Extreme winter weather may be partly responsible for sluggish durable goods sales, consumer spending, business inventories and exports. As more income goes toward heating bills, four-wheel alignments, frozen pipes and other winter expenses, there is less (or no) remaining discretionary income. Several southern cities were paralyzed by winter storms, costing the economy billions in lost productivity, while consumers were forced to hunker down for much of the winter in the Midwest and Northeast. Consumers should be more than ready for warmer days ahead.

In the Twin Cities region, for the week ending March 1:

• New Listings decreased 12.6% to 1,245
• Pending Sales decreased 8.6% to 901
• Inventory decreased 9.1% to 12,079

For the month of February:

• Median Sales Price increased 14.4% to $183,044
• Days on Market decreased 10.8% to 99
• Percent of Original List Price Received decreased 0.3% to 93.5%
• 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.

Early 2014 data is telling us that the trend is still one of improvement, albeit not at the speedy pace we’d prefer. Spring hasn’t arrived yet and we’ll have to weather a few more months of unpredictable weather before the sing-song tempo of May markets return. Although we await warmer days ahead, there’s no need to wait to gear up for a headier market. Remaining on top of weekly trends and using data to bolster marketing efforts makes for a winner dinner.

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

• New Listings decreased 10.5% to 1,051
• Pending Sales decreased 17.5% to 726
• Inventory decreased 8.9% to 12,089

For the month of January:

• Median Sales Price increased 11.6% to $178,500
• Days on Market decreased 12.3% to 93
• Percent of Original List Price Received remained flat at 93.5
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.

Housing starts haven’t been quite as robust as forecast, climatological factors have chilled demand in many places and dramatic declines in foreclosure activity has become the norm in several housing markets. These factors can sometimes pull down overall sales numbers, so it’s important to dig beneath the headlines. All of this looks and feels like a natural part of the transition toward a healthier marketplace. Prices are still experiencing upward pressure, and sellers are still receiving competitive offers.

In the Twin Cities region, for the week ending February 15:

• New Listings decreased 2.9% to 1,162
• Pending Sales decreased 8.4% to 816
• Inventory decreased 9.7% to 11,965

For the month of January:

• Median Sales Price increased 12.4% to $179,850
• Days on Market decreased 12.3% to 93
• Percent of Original List Price Received remained flat at 93.5
• Months Supply of Inventory decreased 15.6% to 2.7

All comparisons are to 2013

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

With the first days of February under our belts, it’s safe to say that housing has managed to weather the heart of winter with little issue. Although 2014 activity may appear sluggish compared to gangbuster 2013, housing has stabilized and should continue to find moderate footing. Look for some signs of inventory and sales activity thawing, but keep your jacket handy as activity always varies by location and segment.

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

• New Listings decreased 3.0% to 1,193
• Pending Sales decreased 8.8% to 794
• Inventory decreased 10.2% to 11,809

For the month of January:

• Median Sales Price increased 12.4% to $179,850
• Days on Market decreased 12.3% to 93
• Percent of Original List Price Received remained flat at 93.5
• Months Supply of Inventory decreased 15.6% to 2.7

All comparisons are to 2013

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