RISMEDIA, January 14, 2010—Trulia.com recently announced that 21% of homes currently on the market in the United States as of January 1, 2010 have experienced at least one price cut. This represents the second straight month price reduction levels have decreased and the lowest level since Trulia started tracking price reductions in April 2009. The total amount slashed from home prices also dropped to $21.2 billion compared to $24.7 billion in December, a 14% decrease. The average discount for price-reduced homes continues to hold at 11% off the original listing price. This was also the second straight month where inventory levels have dropped for single-family homes and condos across the United States.
South Continues With Least Amount of Homes Reduced
The South has the lowest overall level of price reductions, with 20% of current listings experiencing at least one price cut, while the Northeast saw the biggest decrease in price reductions compared to the previous month- 12%. (Regions according to the U.S. Census Bureau)
South- 20% of listings with price reductions
West- 22% of listings with price reductions
Midwest- 22% of listings with price reductions
Northeast- 22% of listings with price reductions
“Consumers have a golden window of opportunity to find a great home and take advantage of the tax credit before mortgage rates start to rise,” said Pete Flint, Trulia co-founder and CEO. “Historically low interest rates currently available and tax credit incentives are the ultimate price reductions for home buyers. As rates rise throughout the course of the year, buyers will need to adjust their purchase price ceiling.”
The number of major U.S. cities with price reduction levels at 30% was cut by 50% in January. In December, 14 major cities saw a reduction of 30% or greater and that number has been reduced to just seven cities in January. Additionally, Minneapolis, which has the held the top spot for the past two months, experienced a 33% decrease compared to the previous month. Cities experiencing the largest decreases in percentage of listings with price reductions compared to the previous month include:
Los Angeles, CA – 46% decrease in price reductions
New York, NY – 36% decrease in price reductions
Memphis, TN – 34% decrease in price reductions
Minneapolis, MN – 33% decrease in price reductions
Honolulu, HI – 33% decrease in price reductions
Luxury Market Still Hardest Hit
Luxury homes (those listed at $2 million and above) continue to be hit the hardest by price reductions with the average discount rising to 15% for the first time since Trulia started tracking in April 2009. Additionally, luxury homes represent less than 2% of all current listings on Trulia, but are responsible for 24% of the $21.2 billion in home price reductions. The average discount for homes priced less than $2 million continues to hold at 10%.
For more information, visit www.trulia.com.
