Monthly Market Report March 2024

Cumberland County saw a slight cooling in the previously hot market, with fewer new listings and a decrease in median list price compared to February. Buyer demand is still evident, but sellers might need to adjust pricing strategies for a potentially more balanced market in the coming months. Full Report: link to the detailed report

Cumberland County

Monthly Market Trends and February 2024 vs. March 2024 Comparison

This report analyzes current market conditions in Cumberland County, Maine, comparing February 2024 with March 2024 data (Source: Maine Real Estate Systems, Inc. (d/b/a Maine Listings). ©2024 Maine Listings). We’ll explore key trends and provide projections for the coming months, aiming to inform buyers and sellers navigating the market.

March 2024 Monthly Market Report

Current Mortgage Rates (as of April 1, 2024):

  • 30 Year Fixed: 7.05%
  • 15 Year Fixed: 6.50%
  • 7/6 SOFR ARM: 6.74%
  • 30 Yr. FHA: 6.46%
  • 30 Yr. VA: 6.49%

February vs. March 2024:

  • Median Sales Price: Remained strong, increasing slightly from $525,000 in February to $532,000 in March. This suggests continued buyer demand for homes.
  • Median List Price: Interestingly, there was a decrease in median list price from $599,999 (February) to $595,000 (March). This could indicate a slight shift in seller expectations or pricing strategies.
  • Median Days on Market: Homes continued to sell quickly, with the median days on market holding steady at 6 days in both months.
  • Active Listings: Inventory grew significantly, with active listings jumping from 379 in February to 438 in March (a 15.8% increase). This could be due to a seasonal rise in listings or a response to the slight shift in buyer behavior.
  • New Listings: There was a decrease in new listings compared to February (313 vs. 379), potentially reflecting seller caution with the changing market dynamics.
  • Sold Listings: The number of sold listings dipped slightly from February (253) to March (221).

These trends might indicate a slight cooling in the previously red-hot market. While buyer demand remains evident in the rising sales prices, sellers might need to adjust pricing strategies or be prepared for slightly longer listing times as inventory increases.

Impact of Interest Rates:

Interest rates, as reflected in the data provided (rates ranging from 6.46% to 7.05%), can dampen buyer enthusiasm. Higher mortgage payments might reduce purchasing power and lead to fewer bidding wars. This could, in turn, influence sellers to be more realistic with pricing.

Future Projections:

Based on current trends, we might see a more balanced market in the coming months, with less intense competition and potentially more negotiating room for buyers. However, the strong underlying demand for homes in Cumberland County suggests the market will likely remain healthy.

Conclusion:

While March 2024 saw a slight shift from February’s market dynamics, with a decrease in median list price and new listings, the market remains fundamentally strong. Interest rates may continue to influence buyer activity, potentially leading to a more balanced market in the coming months. We can cautiously project a continued healthy market with potential adjustments for both buyers and sellers.


Town of Cumberland, Maine

Monthly Market Trends and February 2024 vs. March 2024 Comparison

This report analyzes current market conditions in Cumberland, Maine based on data from Maine Real Estate Systems, Inc. (d/b/a Maine Listings). ©2024 Maine Listings. We’ll explore trends from February and March 2024, along with projections for the coming months, to help buyers and sellers make informed decisions.

March 2024 Monthly Market Report

Current Interest Rates (as of April 1, 2024):

  • 30 Year Fixed: 7.05%
  • 15 Year Fixed: 6.50%
  • 7/6 SOFR ARM: 6.74%
  • 30 Yr. FHA: 6.46%
  • 30 Yr. VA: 6.49%

Current Month vs. Prior Month:

  • Market Shift: Compared to February 2024’s seller’s market, March saw a potential shift towards a more balanced market.
  • Median List Price: Prices dipped slightly, with March’s median list price coming in at $599,000, a decrease of 9.7% from February’s $694,500.
  • Median Sales Price: Interestingly, the median sales price saw a significant decrease of 33.3%, dropping from $610,000 in March to $915,000 in February. It’s important to consider seasonal fluctuations that might influence the types of properties typically sold during these months.
  • Days on Market: Homes continued to sell quickly in March, with a median of 4 days on the market, unchanged from February.
  • Inventory: While new listings increased by 40% in March (14 vs. 10 in February), active listings dropped significantly by 50% (25 vs. 50 in February). This suggests continued buyer demand despite the slight decrease in new listings.
  • Impact on Buyers & Sellers: This shift could indicate a better opportunity for buyers to negotiate prices compared to February’s hot market. Sellers may need to adjust their pricing strategies to the current market conditions.

Impact of Interest Rates:

Interest rates, currently at 7.05% for a 30-year fixed mortgage, can cool buyer activity and potentially motivate sellers to list their properties before rates climb further.

Future Projections:

Based on the decrease in active listings and continued buyer demand, we might see competition for available properties in the coming months. However, Interest rates could create a more balanced market.

Conclusion:

March 2024 showed a potential shift in the market compared to February’s strong seller’s market. While some data points might be influenced by seasonal trends, the decrease in active listings and continued buyer interest suggest a potentially more balanced market in the coming months. Interest rates are also a factor to consider, potentially impacting buyer activity and seller motivation. Overall, the market outlook for the near future remains cautiously optimistic.


Town of Falmouth, Maine

Monthly Market Trends and February 2024 vs. March 2024 Comparison

This report analyzes current market conditions in [Location] based on data from Maine Real Estate Systems, Inc. (d/b/a Maine Listings). ©2024 Maine Listings. We’ll explore trends from February and March 2024, with insights for both buyers and sellers. We’ll also discuss the impact of current interest rates and offer a cautious projection for the coming months.

March 2024 Monthly Market Report

Current Mortgage Rates (as of April 1, 2024):

  • 30 Year Fixed: 7.05%
  • 15 Year Fixed: 6.50%
  • 7/6 SOFR ARM: 6.74%
  • 30 Yr. FHA: 6.46%
  • 30 Yr. VA: 6.49%


Current Market vs. Prior Month:

The market between February and March 2024 showed a shift:

  • Median List Price and Median Sales Price saw a decrease in March compared to February. This could indicate a stabilization or slight cooling of the market.
  • Median Days on Market decreased in March, suggesting houses are still selling quickly.
  • Active Listings increased significantly in March, potentially offering buyers more options.
  • New Listings also increased, but there were fewer Sold Listings compared to February. This might suggest sellers are testing the waters or waiting for better offers.

The overall impact for buyers could be a slightly more balanced market with increased negotiation opportunities. Sellers might need to be more flexible on pricing or offer incentives to attract buyers in a market with Interest rates.

Impact of Interest Rates:

Current interest rates can dampen buyer activity, making monthly mortgage payments more expensive. This could lead to fewer bidding wars and potentially lower sale prices. However, low inventory might still favor sellers to some extent.

Future Projections:

Based on the trends and a potential increase in inventory, we might see a continued moderation in price growth in the coming months. However, the market remains dynamic, and factors like economic conditions and buyer demand will influence future trends.

Conclusion:

March 2024 showed a shift in the market compared to February, with a decrease in prices and an increase in listings. While interest rates are impacting affordability, low inventory might still hold some sway for sellers. The coming months could see a more balanced market, but a cautious outlook is warranted due to Interest rates.


Town of North Yarmouth, Maine

Monthly Market Trends and February 2024 vs. March 2024 Comparison

This report analyzes current market conditions in North Yarmouth, Maine, with a focus on the differences between February and March 2024. We will also explore potential future trends to help guide buyers and sellers. Data for this report is courtesy of Maine Real Estate Systems, Inc. (d/b/a Maine Listings). ©2024 Maine Listings.

March 2024 Monthly Market Report

Current Mortgage Rates (as of April 1, 2024):

  • 30 Year Fixed: 7.05%
  • 15 Year Fixed: 6.50%
  • 7/6 SOFR ARM: 6.74%
  • 30 Yr. FHA: 6.46%
  • 30 Yr. VA: 6.49%


Current Month vs Prior Month (February 2024 vs. March 2024):

The market shifted significantly between February and March 2024. Here’s a breakdown of the key changes:

  • Price Increases: Both Median List Price and Median Sales Price saw significant growth. The Median List Price jumped by nearly $100,000, reaching $503,500 in March, while the Median Sales Price climbed to a staggering $805,000, a 33% increase from February.
  • Faster Selling Time: Days on Market dropped dramatically, from 22 days in February to only 5 days in March. This indicates a much faster selling pace, favoring sellers.
  • Low Inventory: Active Listings plummeted by 500% from March 2023, highlighting a shrinking pool of available homes. Despite a 50% increase in new listings compared to February, demand continues to outstrip supply.

These trends suggest a strong seller’s market. Buyers may need to act quickly and be prepared for competitive bidding situations due to high demand and low inventory. Conversely, sellers are likely to benefit from the current market conditions.

Impact of Interest Rates:

Interest rates, currently hovering around 7% for a 30-year fixed mortgage, can affect both buyers and sellers. Higher rates may cool buyer enthusiasm as affordability tightens, potentially leading to a slight decrease in buyer activity. However, the current low inventory may still create a competitive environment. Sellers may be motivated to list their properties sooner rather than later to lock in a sale before interest rates climb even higher.

Future Projections:

Based on current data, we can expect a continuation of the seller’s market in the coming months. Inventory is likely to remain low, while demand may level off due to Interest rates. This could create a more balanced market in the future, but for now, sellers hold the upper hand.

Conclusion:

March 2024 saw significant growth in prices and a faster selling pace compared to February. Interest rates may dampen buyer activity in the coming months, potentially leading to a more balanced market in the future. Overall, the current market leans towards sellers due to low inventory and high demand.


Town of Yarmouth, Maine

Monthly Market Trends and February 2024 vs. March 2024 Comparison

This report analyzes current market conditions in Yarmouth, Maine, comparing February 2024 to March 2024 and exploring potential future trends. We aim to provide a clear and concise overview for both buyers and sellers based on data from Maine Real Estate Systems, Inc. (d/b/a Maine Listings). ©2024 Maine Listings.

March 2024 Monthly Market Report

Current Mortgage Rates:

  • 30 Year Fixed: 7.05%
  • 15 Year Fixed: 6.50%
  • 7/6 SOFR ARM 6.74%
  • 30 Yr. FHA 6.46%
  • 30 Yr. VA 6.49%


February 2024 vs. March 2024:

  • Median List Price: While the median list price dipped slightly in March compared to February (down 9.2%), it’s important to note that February’s numbers were at an all-time high.
  • Median Sales Price: Interestingly, the median sales price saw a significant jump in March (up 45.6%) compared to February. This could indicate a shift in buyer strategy, with a focus on higher-priced properties with potentially lower competition.
  • Median Days on Market: The median time a house stayed on the market increased in March (75 days) compared to February (59 days). This suggests buyers may be taking more time to make offers.
  • Active Listings: Inventory remained relatively stable (9 listings in March vs. 5 in February), suggesting a balanced market.
  • New Listings: There was a decrease in new listings in March (down 33.3%) compared to February. This could be due to sellers waiting for a more favorable market or a seasonal trend.
  • Sold Listings: The number of homes sold surged in March (up 133.3%) compared to February. This could be a result of pent-up demand or a reaction to the rising sales prices.

Impact of Interest Rates:

Current interest rates, hovering around 7% for a 30-year fixed mortgage, are significantly higher than what buyers were accustomed to in recent years. This can dampen buyer activity, especially for first-time homebuyers. However, the stable inventory and rising sales prices suggest some buyers are still motivated, potentially focusing on securing a home before prices climb further.

Future Projections:

Predicting the future market is always challenging but considering the rising sales prices and decreasing number of new listings, we might see a continued trend of sellers holding some power in the coming months. Inventory levels will be a key factor to watch, as an increase in listings could ease the pressure on buyers.

Conclusion:

March 2024 saw a shift in the Yarmouth market compared to February. While the median list price dipped slightly, the median sales price jumped significantly, and the number of homes sold surged. Interest rates likely continue to impact buyer activity, but motivated buyers are still entering the market. The coming months may see sellers retaining some leverage, with inventory levels playing a crucial role in future trends.

 

Contact Us
Office: (207) 383-1552
Email: Realty@JulieandBryce.com
© 2O23 THE DAVIS TEAM LLC | 2/10/2024