Hello Tampa Bay:

Here is an interesting market update.  Prices have been going up, while inventory continues to go down.  It’s a great time to list a home.

In February 2015, 3,917 homes were sold in the Tampa Bay area with a median price of $145,000. This compares with 2,896 homes sold during the same period last year which translates into a 35% increase in the number of homes closed and a 10% rise in the median price (from $132,000 to $145,000). At the end of the month there were 16,561 homes for sale in the area; 24% of the available homes sold in the last month – this translates into an inventory of 4 months. There has been a 6% decrease in the number of homes available for sale from February 2014 to February 2015 (from 17,695 to 16,561).

Best regards,

Elegant Casas

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Hello Tampa Bay:

I wanted to share with you my predictions for 2015.

SLOWER GAINS IN PRICE
I predict home prices will rise 3% in 2015.  With improving inventory and the exit of institutional investors, we’ve entered into a “normal” phase of steady growth, rather than the rapid recovery phase of 2012-2014.

BUYING HYSTERIA TO FADE
The homebuying process will be less hectic in 2015.  I’ve already seen the home buying process become easier for regular people.  Sellers will face more competitive pressure, and buyers will face less…as inventory continues to rise, investors exit, and buyers face increased access to credit.  As such, a more balanced market will continue to develop.

MORTGAGE RATES WILL RISE
I predict interest rate on 30-year mortgage will rise to 4.5%.  We are currently near historic lows of 3.7%.

FORECLOSURES WILL DECLINE
Foreclosures will continue to decline as many people have gained equity in their home due to the price gains over the past few years.

GLOBAL BUYERS
Foreign buyers will continue to play a huge role in Tampa Bay housing market.  In 2014, Florida had the highest percentage of foreign buyers in the country, and Tampa Bay had the highest percentage among Florida metropolitan areas (even higher than Miami!).

Best regards,

Michael A. Melnyk

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