Re/Max: New listings rose 15.1% in May, home sales grew 0.7% y/y

In May, both inventory and new listings grew to levels not seen since the second half of 2022. The number of homes for sale, as surveyed across 53 metro areas, also increased, rising 8.7% over April and 39.6% year over year. And for the third consecutive month, the number of new listings exceeded 2023 levels by double-digit percentages – 15.1% in May, 18.2% in April, and 17.6% in March.Fueled by the 22-month high in new listings, May home sales grew 10.9% over April and 0.7% over last May. Monthly home sales in 2024 have now exceeded the 2023 monthly sales totals for four of the five months. The Median Sale Price increased 2.4% over April to $435,000. That was 4.8% higher than May 2023. The close-to-list price ratio remained at the 100% level it reached in April following eight months at 99% or less. “More sellers are seeing the advantages of listing their homes now. They’re getting their asking price and enjoying the benefits of a relatively quick sale,” said Amy Lessinger, President of RE/MAX, LLC. “Growing inventory offers more options for homebuyers, too, and we’re seeing more sales activity as a result. Mortgage rates continue to impact the rhythm of the housing market. If inventory keeps bulking up and mortgage rates don’t change, prices may eventually start to soften.”