The median sales price of new homes sold in April was $372,400, up from $334,200 in March and $310,100 a year ago. 

Housing records continue to be broken, but despite the strong numbers, data could indicate homebuyer demand is reaching a peak.

Higher income, backed up by lower mortgage rates, has expanded the reach of the average homebuyer, but an increased demand for homes has concurrently driven up prices, negating two of the three main factors in First American Financial Corp.’s Real House Price Index.  

The limited inventory that has plagued the housing market continued, although at an abated pace.

The most expensive markets continued to experience double-digit growth in the first quarter, including Seattle.

Residential property equity continued to grow in the first quarter of 2021, with one in three homes considered equity rich.

These included 79% of the offers in Seattle, a bump from the 74.8% rate this past March and a leap from the 50% rate in April 2020.

Builder confidence was steady in May, carrying over April’s reading of 83 for another month, according to the most recent National Association of Home Builders/Wells Fargo Housing Market Index.

Americans believe it’s a much better time to sell a home than to buy one, according to Fannie Mae’s latest survey of home purchase sentiment.

Whether they’re still weary of going to a gym full of people or just looking to work off those extra pandemic pounds in privacy, homebuyers are increasingly prioritizing home exercise rooms.

Last month’s uptick in new listings is sure to be a welcome sign for Seattle homebuyers — and their battle-weary real estate agents. But April housing statistics released by Northwest Multiple Listing Service (MLS) show that sellers still won’t see their homes remain on the market for very long.

The number of buyers who locked in mortgage rates for second homes spiked to 178% year over year in April, according to a report from Redfin.

The housing market hit records last month as home prices reached an all-time high and homes sold faster than ever. 

Listing keywords associated with families and children, like community pools, nearby parks and cul-de-sacs, led to both faster-than-expected sales and higher premiums.

“This is a sign that the competitive purchase market, driven by low housing inventory and high demand, is pushing prices higher and weighing down on activity.” — Mortgage Bankers Association Associate Vice President of Economic and Industry Forecasting Joel Kan

In 40% of metro areas analyzed, first-quarter home prices hit new peaks or tied previous ones, according to ATTOM Data Solutions’ first-quarter 2021 U.S. Home Sales Report.