The April 2021 market report from the National Association of REALTORS had a seeming contradiction. It was the third month in a row that existing home sales declined, yet home prices hit an all-time high of $329,100. Typically, when home sales fall, prices dip as well, signaling a developing softness in the market. But thanks to a perfect storm of circumstances, buyer demand is stronger than ever, despite rising mortgage rates and less affordability. Housing supply is down over 28% with the unsold inventory at a two-month supply, down from a 3.3-month supply from the previous year. Properties lasted 18 days on the market, from 29 days the year before, and 83% of homes sold in less than a month.
