Existing-Home Sales Down 3.2% in July on Limited Inventory

Washington, DC, August 24, 2016— Total existing-home sales fell 3.2% to a seasonally adjusted annual rate of 5.39 million in July from 5.57 million in June, according to the National Association of Realtors. Only the West region saw a monthly increase in closings in July. 

For only the second time in the last 21 months, sales are now below (1.6%) a year ago (5.48 million).

Lawrence Yun, NAR chief economist, says existing sales fell off track in July after steadily climbing the last four months. “Severely restrained inventory and the tightening grip it’s putting on affordability is the primary culprit for the considerable sales slump throughout much of the country last month,” he said. “Realtors are reporting diminished buyer traffic because of the scarce number of affordable homes on the market, and the lack of supply is stifling the efforts of many prospective buyers attempting to purchase while mortgage rates hover at historical lows.”

Adds Yun, “Furthermore, with new condo construction barely budging and currently making up only a small sliver of multi-family construction, sales suffered last month as condo buyers faced even stiffer supply constraints than those looking to purchase a single-family home.”

The median existing-home price 3 for all housing types in July was $244,100, up 5.3% from July 2015 ($231,800). July’s price increase marks the 53rd consecutive month of year-over-year gains.

Total housing inventory at the end of July inched 0.9% higher to 2.13 million existing homes available for sale, but is still 5.8% lower than a year ago (2.26 million) and has now declined year-over-year for 14 straight months. Unsold inventory is at a 4.7-month supply at the current sales pace, which is up from 4.5 months in June.