The Hampton Roads region saw an increase in median sale prices in most of the area last month, including a 10% increase in Hampton City, according to the Long & Foster Real Estate Market Minute report. The region also experienced an upward tick in the number of units sold in two areas – Norfolk City with a 13% increase, followed by a 10% increase in Hampton City. Active inventory continued to fall in the region, with declines ranging from 27% in Norfolk City to 40% in Hampton City.

The Long & Foster Real Estate Market Minute report for the Hampton Roads region includes Chesapeake, Hampton, Newport News, Norfolk and Virginia Beach cities.

Despite struggles with inventory, rising building costs, and fluctuations in the economy, many people continue to feel positive about the housing market, said Gary Scott, president of Long & Foster Real Estate.

“In my career, I’ve never seen an inventory shortage last so long, but our agents still feel good about the current market, and there are a lot of positive indicators,” Scott said. “Consumer confidence remains high despite the economic ups and downs, and consumers are really weathering that storm.”

Some of those positive indicators include median sale prices that are stable or increasing at a moderate pace, high list versus sale price ratios, and relatively low days on market averages. People should keep in mind that each market has its own sweet and sour spots though, he said.

While some tariffs on products from Canada and Mexico have been lifted, builders are still struggling with the tariff on Canadian lumber, and new tariffs on products from China will continue to add to their costs.

“The bottom line is that the cost of building will go up, which is not what we need,” Scott said. “It adds to the already existing challenge of builders not meeting market demand for entry-level homes.” Generally though, consumers purchasing new construction homes won’t let it impact their choice to buy, and the National Association of Realtors predicts that new home sales will reach a 12-year high in 2019.

While many may assume that they don’t need a real estate professional to purchase a new home, Scott disagrees. “It’s more critical than ever to work with an agent when buying a new construction home,” he said. “Builders’ work isn’t always perfect, and the builder’s sales staff is representing the builder. You still need that representation to look out for you and your best interests.”

To learn more about your local market conditions, visit Long & Foster’s Market Insights. You can also learn more about Long & Foster and find an agent at LongandFoster.com.