Despite some concerns about an impending recession, unemployment rates remain low, which presents a mixed scenario for the housing market. In March, the U.S. saw the addition of over 300,000 jobs, as reported by the Labor Department, reducing the unemployment rate to 3.8% from February’s 3.9%.
Cash sales made up almost 50% of the closed transactions for single-family homes in Sarasota County in February. There is still money moving into this housing market. That said, listings are continuing to outpace closed sales at almost a two to one clip. As overall inventory is just under six months of sales, we are still in a well-balanced market. In other words, it remains a solid time to be either a buyer or a seller in Sarasota County. The infographic from Florida Realtors below contains more information.
For those of us living in Florida, we know that property insurance rate increases have been a real problem. Florida Realtors has put together the infographic below that shows there may be signs of improvement on the way.
Homebuyers might want to temper their expectations for significant declines in mortgage rates as the spring housing season commences. The inflation rate increased to 3.2% year-over-year in February, as highlighted in the latest consumer price index report. This marks the third consecutive month of rising inflation rates, diverging further from the U.S. Federal Reserve’s 2% target.
The infographic below from Florida Realtors highlights how real estate professionals will help make your home sale go easier.
