July brought median sale price increases and continued the downward decline of housing inventory, according to the Long & Foster Real Estate Market Minute Report. Median sale prices rose from 4% in Baltimore County to 14% in Baltimore City. Year-over-year double-digit declines in inventory ranged from 46% in Baltimore City to 57% in Harford County.
The number of units sold increased across the region with Anne Arundel County leading the way at 19% followed by Baltimore City at 13%.
The Long & Foster Real Estate Market Minute report for the Baltimore region includes Baltimore, Anne Arundel, Carroll, Howard and Harford counties and the city of Baltimore.
The housing market has recovered remarkably this summer and despite the current economic climate, is expected to continue into the fall. “We’ve seen different buying patterns with so many people working from home now,” said Gary Scott, president of Long & Foster Real Estate.
The pandemic has caused many people living in urban centers to flock to the suburbs to have more space and be away from crowds. Since more people are working remotely, the need for a place with separate areas for work and relaxation have become essential.
“People are purchasing vacation homes within driving distance of their primary homes,” said Scott. “Real estate sales at the beaches are at or near an all-time high.” Demand for homes in other areas is also incredibly strong, while purchasing power has never been better.
Average fixed mortgage rates continue to be historically low and the risk of a foreclosure crisis is unlikely, since most people have significant equity in their homes. During the economic recession of 2007 and 2008, many people had put little to no down payment on their homes. In today’s climate, “people have a lot more equity in their home, so the chances of foreclosure are low,” Scott explained.
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.