National Existing Home Sales Dip HAR released the monthly Houston market report for February last Tuesday, and two days later, NAR came out with national numbers for February. Here is what the broader landscape looks like: Sales of existing homes declined 0.4% in February to a seasonally adjusted annual rate of 4.6 million, the slowest pace since July 2012, NAR reported. Sales rates have trended down since the summer as rising mortgage rates and home prices cut affordability. NAR noted that constrained inventory and unusually poor weather may have also a played a role in weak buying. Economists polled by MarketWatch had expected a February sales rate of 4.58 million, compared with a January rate of 4.62 million. The median sales price of used homes hit $189,000 in February, up 9.1% from the year-earlier period, supported by low inventory. February's inventory was 2 million existing homes for sale, a 5.2-month supply at the current sales pace.

Weekly HAR Market Stat Spring is finally beginning to show its face after a long, cold winter, and generally speaking, housing activity is waking up as well. It's been a slow start to the selling season thus far, but many believe that has more to do with the weather – at least nationally – and lack of inventory than it does demand. Any gains may be moderate compared to a year ago, but most experts agree that market normalcy and stabilization are upon us. In the Houston region, for the week ending March 16: New Listings increased 7.6% to 2,232 Pending Sales increased 23.6% to 2,190 Closed Sales decreased 8.8% to 1,239

Questions? ext. 6 Master Your Future Register at Master Certified Negotiation Expert 2 This program is part of a three-part series. This package features the following courses: Advanced Negotiations for Listing Agents Negotiations: Generational / Cultural Advanced Negotiations for Sellers includes more advanced techniques and approaches to help sellers choose an effective negotiation plan and to help the listing agent negotiate more effectively on their behalf. Negotiating Across Different Generations will help agents dealing with clients and colleagues from four distinct generational groups: Silent Generation, Baby Boomers, Gen X, and Gen Y or Milennials. Group discussions, case studies and student teaching will all be utilized to maximize the learning experience. If would like to take one of these classes separately, please contact the HAR Professional Development Department. Date: Wed. & Thurs., April 16 & 17 Time: 9 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. Location: HAR Central Investment: $249