Lowest level of new listings for any month on record

OVERVIEW

As the year concludes, most indicators point to a healthier market than last year, but several clues reveal a possible softening of demand in the near-term.  Sales numbers and the median price are up from this time last year, but new contracts have declined slightly for the 2^nd straight month. Additionally, unseasonable declines in sales and median price from November could be an early sign of weakening demand.  The market is experiencing historically low inventory, with active listings at their lowest December-level in nearly a decade, and new listings at their lowest level for any month on record. While intuitively low supply would put upward pressure on prices, it could be that many buyers are deciding to delay their home purchase until more options become available on the market, which is loosening the pressure on pricing as evidenced by the $11,000 drop in the median sale price from November.  Many potential sellers could be hesitant to enter the market during the winter months, so an increase in the spring inventory would likely entice buyers back into the market, and push median prices back up.

Like most companies (and residents) of the DC Metro area, we're paying close attention to the fun-filled negotiations between the White House and the Republican majority in the house. Sequestration would obviously have a huge impact on the local economy, but our housing market is also extremely vulnerable to any mortgage interest deduction limits, even if relatively high caps are put on itemizers. For background, the always interesting (and concise) blog Econ70.com summarizes the new revenue options being considered (see their post):

"If all 1040-Schedule A deductions, including the mortgage interest deduction are capped at about $35,000, then homeowners with houses priced north of $500,000 would be the ones primarily affected, and their homes would fall in value. Interestingly, they might respond by reducing charitable giving. If, however, the deductible amount is limited to 80% of total deductions, then all itemizers would be hurt, and many more houses would decline in price."

How many of the homes sold (year-to-date) in key DC Metro areas would have been impacted by a $35,000 mortgage interest deduction cap?

Might be a good time for area homeowners to give their local congressman a ring!