** Data in this report reflect market activity from JUNE 2020 compared to the previous month and year.  Information is gathered from the Reno-Sparks Association of Realtors® (RSAR) for the Greater Reno-Sparks region via Northern Nevada Regional Multiple Listing Service (www.nnrmls.com).  Data accounts for single-family resale residences only, and excludes townhouses/condos, manufactured/modular and new construction.

Here is the market overview:

And here are a more detailed look at the stats for June 2020 compared to the previous month and year:

• In May 2020, the Median Sales Price for single-family re-sale properties in Reno-Sparks combined was $407,000, a 1.8% increase from both May 2020 and June 2019.  The median sales price over the last year has hovered around the $400k mark and appears to remain steady at this time largely due to high buyer demand and low inventory.

• # of Units Sold leaped 32%, month-over-month from 396 to 537.  The sales volume in the month of June, was down just 6% compared to June 2019.  This statistic represents properties that most likely went into contract in May this year.  As a side-note, 37.6% of the sold inventory closed with a sales price between $300,000 and $399,000.  Only 1 single family residence sold under $199,999.

Months Supply of Inventory (MSI) is down 41% from May 2020 and plummeted 48% from the same time last year.  MSI absorption rate accounts for the time it would take to “sell out” of the Reno-Sparks inventory at the current rate of sale if no new listings were to come to market.  A balanced market is around 5-6 months of supply.  The 1.3 months supply, is very much in a “Seller’s Market” as it is well below the balanced level.

As observed in the graph above, the Months Supply of Inventory is extremely low for properties selling under $750,000.  The inventory supply increases to a more balanced level for properties selling over $750,000 with a slight edge for the buyer in this price range.

The Average # of Days from Listing to Contract in June 2020 inched up a couple of days to 40 days.  Single family residences are taking about 7% longer to sell this year than in June 2019, and 5.5% longer than May 2020.  These averages account for all price ranges.

Above is the breakdown of the Average Days to Contract by Price Range in June 2020.  Note that only 1 single family residence sold under $200k in June 2020 and it took 2 days to obtain an acceptable offer.

Sellers continue to receive an average of 98.9% of asking in June 2020.  This statistic has held fairly consistently over the last few years.  Please note that price reductions may have occurred prior the acceptance of an offer.

What is a distressed sale?  It is a sale caused by economic hardship.  A short sale occurs when a homeowner defaults on his/her mortgage payment and is unable bring payments to the lender current, and is therefore forced to sell the property for less than the balanced owed.  A Foreclosure occurs when a lender repossesses real property after the borrower defaults on the loan and does not successfully sell it prior to this event.  The percentage of distressed sales on the market declined 7.3% month over month, and is 27.5% lower than in June 2019.  Only 1.4% of homes sold in June 2020 were considered “distressed.”

Since the April 2020, the # of New Contracts has doubled (during May and June 2020).  June 2020 saw 27.5% more New Contracts (779) than the same month last year.

# of New Listings to hit the market in June 2020 increased by 8% month-over-month.  Our # of New Listings in June 2020 are down 17% from the same period of time last year.

SUMMARY:

• The absorption rate at 1.3 Months Supply of Inventory is the lowest it has been since April 2018.  On average, at the current rate of sale, the active inventory would be completely absorbed in 1.3 if no new properties were brought to market.  Inventory, in general, is extremely low and moving very quickly (particularly homes priced under $750k).
• The Median Sales Price at $407,000 is slightly higher month-over-month and year-over-year (+1.8%), continuing to hold steady through the economic recession due to COVID-19.
• Distressed sales still comprise a very small percentage of the active inventory… only 1.4% of all single family residence sales in June 2020.
• The # of New Listings for June 2020 inched closer to more typical levels for this time of year.
• The continued increase in the # of New Contracts for June at 779 indicates an increasing level of purchasing activity in our area.
• If this the right time for you to make YOUR move?  Whether you are buying, selling or doing both, I would be happy to assist you in coordinating your efforts for smooth transactions and transitions.  Email me at dhallerbach@intero.com or reach me directly at 775-233-0682.

** Data in this report reflect market activity from MAY 2020 compared to the previous month and year.  Information is gathered from the Reno-Sparks Association of Realtors® (RSAR) for the Greater Reno-Sparks region via Northern Nevada Regional Multiple Listing Service (www.nnrmls.com).  Data accounts for single-family resale residences only, and excludes townhouses/condos, manufactured/modular and new construction.

Here is the market overview:

And here are a more detailed look at the stats for May 2020 compared to the previous month and year:

• In May 2020, the Median Sales Price for single-family re-sale properties in Reno-Sparks combined was $399,900, a 3.6% decrease from April 2020, and a 2.5% increase from May 2019.  As seen in the graph above, the median sales price has hugged the $400k price point over the last year and appears to be steady at this time.

• # of Units Sold inched up 387 to 396 from April to May 2020.  The sales volume is down 42% compared to the same month last year.  This volume is representative of properties that likely went under contract for sale in April and were in escrow for about 30 days.

Months Supply of Inventory (MSI) decreased 11.8% month over month from 2.4 to 2.1 months supply.  This measure of inventory is also about 5% higher than last year. MSI accounts for the time it would take to “sell out” of the Reno-Sparks inventory at the current rate of sale if no new listings came to market.  A balanced market is around 5-6 months of supply.  Therefore, with a low 2.1 months supply, we are still very much considered to be in a “Seller’s Market.”

The Average # of Days from Listing to Contract in May 2020 was 39 days.  Single family residences are taking 20% longer to sell this year than in May 2019, and only 1.6% longer than the previous month.  These averages account for all price ranges.

As seen in the graph above, homes that sold in the $200k to $700k range during May 2020 received acceptable offers significantly more quickly than the rest of the market.  The $1M to $1.5M range went into contract fairly quickly (66 days) compared to the $750k to $1M range and the $1.5M+ range (108 days).

With Seller’s receiving an average of 99% of asking in May 2020, we continued to see no significant change for this statistic overall.  Please note that price reductions may have occurred prior to receiving 99% of asking.

Is the economic impact of COVID-19 pandemic causing foreclosures and short sales in Reno-Sparks at this time?  So far, homeowners appear to be hanging in through the highest unemployment rate most of us have ever seen.  The percentage of distressed sales on the market did increase 7% month over month, but is still down 30% from May 2019.  Only 1.7% of homes listed on multiple listing service were considered “distressed,” meaning a bank-owned/foreclosure or short sale.

The last several weeks of real estate activity have brought a significant increase in the # of New Contracts.  Month over month, we saw a 635 New Contracts for sale, a 63.7% leap from April 2020 and a 3.9% increase from last year.

# of New Listings to hit the market the week ending in May 2020 increased slightly by 3.8% compared to April 2020.  Our # of New Listings are still down nearly 40% from the same period of time last year.

SUMMARY:

• Inventory is still low, but what IS on the market is moving, as indicated by the significant increase in New Contracts, which should lead to an increase in sales volume in the coming months.
• The Median Sales Price at $399,900 appears to be fairly steady at this time.  Over the last year, the $400k Median has been a benchmark the market has hovered around during the last 13 months.
• The consensus among many real estate professionals is that “summer is the new spring.”  The typical influx of activity that happens in March, April and May is beginning happening now.  My colleagues and I have been extremely active over the last couple of months.
• With low inventory, however, we’ll need to see if buyer demand for fewer homes listed will continue, and ultimately put more upward pressure on prices again.  Will the Median Sales Price start moving up again in the near future?  We shall see…
• Buyer activity in Reno-Sparks comes largely from out-of-state, particularly California.  While many of our relocation clients are looking to escape the crowds, traffic and high taxes of California during COVID-19 uncertainty, they are finding more reasons now than ever to make that move.  We call them “California Refugees,” and we are here to help.  Email me at dhallerbach@intero.com to learn more about the many benefits of moving to Reno-Sparks.

** Data in this report reflect market activity from April 2020 compared to the previous month and year.  Information is gathered from the Reno-Sparks Association of Realtors® (RSAR) for the Greater Reno-Sparks region via Northern Nevada Regional Multiple Listing Service (www.nnrmls.com).  Data accounts for single-family resale residences only, and excludes townhouses/condos, manufactured/modular and new construction.

Here is the market overview:

And here is the breakdown for a couple of interesting statistics from April 2020:

• At $416,500, the April 2020 Median Sales Price for single-family re-sale properties in Reno-Sparks combined for the month was $416,500, a slight 0.4% increase from March 2020, and up 10.5% April last year.

• As seen in the chart above, the # of Closed Sales at dropped from 507 in March 2020 to 374 in April.  This marks a 26% decline in closed sales month-over-month, and nearly 30% fewer closed sales compared to last year.

Months Supply of Inventory (MSI) in April 2020 jumped back up 31% compared to March, recording 2.2 months supply.  This measure of inventory is also about 6% higher than in April 2019. MSI accounts for the time it would take to “sell out” of the Reno-Sparks inventory at the current rate of sale.  A balanced market is around 5-6 months of supply.  Therefore, this the low 2.2 months supply, we are still very much considered to be in a Seller’s Market.

The average # of Days from Listing to Contract in April 2020 was 39 days.  This is still quite a short period of time when looking back over the last few years.  The # of Days to Contract is about 7% lower than April 2019.  These averages account for all price ranges.

With Seller’s receiving an average of 98.9% of asking in April 2020, we have continued to see no significant change for this statistic overall.

One may wonder if coronavirus is having an effect on the percentage of distressed sales in Reno-Sparks.  At this time, the answer appears to be “no.”  In April 2020, Distressed Sales (short-sales and foreclosures) are nearly 50% lower than the same time last year.

Here is what is happening now… The Week Ending May 9, 2020:

After 4 straight weeks of an increase in New Contracts, the week ending May 9 saw a relative leveling out of New Contracts, with just a slight 2.2% decrease from the previous week.  Overall, the number of new Contracts for this week last year is down about 10%.

# of New Listings to hit the market the week ending May 9 increased 25% compared to the previous week.  The Reno-Sparks real estate market saw nearly 42% fewer new listings than the week ending May 11, 2019.

SUMMARY:

• Real Estate in Nevada continues to be an “essential service.”  Governor Sisolak’s mandate to eliminate in-person open houses for all properties, and in-person showings of tenant/renter-occupied properties has been extended to May 30, 2020.   All owner-occupied and vacant properties may still be shown to prospective buyers with practice of social distancing, use of personal protective equipment and frequent 20-second hand-washing &/or hand-sanitizing.
• Starting May 4, California Bay Area agents were allowed to show occupied properties and to stage vacant properties once again. The allowance for such activities could potentially mean an increase of activity in Nevada, a place where many Californias are expected to call their “new home.”
• Lending qualification parameters have tightened, but the Mortgage Interest Rates are staying low!  For a super reputable, local lender recommendation, contact me.  I will be happy to connect you with the best!
• Looking more closely at the last full week of activity (ending May 9) the # of New Contracts has leveled week-over-week, and the # of New Listings rose slightly.
• While the sales volume took a hit in April, the Median Sales Price has held steady, largely due to buyer-demand keeping pace fairly stable rate of sale and continued low inventory.
• Nationally acclaimed economist and author of the Blog “ECON 70” Elliot Eisenberg, PhD checked in again with the Reno-Sparks Association of Realtors.  This month, Elliot stands by last month’s assertion that the current recession is very different from previous recessions, and that it will be deep but relatively short.  Click HERE to watch the April 2020 “Monthly Economic Minute.”

** Data in this report reflect market activity from March 2020 compared to the previous month and year.  Information is gathered from the Reno-Sparks Association of Realtors® (RSAR) for the Greater Reno-Sparks region via Northern Nevada Regional Multiple Listing Service (www.nnrmls.com).  Data accounts for single-family resale residences only, and excludes townhouses/condos, manufactured/modular and new construction.

Here is the market overview:

MEDIAN SALES PRICE

• At $415,000, the March 2020 Median Sales Price for single-family re-sale properties in Reno-Sparks combined is recorded as 12.5% higher than March of last year, and up 6% from February 2020.

# OF UNITS SOLD

• As seen in the chart above, the # of Closed Sales at 502 increased from February approximately 10% and increased 9.6% from March 2019.

MONTHS SUPPLY OF INVENTORY

Months Supply of Inventory (MSI) in March 2020 was substantially lower than March of 2019, a drop of 31.1%.  MSI accounts for the time it would take to “sell out” of the Reno-Sparks inventory at the current rate of sale.  A balanced market is around 5-6 months of supply.  March 2020 posted MSI of 1.5 months, suggesting we are still in a Seller’s Market.

# OF NEW CONTRACTS

The number of listed homes that have gone int0 contract (accepted offer) has decreased about 7% since February 2020.  This statistic is also down 13% from the same time last year, and is likely due to the shutdown of many of our industries in the US due to COVID-19.  Spring is typically the beginning of the “selling season” with new contracts increasing into June-July each year.

#OF NEW LISTINGS

The biggest surprise…  # of New Listings actually rose 19.4% from February to March 2020.  There was no significant change in the # of New Listings compared to March 2019, indicating that in March, Sellers were still needing to list in order to sell, even during the pandemic.

WHAT’S HAPPENING NOW??

CLOSED SALES THE WEEK ENDING APRIL 11, 2020

Let’s take a closer look at what is happening more recently … As a result of the drop in new contracts about 1 month ago, and some cancelled escrows (likely many due to Coronavirus), the # of Closed Sales the week ending April 11 took a nose-dive 50% since the week ending March 28.  Only 66 single family residences in the Greater Reno-Sparks region closed escrow the week ending April 11.

NEW CONTRACTS THE WEEK ENDING APRIL 11, 2020

Though sales volume overall was down the week ending April 11, 88 single-family homes went into contract, an increase of 6% from the previous week.

NEW LISTINGS THE WEEK ENDING APRIL 11, 2020

The # of New Listings has been bouncing around the last several weeks.  From the week ending April 4 to the week ending April 11, volume of New Listings has dropped roughly 21%.

SUMMARY:

• Real Estate in Nevada is an “essential business.”  Though Governor Sisolak has mandated that open houses and showings of tenant/renter-occupied properties cease, owner-occupied and vacant properties may still be shown to prospective buyers.  Social distancing, along with use of face masks/coverings, hand sanitizing wipes, gloves, 20-second hand-washing and removal of shoes/use of painter booties are being exercised by Realtors and their clients.
• Santa Clara County, and other Bay Area counties have imposed additional tighter restrictions such as no showings of ANY occupied properties.  This is significantly impacting the real estate market in these areas, resulting in a drop in home sales volume there.  Many prospective CA sellers are Nevada’s buyers.  We look forward to when CA government lightens the restrictions on the real estate industry, allowing more completion of transactions that then flow into Nevada as purchases.
• Though Mortgage Interest Rates are the lowest they have been in the last year, mortgage lenders have tightened their qualification parameters.  New purchase and refinance conditions have changed through the course of the pandemic due to economic and employment issues, and jumbo loans (those valued above the conforming loan limit of $510,400.) have been pulled back.  Learn more at CNBC.com.
• A decline in the # of New Contracts in March is an indicator of decrease sales volume in the next couple of months.  As the number of new coronavirus infections decreases, the economy and employment recover, and we return to more “normal” activity, many economists predict that the housing market will make a quick recovery and housing prices may not be affected.
• CLICK HERE to hear nationally acclaimed economist and author of the Blog “ECON 70” Elliot Eisenberg, PhD.  Elliot shares his thoughts about the current recession, the recovery of the economy and what should happen in real estate.