Edmonton, May 2, 2012:

According to figures released by the REALTORS® Association of Edmonton, there is a sea of calm in the local real estate market. Residential sales through the Multiple Listing Service® System in April were up 5.3% from the same month last year but below average for April. There were 1,713 residential sales in April as compared to the 5-year average of 1,940 sales. There were 7,334 residential properties available in inventory at the end of April which is up 7% from last month.

"There is plenty of choice in the market at this time," said REALTORS® Association of Edmonton President Doug Singleton. "Single family prices have risen slightly each month this year which is encouraging sellers to list their property." He urged home buyers to remain calm, to confirm their financing arrangements and to study the market with their REALTOR®. "Of course, when your REALTOR® shows you the ideal home you should move decisively to make an offer and begin the home buying process in case another buyer is also interested."

In April, the average1 residential price was up just 0.8% from last month at $337,363. The average price of a single family detached home was $382,384, up 0.9% from the previous month. The average price of a condominium in April was $235,036, up 1.3% from March. Duplex and rowhouse properties sold on average for $329,025; a 3.6% rise from the previous month. Residential prices were also up when compared to a year ago:

• Single family up 0.4%
• Condominium up 1.1%
• Duplex/Row house up 8.9%
• All residential up 2.99%

The average days-on-market in April was 50 days (down three from March) and the sales-to-listing ratio was 53% (up 2% from last month); both indicators reflecting increased market activity. REALTORS® participated in the sale of $578 million worth of residential property last month and total MLS® activity for the year is $1.5 billion (up 15% from 2011 YTD).

"If a change in your lifestyle requires a change of address, then this a great market to be in," said Singleton. "Choice of neighbourhoods, variety of housing types and stable pricing may not be available in every market but they are features here in the Edmonton area."

Edmonton, April 2, 2012:

At the end of the first quarter, the REALTORS® Association of Edmonton reports that the average residential price in the Edmonton area is up 2.2% when compared to a year ago. The all-residential average1 price, at $335,187 compared to $328,094 in March of last year. Single family detached (SFD) and condominium average prices were stable year-over-year with SFD prices up 0.2% and condos down 0.7%.

“Other markets, such as Toronto, are reporting feverish real estate activity involving multiple offers and unconditional offers but our market is calm, orderly and slowly evolving,” said REALTORS® Association of Edmonton President Doug Singleton. “Listing activity is up when compared to last year but sales and inventory are down which could indicate that market activity will pick up markedly as the summer progresses.”

On the Multiple Listing Service® System, sales and listings by REALTORS® in March were up, with 3,271 residential listings (up 23.5% from February) and sales of 1,533 (up 24.5% from the previous month). As a result, the inventory of residential properties available for sale was up 14.6% at 6,851 properties. At the current sales level, there are four and half months of inventory available. In total, there are 10,640 properties of all types (commercial, rural and residential) on the Edmonton and Area Multiple Listing Service®.

Market stability is reflected in the sales-to-listing ratio which is unchanged from month-to-month. The average days-on-market dropped in March by one day from 54 to 53 and residential properties are selling at about the same pace as this time last year on a year-to-date basis (46%).

In March, the average price of a single family detached home was $380,083, up 1.3% from the previous month. The average price of a condominium in March was $231,629, down 1.4% from the February price (last month the price of condos advanced over 8% in a month). Duplex and rowhouse properties sold on average for $319,020; a 4.1% improvement from the previous month.

“April is the start of the real estate season when people who want to buy and sell real estate are most active,” said Singleton. “There is speculation that mortgage rates will start to rise which makes it more difficult for first time buyers. However, there is lots of choice in our market with new properties coming available daily. Whatever your housing situation you can trust the advice of your local REALTOR® who is here when life happens.”

Edmonton, March 2, 2012:

The REALTORS® Association of Edmonton reports that housing prices were up in all housing categories in February in the Edmonton area. The all-residential average1 price, at $329,911, was up 3.7% from January and up 5.7% when compared to the same month last year.

"Average prices in February were higher than the year-long average price for last year," said REALTORS® Association of Edmonton President Doug Singleton. "Buyers seem to have confidence and REALTOR® offices are reporting solid traffic. This is lifting prices up and they are already higher than at the same time in the past two years."

In February, the average price of a single family detached (SFD) home was $375,268, up 3.1% from the previous month. The average price of a condominium in February was $234,973, up 8.5% from the January price. This is higher than all months except May of last year. Duplex and rowhouse properties sold on average for $306,491; a 1.4% improvement from the previous month.

Year-over-year prices were also up in all categories. Single family properties were up 4.8%; condos were up 1.7% and duplex/rowhouses were up 0.2% from the same month last year.

Sales and listings by REALTORS® on the Multiple Listing Service® System in February were both up from January and the sales-to-listing ratio recovered from 36% in January to 46% in February. This indicates that less than half of the residential properties listed were sold and provides fresh property options for buyers who may have been looking for several months. Sellers should be pleased to see that the average days-on-market in February was 54; down from 65 in January.

There were 5,976 residential properties in the local MLS® System at the end of January. Although the inventory was up from last month, it is lower than a year ago when there were 6,389 properties available for sale on the MLS® System.

"Nationally the housing still appears to be soft," said Singleton. "But the local market is much more robust. Consult your local REALTOR® for the most comprehensive local market information. REALTORS® are here when life happens."

Edmonton, February 2, 2012:

It was a typical January. The REALTORS® Association of Edmonton reports that housing prices in January softened and sales numbers were low as compared to the previous month. This January followed the usual trend with prices generally lower than the previous month and sales on par with December. However, except for the condo market, year-over-year prices and residential sales were up.

"We are predicting a slow but steady growth pattern for the market in 2012 and, as usual, this year started off slowly but is already showing signs of strength as we roll into spring," said REALTORS® Association of Edmonton President (2012) Doug Singleton. "Listing and sales activity is up markedly as compared to a year ago. Listings in January as compared to December are up over 126%." There were 5,303 residential properties in the local MLS® System at the end of January.

In January, the average price of a single family detached (SFD) home was $362,926, down just 1.1% from December 2011. A year ago the average price was $354,180. The condo market is still showing signs of distress. The average price of a condo in January was $215,407, down 4.9% from the December price. A year ago the average condo price was $223,807. Duplex and rowhouse properties sold on average for $304,590; an 8.3% improvement from last month and up 2.8% from a year ago.

The average residential price (including all SFD, condo, duplex and townhouse properties sold in the Greater Edmonton Area) was $318,034: up 0.7% from December and up 2.6% from last January. Sales are not keeping pace with new listings and the sales-to-listing ratio was low at just 36%. There were 2,441 residential properties listed and 881 sold in January (up 7.1% from a year ago). Average days-on-market in January was 65, the same as December.

"Interest rates remain at a historic low point and are not expected to rise this year. Combined with an expected increase in listing activity, the low interest rates make this a great time to enter the real estate market," said Singleton. "Buyers have increased choice and there is a massive amount of information in the real estate market. REALTORS® are uniquely qualified to sort through the data and help buyers and sellers to make informed decisions that support their hopes and dreams. REALTORS® are here when life happens."

Edmonton, January 4, 2012:

The REALTORS® Association of Edmonton reported that the all-residential average price for real estate sales through the Multiple Listing Service® (MLS®) in December was up 1.7% ($316,415) from a year ago. The average price of a single family detached home was also up 2.0% to $364,803 from December 2010. Relative to last December housing prices were up overall as well. As typical for December when sales usually fall off, month over month sales were down 27% and prices dipped 1.5% as compared to the November figures.

"With economic uncertainty impacting Europe and depressed housing markets in parts of the United States, it is a relief to report on the stability and health of the local real estate market," said REALTORS® Association of Edmonton President (2011) Chris Mooney. "With prices and sales varying within a small range there is a solid base going forward into the 2012 market."

In November the average price of a single family detached home was $364,924 and dipped just 0.3% in December. A year ago the average price was $357,636. That stability was reflected in condo pricing as well. In November the average price of a condo was $228,689 and the December price of $227,679 was down just 0.4%. A year ago the average condo price was $225,641. Duplex and rowhouse properties sold on average for $282,620, a 9.7% drop from a year ago.

The average residential price (including all SFD, condo, duplex, townhouse properties sold in the Greater Edmonton Area) was $316,415: down from November by 1.5%. There were 1,085 properties listed and 827 sold in December. There were 1,088 listings and 829 sales in December 2010. With slower sales the Days-on-market was 65 and the sales-to-listing ratio was a high for the year of 76.2%.

Looking back over the year, Mooney was content. "Last January, I forecast a 3% increase in single family prices and no movement in condo prices when comparing December to December. We ended up with a change of about half that overall and condo prices up. Homeowners generally saw an equity increase in the value of their homes in 2011."

The all-residential average price for the entire year was $325,457 as compared to $329,019 in 2010. There were 10,962 SFD sales (up 5.5%) in 2011 and 4,638 (down 0.4%) condo sales. Total residential sales were 16,893 units (up 3.8%) on listings of 30,906 units (down 2.0%).

Total MLS® sales (including residential, rural, recreational and commercial properties) were valued at $6.29 billion and represented 39,350 listings and 18,986 sales transactions. "REALTORS® were involved in almost 60,000 real estate transactions in 2011 and advised on thousands more that never materialized. There were tens of thousands of business people, families and individuals who met with one of our 3,200 REALTOR® members this year, and I am proud of their service to the community and the local economy," said Mooney.

REALTORS® also provided funding of $300,000 to 44 community groups this year through the REALTORS® Community Foundation and supported arts, heritage and community events through marketing and individual contributions. The REALTORS® Association of Edmonton printed over 2.5 million copies of the Real Estate Weekly in 51 issues and 1,061 members participated in professional development courses including 225 new members and 20 new broker/managers.

Edmonton, November 2nd, 2011:

In October the streets are overrun with ghoulish figures and scary characters but homeowners had no reason to fear the local housing market. Average prices for all types of residential property softened in October as part of the seasonal trend. In October the average* price of a single family detached home dipped lower than the two previous years and the previous month. The average price of a condo also dropped below the two previous same-month levels and was $15,500 below the price at the start of 2011. Over-all, the average residential price dropped to the lowest point since March but was $2,500 above the same figure in 2010.

• SFD average price $362,897 (down 3.4% m/m), median price $346,500
• Condo average price $223,892 (down 4.4% m/m), median price $210,500
• Duplex/row house average price $309,474 (up 4.7% m/m) , median price $308,000
• All-residential average price $319,985 (down 3.9% m/m), median price $312,500

"The balanced market continues as evidenced by the same number of residential sales in October 2011 and October 2010," said REALTORS® Association of Edmonton President Chris Mooney. "Although there are initial signs of labour shortages in the service sector, we are optimistic about real estate performance. As job openings increase in Alberta, people will again start to move here and drive real estate sales up."

The sales-to-listing ratio was up 2% to 54% in October and the days-on-market figure rose from 56 in September to 59 in October. Residential listings were down in October compared to last year and as a result the available inventory dropped from 8,062 in September to 7,296 at the end of October. There were 1,170 residential sales in October compared to 1,169 in October 2010. Listings dropped from 2,218 in October 2010 to 2,166 this year.

"My colleagues and I are out in the marketplace every day, talking to buyers and sellers," said Mooney. "We see some reluctance from clients who have their eye on other markets but those who focus on the local figures see the strength, stability and opportunity that support a decision to invest in real estate." There are 3,124 REALTORS® active in the Edmonton area who can assist with a real estate transaction.

Edmonton, October 4th, 2011:

The owners of single family homes in Edmonton and area have seen the value of their property increase more than many other investments. While the stock market and dollar have plunged recently and interest on savings accounts is minimal, local homeowners are seeing a five percent increase in the value of their residential property this year. Compared to prices on December 31, 2010, a single family dwelling has increased on average* 5.1% and a condo has increased 4.7%.

"REALTORS® remain optimistic about the future of the local market," said REALTORS® Association of Edmonton President Chris Mooney. "In January, we forecast that single family homes would be priced about three percent higher at year end. Now they are priced five percent higher and we don't anticipate that prices will soften very much in the fourth quarter. We did not anticipate an overall increase in condo prices so we are a little surprised that condo prices are also up almost five percent."

The average price for a single family detached home in September was $375,738, up 1.4% from a month earlier. The average price of a condo was up 2.1% to $236,125 during the same period. The average residential price in the Greater Edmonton area in September was up 2.6% to $332,782 from $324,217 in August. Duplex and rowhouse sales of just 66 units in September showed an average price drop of 3.2% to $296,117.

The consumer confidence that has allowed housing prices to rise has also spurred sales. There were 1,345 residential property sales in September, with listings of 2,585 residential properties. The residential sales-to listing ratio was 52% with homes resting on market for an average of 56 days. Total MLS® listings numbered 3,292 with total MLS® sales of 1,536 properties of all types.

"Movement of properties in the lower half of the price range is faster than the more expensive properties," said Mooney. It takes 48 days on average to see an SFD priced below average compared to 53 days to sell a home priced over the average. "The consumer is price conscious and with 8,062 homes currently on the market, the buyer has lots of choice. Sellers should ensure that their home price is based on current market reality and not a fantasy if they want to sell in a reasonable time period."

There were 3,178 REALTORS® ready to serve clients at the end of September 2011.

Edmonton, September, 2011:

The average* price of a single family home has remained remarkably stable for the past four years according to figures released by the REALTORS® Association of Edmonton. The average selling price in August has varied from a high of $372,000 in 2008 to the low of $367,700 in 2009. Last month SFDs sold on average for $370,438. Prices have varied within a range of just over one percent.

"Consumers are wary in the face of uncertainty in the global economic markets and they receive constant reminders from federal officials about the dangers of carrying too much debt. Other real estate markets have seen recent boom and bust cycles that are not evident in our local market," said REALTORS® Association of Edmonton President Chris Mooney. "Residential property is holding its value and the economic prospects for the Alberta and Edmonton markets show real growth potential in the next few years."

Condo prices have slipped seven percent since 2008 because of an oversupply and lack of demand resulting from tighter mortgage qualification rules. In August 2008, the average price for a local condo was $248,000. This past August it was just $231,735. Overall, the all residential price has varied from $329,600 in 2008 to $324,217 this year (August figures).

In August 2011, there were 969 single family homes reported sold through the Multiple Listing Service® with 428 reported condo transactions with a total of 1,507 reported sales of all types of residential property. There were 1,564 total residential sales in July 2011 reflecting the typical pattern of slower sales as we head into fall.

"A stable market place and slightly lower prices combined with a slower sales cycle means that there are homes available in all price ranges," said Mooney. "The residential median price ($315,000) remained almost the same as the previous month while the average prices dropped. This indicates that there is a softening of prices at the upper end of the market. Under these conditions, sellers with property priced below the average price for their property type and location will attract more attention and get a quicker sale."

The sales to listing ratio notched up four percent to 51% as a result of steady listing activity and the typical sales cycle stretched to an average of 57 days-on-market indicating slower sales in August.

Edmonton, August 3, 2011:

According to the REALTORS® Association of Edmonton, the average price of housing increased through July as compared to the previous month. The all-residential average price increased 1.1% to $334,054; up from $330,298 in June. Single family home prices increased 1.3% while condo prices rose 4.3% during the month.

Residential sales in July were 1,441 up 3.6% compared to the same time last year. Residential listing activity dropped slightly in July to 3,038 units; down 210 units from June but up 193 units from the same time last year. The inventory of homes on the Multiple Listing Service® is quickly approaching par from last year at 8,421 properties available as of July 31.

"Our local housing market is quite healthy with affordable prices, a good inventory and strong sales," said REALTORS® Association of Edmonton President Chris Mooney. "The selection of properties on the market for buyers is excellent. With employment opportunities popping up throughout the region and interest rates being very attractive, now is a good time to purchase a property in Edmonton."

The average* price of a single family detached home in July was $384,656 with a median price of $360,000. Condo average price was $244,225 with a median of $223,000. Duplex and rowhouse prices rose on average from $296,969 to $309,816, a 4.3% increase.

"The increase in housing prices is on track with our January forecast and as we move into fall, we don't see prices increasing substantially," said Mooney.

The average days-on-market in July was 51 days: the same as in July 2010. The residential sales-to-listing ratio was 47% in July and total MLS® System sales were over $3.887 billion for the year so far.

Edmonton, July 5, 2011:

Economic and other external indicators point to a strengthening of the local real estate market according to the REALTORS® Association of Edmonton.

• Statistics Canada reported that Alberta boasted the highest spike in population in the first quarter with a 0.4% increase.


• The Conference Board of Canada predicts that housing prices in Edmonton will increase from five to seven percent in the short term although local prices are currently down when compared to last year.


• Although the Bank of Canada seems reluctant to raise interest rates because of the negative impact on exports, CMHC reports that Canadians are budgeting for an interest rate hike.


• While housing prices nationally are up by 8.6% (May figures) Edmonton prices are tracking predictably in a stable market.


• CIBC is of the opinion that Alberta home prices are over-valued by 17% yet RBC names Edmonton amongst the most affordable major metro markets in Canada.


• A report by Peters and Co. forecast that $180 billion will be spent on new oilsands projects in the next decade with current oilsands operations and maintenance adding another $30 billion a year.

"The various reports and indicators can be confusing and contradictory," said REALTORS® Association of Edmonton President Chris Mooney. "Alberta and Edmonton are often moving in a different direction than the rest of the country and a national statistic or trend may not apply here. REALTORS® are very optimistic about the current market and are prepared to help home buyers and sellers sort through the figures to determine the best housing strategy for each individual or family."

In the first half of the year the average* price of a single family detached home has risen from $357,540 to $379,409 while the all-residential price has risen from $308,497 to $330,297. However compared to the same-month year-over-year, prices have risen consistently between the levels set in the past two years.

In the short term, when compared to the previous month, prices in June were generally stable. Single family homes were up 0.31% from $378,239 to $379,409. Condo prices dropped from $239,782 to $231,852 (down 3.3% after rising 3.1% in May). Duplex and row house prices climbed slightly from $295,334 to $296,689. The all-residential average price dipped 0.5% during the month of June.

There were 1,768 residential sales in June with 3,260 listings resulting in a sales-to-listing ratio of 54%. This is compared to 53% in May. There are currently 8,432 residential properties in the MLS® System inventory and days-on-market is slower at 53 days (up from 50 in May).

"We know that all real estate is local and homeowners and buyers should focus on local data and local expertise to guide their decisions," said Mooney. "Is it a good time to buy a home in Edmonton? If your domestic needs have changed and you need to move, then seek professional advice and start the process."

Edmonton, June 2, 2011:

The local real estate market is looking up according to the current statistics released by the REALTORS® Association of Edmonton. The average residential sales price is up, the price of a single family detached home or a condo is up, number of sales is up and inventory is up over the previous month.

"Local market housing sales this year are tracking as we forecast in January," explained REALTORS® Association of Edmonton President Chris Mooney. "Historically for the month of May, the days-on-market (50 days) is at the second lowest point in four years while the sales-to-listing ratio at 53% is at the second highest point in the same period. Both metrics are a good indication of market optimism."

The average* price of a single family detached home in May was $380,545, up a quarter of a percent from last month. An average priced condo sold for $241,079, up an amazing 3.65% from April. Duplex and row house prices declined 2.96% month-over-month but the average residential price (including all types of residential properties) was up 1.39% from a month ago.

Median prices in most housing categories were up: SFD up 1.13%, condo up 3.64%, Duplex/row house down 2% and all residential up 0.8%. There were 1,857 residential sales in May (up 24.9% from April) with listings of 3,525 properties (up from 3,278 in April). As a result, inventory increased from 7,715 properties to 8,180.

"There is a wide range of property on the market right now but it is turning over quicker than in recent months," said Mooney. "The local economy is picking up, the demand for labour is increasing but the national situation is keeping interest rates low. We anticipate increasing prices and sales through the summer ahead as we originally forecast."

Total Edmonton and area MLS® System sales in May were $701 million for an annual total-to-date of $2.574 billion.

Edmonton, May 3, 2011:

According to the REALTORS® Association of Edmonton, the average price of housing remained relatively stable through April as compared to the previous month. The all-residential average price decreased $310 to $327,415; down from $327,725 in March. Single family home prices decreased $425 while condo prices rose $1,305 (0.6%) during the month. Despite the activity the market is balanced without a distinct advantage for either buyer or seller.

"Prices and sales usually increase in the second quarter and REALTORS® are busy serving new and repeat customers," explained REALTORS® Association of Edmonton President Chris Mooney. "The increase in new listings means that there is a good selection of homes to choose from. However, the market is still price sensitive and sellers will have to have a realistic pricing strategy if they are expecting a quick sale."

Residential sales were 1,487 down 7.8%; compared to 1,613 in March. Residential listing activity rose from 2,958 units in March to 3,278 units in April. Inventory of homes on the Multiple Listing Service® increased from 6,885 last month to 7,215 as of April 30.

The average* price of a single family detached home in April was $379,075 with a median price of $357,000. Condo average price was $234,220 with a median of $220,000. Duplex and rowhouse prices rose on average from $294,585 to $300,906, a 2.1% increase. All prices reflected sales across the entire Edmonton region including surrounding communities and counties.

"There is a lot of activity in the local market and the situation changes every day and from neighbourhood to neighbourhood," said Mooney. "Only your REALTOR® has access to the most up-to-date sales activity and sold prices. He or she is prepared to work closely with you to locate your next dream home or sell the property that no longer meets your lifestyle needs."

The average days-on-market in April was 49 days. The residential sales-to-listing ratio was 45% in April and total MLS® System sales were over $1.822 billion for the year so far.

Edmonton, April 5, 2011:

REALTORS® expect the local real estate market to follow a well-worn annual sales track. However, like the stock market, large external forces can skew the market. In 2010, the threat of increased mortgage rates and a change to mortgage qualification rules accelerated sales in the first quarter and caused a sales slump in the following months that took all summer to work through. This year there are no external influences on the market and it is operating normally again.

According to the REALTORS® Association of Edmonton, residential sales in the first quarter are normal for this time of year although lower than 2010 numbers because of the abnormalities imposed on the previous market. There were 3,479 residential sales in the first quarter, which is down from 3,890 last year.

"We will see sales number bounce back as we move into the spring market period," said REALTORS® Association of Edmonton President Chris Mooney. "All the fundamentals for this market are positive. There is job stability, low unemployment, income growth and in-migration. New home builders are busy and I expect buyers to be looking at the housing options which match their lifestyle changes."

At the end of March, the average* residential price (includes all types of housing including condos) was down 4.6% from a year ago at $327,725. The average price of a single family detached home was down to $378,912 compared to 2010 (a -2.6% change) and condos were priced down 7.5% year-over-year at $232,706.

As the market picks up momentum, prices inch up each month with the average residential price up 4.8% from a month ago. Compared to February, prices for SFDs were up 5.8% and condos up 0.8%.

"REALTORS® expect that prices will continue to climb slowly through the next quarter as usual," said Mooney. "We are already seeing strong sales in the lower end of the market but tighter mortgage qualification rules have slowed sales in the upper end. Sellers should review their asking prices or consider minor home improvements that will appeal to the potential buyer." Mooney urged both buyers and sellers to contact their REALTOR® to get assistance and advice on home selection and pricing strategy.

REALTORS® listed 2,960 residential properties in March and sold a total of 1,503 properties. Current residential inventory is 6,885 up 7.8% from last month. The residential sales-to-listing ratio in March was 45% with days on market down from 58 to 50 days. Total MLS® System sales this year are $1.235 billion.

Edmonton, March 2, 2011:

It was 2009 all over again if the housing figures released by the REALTORS® Association of Edmonton are any indication. Prices for all categories of residential property sold in February mirrored prices in the same month in 2009 after showing pricing gains from January this year.

Single family detached properties sold for $359,934 on average* in February; up 1% from January. The February price was down 3.1% from a year ago but close to the $349,810 price in February 2009. Condo prices followed the same pattern. At $230,911 on average, condos were up 4.5% from a month ago but down 0.65% year over year. In February 2009, condos sold for $229,685. The average price for a duplex/rowhouse in February was $303,440; up 2% from January but down 5.6% from a year ago. In 2009, the February price for this category was $288,379.

"Sales and prices in early 2010 were pushed up by the impending mortgage rate increases and qualification changes," explained REALTORS® Association of Edmonton President Chris Mooney. "Now that the market is stable, price levels have returned to the 2009 levels. However, the price increases for all housing types from January indicate the slow upward movement that local REALTORS® anticipated."

The all-residential average price (including single family, condo, duplex, townhouse, mobile home and other residential housing types) was up three quarters of a percent from January but down 1.8% from a year ago. However, at $312,840 it matched the February 2009 price at $310,488.

REALTORS® listed 2,631 residential properties in February and sold a total of 1,044 properties. Current residential inventory is 6,389 up 13.4% from last month. The sales-to-listing ratio in February was 39% with days on market down from 67 to 58 days. "With the recent announcement by the Bank of Canada that interest rates are not being raised, consumers can have confidence in the strength of the local real estate market," said Mooney. "Call a REALTOR® to begin your house search."