As April encroaches and spring feels more official, so does the possibility of a brightened, exciting housing market. Even though some areas across the country have seen a pause in buyer activity, the fundamentals remain positive. Traditional home buyers are apt to bud like a spring mix of lavender, peonies and tulips. And home prices are rising as surely as soil is being tilled for another fruitful season, adding even more to those warm fuzzy feelings sure to come.

In the Twin Cities region, for the week ending March 29:

• New Listings increased 18.4% to 1,599
• Pending Sales decreased 5.6% to 1,101
• Inventory decreased 5.5% to 13,056

For the month of February:

• Median Sales Price increased 14.4% to $183,000
• Days on Market decreased 10.8% to 99
• Percent of Original List Price Received decreased 0.2% to 93.6%
• Months Supply of Inventory decreased 9.4% to 2.9

All comparisons are to 2013

Click here for the full Weekly Market Activity Report. From The Skinny.

This spring, investors are expected to play a less dominant role since there are fewer attractive bargains to be had. This allows room for younger families and individuals fed up with rent hikes. The affordability picture has come down but remains attractive, pressured by rising but not fully recovered prices and slightly higher rates. Despite some inventory shortages, several local markets are in balanced territory heading into the peak selling season.

In the Twin Cities region, for the week ending March 22:

• New Listings increased 2.6% to 1,490
• Pending Sales decreased 6.9% to 1,010
• Inventory decreased 6.8% to 12,791

For the month of February:

• Median Sales Price increased 14.4% to $183,000
• Days on Market decreased 10.8% to 99
• Percent of Original List Price Received decreased 0.2% to 93.6%
• Months Supply of Inventory decreased 12.5% to 2.8

All comparisons are to 2013

Click here for the full Weekly Market Activity Report. From The Skinny.

Spring is finally beginning to show its face after a long, cold winter in many parts of the country. Generally, housing activity is waking up as well. It’s been a slow start to the selling season thus far, but many believe this has more to do with the weather 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 Twin Cities region, for the week ending March 15:

• New Listings decreased 0.9% to 1,462
• Pending Sales decreased 13.1% to 912
• Inventory decreased 8.2% to 12,475

For the month of February:

• Median Sales Price increased 14.4% to $183,000
• Days on Market decreased 10.8% to 99
• Percent of Original List Price Received decreased 0.2% to 93.6%
• Months Supply of Inventory decreased 12.5% to 2.8

All comparisons are to 2013

Click here for the full Weekly Market Activity Report. From The Skinny.

More daylight should help bring more hours of long-desired activity to the housing market. As the spring market dawns, sellers may see prices continue to rise and more homes should find their way to market. As long as the economy continues to gain momentum and mortgages remain low, previously underwater sellers and eager buyers should find opportunities to talk business.

In the Twin Cities region, for the week ending March 8:

• New Listings increased 6.5% to 1,454
• Pending Sales decreased 14.7% to 821
• Inventory decreased 9.4% to 12,118

For the month of February:

• Median Sales Price increased 14.4% to $183,000
• Days on Market decreased 10.8% to 99
• Percent of Original List Price Received decreased 0.2% to 93.6%
• Months Supply of Inventory decreased 12.5% to 2.8

All comparisons are to 2013

Click here for the full Weekly Market Activity Report. From The Skinny.