Chattanooga Times Free Press

JUNE HOUSING MARKET STATISTICS

- By Kim Bass President, Greater Chattanoog­a Realtors

The relationsh­ip between our nation’s economy and the housing market is complicate­d. On one hand, residentia­l real estate markets across the country are performing well within an economic expansion that will become the longest in U.S. history in July. However, there are signs of a slowing economy.

The economy is still performing well due to factors such as low unemployme­nt and solid retail sales, but uncertaint­y remains regarding trade tensions, slowed manufactur­ing and meek business investment­s.

The Federal Reserve considers 2.0 percent a healthy inflation rate, but the U.S. is expected to remain below that this year. The Fed has received pressure from the White House to cut rates in order to spur further economic activity, and the possibilit­y of a rate reduction in 2019 is definitely in play following a string of increases over the last several years. When you put all of these factors together, you can see the delicate balance between the housing market and our economy.

Locally, in June New Listings in the Chattanoog­a region decreased 7.9 percent to 1,283. Pending Sales were up 11.1 percent to 982. Inventory levels shrank 6.3 percent to 2,794 units.

Prices continued to gain traction. The Median Sales Price increased 7.5 percent to $214,900. Days on Market was up 4.7 percent to 45 days. Sellers were encouraged as Months Supply of Inventory was down 11.1 percent to 3.2 months.

Markets may change, but Realtors’ commitment to serving our clients doesn’t. Navigating a market that can shift quickly

is just one reason why consulting a Realtor is so important. We keep a watchful eye on trends locally and nationally that might affect our clients and community. That’s Who We R.

Greater Chattanoog­a Realtors® is The Voice

of Real Estate in Greater Chattanoog­a. A regional organizati­on with more than 2,000 members, Greater Chattanoog­a Realtors is one of some 1,300 local boards and associatio­ns of Realtors® nationwide that comprise the National Associatio­n of Realtors®.

Greater Chattanoog­a Realtors service Hamilton and Sequatchie counties in southeast Tennessee, and Catoosa, Dade, and Walker counties in northwest Georgia. For more informatio­n, visit www.gcar.net or call 423.698.8001.

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Kim Bass
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