December 2022 Housing Report

Inventory is up, but high interest rates continue to dampen activity
MINNEAPOLIS (January 11, 2023)
 — In December, closed sales fell almost 39% across the state compared to a year ago, marking 12 straight months of declines. New listings were 17% fewer than last year with 3,031 new properties coming on the market in December. With buyer demand slipping, homes were staying on the market longer, up 24.3% to 46 days. Sellers were accepting offers that averaged about 96% of the home’s original asking price. The overall number of homes for sale was up 15.3% compared to last year rising to 9,204 properties and putting a month and half of inventory in the pipeline, which is a 50% increase over December 2021. Despite decreased buyer activity, the median sales price notched up 1.7% to $305,000.“The overall trend in 2022 was a return to normal market conditions,” said Chris Galler, CEO of Minnesota Realtors. “Every year-over-year decline in closed sales we measured on a monthly basis was compared to the extraordinary activity of 2021. As we head into 2023, we’ll hopefully see declines level off, setting the stage for a healthy resurgence of sales in the spring. Interest rates, of course, remain a critical factor. As December closed, the rate on a 30-year mortgage rose to nearly 7%. By early January, it slipped to just over 6.5%. Still, potential buyers and sellers are wary, cautiously waiting to see which way the housing trends will go. Big picture: All the indicators show a market that has slowed but is fundamentally healthy and ready to resurge when inflation eases.” 

May be an image of text that says '9,204 Homes forSale for +15.3% vs Dec. 2021 $305,000 Median Sales Price 密 Minnesota Realtors® 1.7% vS Dec. 2021 Dec. 2022 Housing Report 4,444 Closed Sales 38.7% vs Dec. 2021 46 Days on Market 个 +24.3% vs Dec. 2021'


December year-over-year summary of key market indicators: 
 

  • Closed sales decreased 38.7% to 4,444 
  • Median sales price increased 1.7% to $305,000 
  • Average sales price increased 2.6% to $361,159 
  • New listings decreased 17.1% to 3,031 
  • Pending sales decreased 27.6% to 3,344 
  • Days on the market increased 24.3% to 46 days  
  • Homes for sale increased 15.3% to 9,204

% Change YOY in 2022 Statewide Closed Sales 

Month  Closed Sales
January -9.9% 
February -12.9% 
March -8.4%
April -10.9%
May -6.5%
June -13.7% 
July -19.2% 
August -17.0%
September -18.2% 
October -30.7%
November -35.3%
December -38.7%

Closed Home Sales Across Minnesota by Region

In December, closed sales declined in 12 regions compared to a year ago, bringing Minnesota’s average number of closed home sales down 38.7% year over year. The exception was the Upper MN Valley, which saw a 21.1% increase in closed sales. Otherwise, the smallest declines were seen in Southwest at 22.8%, Southwest Central at 25.4%, and Northwest at 30%. The largest declines were reported in South Central and East Central, each at 46.6%, and North Central at 47.3%. See the chart below for more details comparing closed home sales for December 2022 to December 2021.

The seven-county Twin Cities region comprises Anoka, Carver, Dakota, Hennepin, Ramsey, Scott and Washington counties. The official Minneapolis-St. Paul-Bloomington metropolitan statistical area recognized by the Census Bureau consists of 16 counties, on
which MAR & SPAAR local associations report. 

View full regional and county reports here. 

View statewide report here. 

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Downsizing

Honey, I Shrunk the House. . .

 By MNR News
Ready to chuck the clutter, chaos, and big fat mortgage? It might be time to “tinysize” your life
For a growing number of Minnesotans, downsizing is becoming “tinysizing.” Drawn by the promise of a simple, uncluttered life where possessions are pared down to essentials, these homeowners are investing in dwellings that average 186-square feet or less. Models of minimalism, the typical tiny house has a compact galley kitchen, a living area with a small couch, a bath and shower that’s not much bigger than an airline lavatory, and a loft with a bed.In a state where the average suburban home is at least 2,300 square feet, the idea of living in a house the size a large bathroom can be claustrophobic and stifling. But for the hundreds of Minnesotans now inhabiting tiny-home communities around the Twin Cities and Duluth, abandoning space and stuff is more than a fair trade for the freedom from big mortgages and the chores, maintenance, and expensive upkeep of larger homes. Tiny-house owners typically have more disposable income to indulge their passions, and tend to give more time and energy to their friends and communities.

“Tiny living isn’t just about tiny houses. Tiny living is about life simplification; about doing what makes you happy,” said Jenna Spenser, a filmmaker who regularly posts videos about the tiny-house lifestyle on her website, Tiny House Giant Journey. “I don’t work for my house, it works for me. . . . It’s not going to be a burden on you, like a lot of houses are. It’s going change your life. It’s going to help you reach your dreams. . . . And that’s what the tiny house movement is to me.”

Save, Steward, Simplify

Although priced dramatically lower than conventional homes, tiny houses are not cheap—at least not by the square foot. Recently, a 176-square-foot tiny house on wheels in Moorhead sold for $53,000—or about $300 a square foot. By contrast, a 2,300-square-foot home selling for $350,000 is closer to $150 a square foot. A lot of the expense comes from the high degree of customization for things like cabinetry, stairs, bathroom, water heaters, kitchen appliances, and other features. Still, because the overall cost is so low, nearly 70% of tiny-home owners do not have a mortgage. And those that do are able to pay them off within a few years as opposed to decades.

Demographically, tiny-home owners skew older. Almost 40% of them are over 50, and more than half are women. They tend to be highly educated—twice as likely to have a master’s degree as the average homeowner. Many have owned conventional homes but downsized after raising children, divorcing, or the death of a spouse. Across all age groups, they are environmentally conscious and chose a tiny home in part to lower their carbon footprint and overall impact on the planet. And whether their homes are permanently anchored on concrete slabs or on wheels and ready to roll, tiny-home owners save enough on house-related expenses to travel more often than owners of conventional homes.

While saving money is a big plus, the urge to declutter and simplify is one of the driving forces behind the tiny-house movement. This is an especially big factor for women. In a study of married couples with children, the Journal of Personality and Social Psychology found that the burden of housework tends to fall unequally on women. Their overall stress was higher than that of their spouses, as measured by raised levels of cortisol, a hormone released by adrenal glands. Clutter, and the cleaning projects associated with it, played a large role in anxiety and unhappiness.

Do Your Research

For Minnesotans who want to toss the clutter, ditch the big mortgage, and go tiny, there are several factors to consider. First, check out the building and zoning codes in the community you would like to live. Some cities do not allow tiny homes, and others impose tight restrictions on where the homes can be placed. Duluth and St. Paul recently changed zoning laws to allow tiny houses.

Minnesota law favors tiny houses that are built on site, attached to a foundation, and intended to be permanent. In official parlance, they are classified as accessory dwelling units (ADUs). By contrast, tiny homes mounted on wheels are designated as recreational vehicles. Strict laws in many Minnesota communities often make it illegal to park such dwellings, even if you own the land. One exception is The Sanctuary Minnesota Village, a privately owned parcel where owners of tiny houses on wheels can lease parking spaces.

ADUs must meet all the building codes for normal dwellings, plus additional requirements for safety and habitability. This includes minimum sizes for bathrooms, kitchens, and loft areas; openings for emergency escapes and rescues; and specific codes for electric, plumbing, and mechanicals. Learn more by visiting the Tiny House Guide to Minnesota.

If you’ve been thinking about going tiny but aren’t ready to make the big move, you can taste the minimalist lifestyle by renting a tiny vacation getaway in Minnesota. Ultimately, while small spaces and less stuff might not be for everyone, there are elements of tiny-house philosophy that can bring more order, less clutter, and greater happiness to even the most palatial homes. As decluttering guru Marie Kondo advises in her book, The Life Changing Method of Tidying Up, if something doesn’t “spark joy,” get rid of it. Whether this perspective helps you clean out a closet or empty an entire house, it could mark the beginning of a fulfilling journey, no matter how tiny or great.

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November 2022 Housing Report

Higher interest rates create hesitancy in buyers and sellers
MINNEAPOLIS (December 12, 2022) 
The cooling trend in Minnesota’s housing market continued in November as closed sales fell 35.3% statewide compared to a year ago. New listings were down 17% below last year with 4,735 properties coming on the market. The median sales price was up nearly 2% to $310,000. As seen in recent months, sellers were receiving a little under their asking price, down 2.5% over November 2021. Homes sat on the market longer, an average of 40 days, marking a 21.2% increase. Because sales were moving slower, the total number of homes for sale across the state increased over 13% to 11,595. Overall, there was nearly two months’ supply of available housing inventory, a 38.5% increase over last November. 

“The declines in closed sales over the last few months indicate a return to more normal market conditions like those of 2020 and earlier,” said Chris Galler, CEO of Minnesota Realtors. “Still, with interest rates doubled from a year ago, and the median sales price ticking upward, housing affordability is a significant challenge for many buyers. They’re sidelined for now, hoping that rates and prices will come down. Potential sellers, on the other hand, are reluctant to enter a market with eroding buyer demand, and the prospect of higher interest rates when they purchase new homes. In December, however, there were signs that mortgage rates were beginning to cool. If the trend continues, it could have a stimulating effect as we move from winter to spring.” 

May be an image of text that says '11,595 Homes for Sale $310,000 Median Sales Price +13.3% vs Nov. 2021 Minnesota Realtors® 1.7% vs Nov. 2021 November 2022 Housing Report 5,128 Closed Sales -35.3% vS Nov. 2021 40 Days on Market +21.2% vs Nov. 2021'

November year-over-year summary of key market indicators:   

  • Closed sales decreased 35.3% to 5,128 
  • Median sales price increased 1.7% to $310,000 
  • Average sales price increased 4.5% to $367,886 
  • New listings decreased 17.1% to 4,735 
  • Pending sales decreased 38.7% to 4,117 
  • Days on the market increased 21.2% to 40 days  
  • Homes for sale increased 13.3% to 11,595 

Closed Home Sales Across Minnesota by Region

In November, closed sales declined in 12 regions compared to a year ago, bringing Minnesota’s average number of closed home sales down 35.3% year over year. Northwest, which saw a modest 2.3% gain in closed sales, was the only region to mark an increase. The smallest declines were seen in Headwaters at 15.8%, South Central at 20.9%, and Arrowhead at 22.7%. The largest declines were reported in Central at 39.9%, East Central at 42.9%, and Southwest at 48.3%. See the chart below for more details comparing closed home sales for November 2022 to November 2021.

The seven-county Twin Cities region comprises Anoka, Carver, Dakota, Hennepin, Ramsey, Scott, and Washington counties. The official Minneapolis-St. Paul-Bloomington metropolitan statistical area recognized by the Census Bureau consists of 16 counties, on which MAR & SPAAR local associations report. 

View full regional and county reports here. 

View statewide report here. 

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Congratulations Tracy Otoka Cushman!!

2022 Seven Star – Top 100 Member in Market

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October 2022 Housing Report

Buyers gain bargaining power as homes sit on market longer
MINNEAPOLIS (November 10, 2022) — As the selling season slowed in October, closed sales slipped almost 31% compared to a year ago. New listings also decreased, falling 19% below last year with 6,883 properties coming on the market. The median sales price was up nearly 4% to $320,000, although sellers were receiving slightly less than their asking price on average, down about 2% from October 2021. Homes were sitting on the market longer, up 20% to 36 days on average. Slower moving inventory pushed the number of homes for sale up 5.5% to over 13,000 properties across the state. Overall, there was two months’ supply of available housing inventory in October, up 25% over last year, marking the second straight month where inventory hit levels not seen since 2020. 

“The seemingly sharp decline in closed sales actually reflects a return to more normal seasonal market conditions after two years of unusually high activity,” said Chris Galler, CEO of Minnesota Realtors. “All the fundamentals remain strong, and the real estate market is robust. Of course, factors like inflation and climbing interest rates are impacting some consumers’ ability to purchase a home. This is especially true for first-time homebuyers. But overall, we’re seeing a normal shift for this time of year. As properties are priced properly for local market conditions, buyers are better positioned to negotiate and purchase a home. Higher inventory levels are opening more choices within a more affordable price range. If you’re ready to buy, this is a good time to enter the market.” 

May be an image of text that says '13,231 Homes for Sale $320,000 Median Sales Price 5.5% vS Oct. 2021 Minnesota Realtors® 3.8% vs Oct. 2021 October 2022 Housing Report 36 6,137 Closed Sales -30. -30.7% vS Oct. 2021 Days on Market 20.0% VS Oct. 2021'


October year-over-year summary of key market indicators: 
 

  • Closed sales decreased 30.7% to 6,137 
  • Median sales price increased 3.8% to $320,000 
  • Average sales price increased 5.6% to $374,990 
  • New listings decreased 19.1% to 6,883 
  • Pending sales decreased 33.5% to 5,373 
  • Days on the market increased 20.0% to 36 days  
  • Homes for sale increased 5.5% to 13,231 

Closed Home Sales Across Minnesota by Region 

In October, closed sales declined in all 13 regions compared to a year ago, bringing Minnesota’s average number of closed home sales down 30.7% year over year. The smallest declines were seen in Upper MN Valley at 7.3%, Arrowhead at 17.0%, and West Central at 17.1%. The largest declines were reported in Northwest at 34.6%, Headwaters at 37.3%, and Southwest Central at 37.8%. See the chart below for more details comparing closed home sales for October 2022 to October 2021.

The seven-county Twin Cities region comprises Anoka, Carver, Dakota, Hennepin, Ramsey, Scott, and Washington counties. The official Minneapolis-St. Paul-Bloomington metropolitan statistical area recognized by the Census Bureau consists of 16 counties, on which MAR & SPAAR local associations report. 

View full regional and county reports here. 

View statewide report here. 

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Housing Market Shifting

The US housing market is firmly in a state of “correction” with home prices and inventory levels shifting across the country. Experts expect these shifts to continue in the fourth quarter of the year, which is a traditionally slow time for real estate transactions. But there are silver linings. Despite higher mortgage rates, buyers can take heart in increasing home inventory and fewer bidding wars. For sellers, realistic home pricing continues to be key to success. What else should you expect from the market for the rest of 2022? Find out here. #HousingMarketMonday https://bit.ly/36Cws1S

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September 2022 Housing Report

Properties sitting longer as interest rates rise; bidding wars ease
MINNEAPOLIS (October 12, 2022) — In September, a cooling trend continued as closed sales were down 18.2% compared to a year ago. New listings also decreased, slipping 17% below last year with 8,384 properties coming on the market. The median sales price was up 4.8% to almost $325,000, although sellers were receiving slightly less than their asking price on average, down about 2% from September 2021. Homes were sitting on the market longer, up more than 18% to 32 days on average. Slower moving inventory nudged the number of homes for sale up 2.1% to nearly 14,000 properties across the state. Overall, there was two months’ supply of available housing inventory in September, up 17.6% over last year and also marks the highest level of inventory since 2020.“The slower market activity we’re seeing is the result of several factors,” said Chris Galler, CEO of Minnesota Realtors. “Interest rates on a 30-year fixed mortgage passed 7% in late September, making it more difficult for buyers to enter the market. This is especially true for first-time buyers. Inflationary pressures in the wider economy are also impacting buyers’ bank accounts. These factors are heightening the normal decline we see in the fall. However, it’s important to recognize that the market is still strong, and that sellers are getting offers with good terms when properties are priced accurately for local conditions. Bidding wars are over, and buyers are better positioned to negotiate for a home that might have been out of reach only a few months ago.”

May be an image of text that says '13,828 Homes for Sale $324,900 Median Sales Price 2.1% vs Sept. 2021 Minnesota Realtors® 4.8% vs Sept. 2021 September 2022 Housing Report 7,501 Closed Sales 18.2% vs Sept. 2021 32 Days on Market 18.5% vS Sept. 2021'

September year-over-year summary of key market indicators:

  • Closed sales decreased 18.2% to 7,501
  • Median sales price increased 4.8% to $324,900
  • Average sales price increased 6.8% to $378,231
  • New listings decreased 17.0% to 8,384
  • Pending sales decreased 26.9% to 5,969
  • Days on the market increased 18.5% to 32 days
  • Homes for sale increased 2.1% to 13,828

Closed Home Sales Across Minnesota by Region

In September, closed sales declined in 10 out of 13 regions compared to a year ago, bringing Minnesota’s average number of closed home sales down 18.2% year over year. Three regions reported increases: Upper MN Valley at 7.3%, Southwest at 6.1%, and Northwest at 2%. The smallest declines were seen in Southwest Central at 3.1%, North Central at 3.7%, and Arrowhead at 3.8%. The largest declines were reported in East Central at 17.3%, Central at 20.7%, and 7-County Twin Cities at 23.6%. See the chart below for more details comparing closed home sales for September 2022 to September 2021.

The seven-county Twin Cities region comprises Anoka, Carver, Dakota, Hennepin, Ramsey, Scott and Washington counties. The official Minneapolis-St. Paul-Bloomington metropolitan statistical area recognized by the Census Bureau consists of 16 counties, on
which MAR & SPAAR local associations report
.View full regional and county reports here.

View statewide report here.

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August 2022 Housing Report

Interest rates and inflation give buyers pause

MINNEAPOLIS (September 13, 2022) — In August, closed sales were down 17% compared to a year ago, with 8,256 transactions across the state. New listings followed the cooling trend, falling 17.9% compared to last August even as the total number of homes for sale increased by 2% to 13,271. This bumped up the supply of homes on the market to 1.9 months, an 18.8% gain over last year. Although the median sales price increased 4.4% to $330,000, sellers were receiving slightly less than their asking price, down 2.2% to 99.3%. Homes were sitting longer, too, with days on the market averaging 29 days, up 7.4% from August 2021.

“The trend toward more normal market conditions continued in August, signaling a more buyer-friendly environment,” said Chris Galler, CEO of Minnesota Realtors. “Although homes with desirable features in an affordable price range are still fueling competition, the frantic ‘drive-by buying’ of a year ago is over. With an increasing supply of properties to choose from, buyers are becoming more thoughtful and discerning, and less likely to rush a purchase. Rising interest rates and the broader inflationary environment has also dampened activity. Still, for buyers with the means to go forward, this is a good time to find the right home without the stress and pressure of a heated market.”

May be an image of text that says '13,271 Homes for Sale $330,000 Median Sales Price 2.0% vs Aug. 2021 4.4% vs Aug. 2021 Minnesota Realtors® August 2022 Housing Report 8,256 Closed Sales 29 Days on Market -17.0% vs Aug. 2021 7.4% vs Aug. 2021'
August year-over-year summary of key market indicators:
  • Closed sales decreased 17.0% to 8,256
  • Median sales price increased 4.4% to $330,000
  • Average sales price increased 4.6% to $383,759
  • New listings decreased 17.9% to 9,033
  • Pending sales decreased 19.0% to 7,592
  • Days on the market increased 7.4% to 29 days
  • Homes for sale increased 2.0% to 13,271

Closed Home Sales Across Minnesota by Region

In August, closed sales declined in 9 out of 13 regions compared to a year ago, bringing Minnesota’s average number of closed home sales down 17% year over year. Four regions reported increases: Northwest at 23.6%, Upper MN Valley at 7.1%, West Central at 7%, and Southwest at 0.8%. The smallest declines were seen in Headwaters at 0.8%, South Central at 2.1%, and North Central at 9.9%. The largest declines were reported in East Central at 19.8%, 7-County Twin Cities at 20.1% and Central at 26.2%. See the chart below for more details comparing closed home sales for August 2022 to August 2021.


The seven-county Twin Cities region comprises Anoka, Carver, Dakota, Hennepin, Ramsey, Scott and Washington counties. The official Minneapolis-St. Paul-Bloomington metropolitan statistical area recognized by the Census Bureau consists of 16 counties, on
which MAR & SPAAR local associations report
. 

View full regional and county reports here.

View statewide report here.

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July 2022 Housing Report

New listings down as total number of homes for sale increases
MINNEAPOLIS (August 15, 2022)
 — In July, closed sales fell 19.2% compared to a year ago, with 7,904 transactions across the state. New listings were also significantly down, declining 14.2% compared to July 2021, although the total number of homes for sale rose 6.4%. Across the state, there was a 1.9-month supply of homes on the market, up almost 19%. Despite signs of a slowing market, the average home price was up 9% to $391,958, and total days on the market decreased nearly 4% to 25 days, indicating that competition for homes in an affordable price range remains high. Sellers were still receiving 101% of their asking price, although that number was down 1.7% from July of last year.

“After two years of record-breaking sales, the market is beginning to look more normal. And that’s good news for buyers,” said Chris Galler, CEO of Minnesota Realtors. “While there’s still fierce competition for the best homes at affordable price points, the increasing inventory is beginning to ease those frantic bidding wars. Buyers are feeling less pressured and taking the time to do inspections. The sale may take longer, but the upside is it reduces the likelihood of future legal disputes. Rising interest rates remain a barrier, especially for first-time homebuyers who are locked out of the market. In the short term, this is increasing demand for rentals and pushing up prices. As the overall housing supply grows and inflationary pressures ease, the trends will favor those who want to own a home.”

May be an image of text that says '13,539 Homes for Sale $339,900 Median Sales Price +6.4% vs July 2021 7.9% vs July 2021 Minnesota Realtors® July 2022 Housing Report 7,904 Closed Sales -19.2% vS July 2021 25 Days on Market 3.8% vs July 2021'

July year-over-year summary of key market indicators:

  • Closed sales decreased 19.2% to 7,904
  • Median sales price increased 7.9% to $339,900
  • Average sales price increased 9.0% to $391,958
  • New listings decreased 14.2% to 9,958
  • Pending sales decreased 19.5% to 7,298
  • Days on the market decreased 3.8% to 25 days
  • Homes for sale increased 6.4% to 13,539

Closed Home Sales Across Minnesota by Region

In July, closed sales declined in 12 out of 13 regions compared to a year ago, bringing Minnesota’s average number of closed home sales down 19.2% year over year. Only one region reported an increase: North Central at 4.9%. The smallest declines were seen in East Central at 8.1%, Southwest Central at 8.7%, and Upper MN Valley at 13.5%. The largest declines were reported in Northwest at 31.5%, Southwest at 31.7% and Headwaters at 39.2%. See the chart below for more details comparing closed home sales for July 2022 to July 2021.

The seven-county Twin Cities region comprises Anoka, Carver, Dakota, Hennepin, Ramsey, Scott and Washington counties. The official Minneapolis-St. Paul-Bloomington metropolitan statistical area recognized by the Census Bureau consists of 16 counties, on which MAR & SPAAR local associations report.