Skip to main content

Existing Home Sales Rise, But ‘Constraints Continue’

ARLINGTON, Va.—Existing home sales rose 0.2% in May to a seasonally-adjusted annual rate of 4.3 million units, a 20.4% decrease in sales versus a year ago, new data show.

Long, Curt

Curt Long, NAFCU

“The overall existing home sales market remained virtually unchanged from last month. However, some regions fared better than others,” said NAFCU Chief Economist and Vice President of Research Curt Long. “Sales look to be stabilizing, coinciding with mortgage rates, which have been more consistent as of late. Demand remains strong as properties remained on the market for an average of only 18 days in May which was four days less than in April. While the year-over-year prices are still subdued, prices month-to-month are on the rise, another signal of strong demand.”

In May, home sales were mixed across the regions. Sales rose 2.6% in the West and 1.5% in the South. Sales in the Midwest and Northeast fell 2.9% and 1.9%, respectively.

‘Constraints to Continue’

Based on current sales, there were nearly three months of supply at the end of May. Analysts consider six months of inventory a rough balance between supply and demand.

“The Fed may have skipped a rate hike this month, but the next rate cut remains well in the future. NAFCU expects supply constraints to continue to hamper housing sales for the rest of 2023,” Long concluded.

Comments

Popular posts from this blog

Let the Truth be Told - Why a New NCUA Rule Could Jolt Credit Union Innovation

The National Credit Union Administration has finalized a rule to improve board and executive succession planning within the credit union industry. This strategic move aims to curb the trend of mergers driven by technological stagnation and poor succession strategies, ensuring more credit unions maintain their independence and enhance their technological capabilities. By Ken McCarthy, Manager of marketing communications at Tyfone Credit unions are merging out of existence because of an inability to invest in technology, the National Credit Union Administration Board wrote when introducing its now finalized rule on board succession planning. The regulator now requires credit unions to establish succession planning for critical positions in their organizations. But it’s likely to have even wider effects, such as preserving more independent charters and shaking up the perspectives of those on credit union boards. “Voluntary mergers can be used to create economies of scale to offer more or ...

Armand Parvazi MBA CUDE - Last Friday marked his last day with New Orleans Firemen’s Federal Credit Union.

It’s been an incredible journey, but it’s bittersweet to announce that Friday marked my last day with New Orleans Firemen’s Federal Credit Union. We've accomplished so much together in my six years as Chief Administrative and Development Officer. Some of the highlights: Implemented a data-driven marketing strategy that delivers over 1,800% annual ROI. Developed automated triggers to ensure members receive the right offers at the right time. Grew assets by 61% and increased products per new member from 1.88 to 2.62. Converted online banking to enhance the member experience. Introduced a loan origination system for faster and more efficient loan processing. Transitioned to a mobile-first financial institution to meet members where they are. Pioneered the first Cancer Care loan pause program in the nation (in collaboration with Andy Janning ) Secured nearly $17 million in grants for our impactful work. Expanded our field of membership to 35 parishes and counties and added numerous fi...

Biggest Social Security Changes for 2025

  Chris Gash Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Monthly payments are going up, and drop-in service at SSA offices is largely going away The  cost-of-living adjustment  (COLA) may be the most widely anticipated way Social Security changes from year to year, but it’s far from the only one. Inflation, wage trends and new policies directly affect not just the more than 68 million people receiving Social Security benefits but also the estimated 184 million workers (and future beneficiaries) paying into the system.  Here are seven important ways Social Security will be different in 2025. 1. Cost-of-living adjustment Inflation continued to cool this year , resulting in a  2.5 percent COLA  for 2025 for people receiving Social Security payments, down from  3.2 percent in 2024 . The estimated average retirement benefit will increase by $49 a month, from $1,927 to $1,976, starting in January, according to the Social Security Administration (SSA). It’s the lowest COLA i...