Maine home prices were up 5.12 percent in May

Maine Listings reported yesterday that Maine home prices were up 5.12 percent in May over May of 2016. They said lower than normal inventory of existing single family homes in Maine led to an 8.85 percent decline in May 2017 sales. However, according to Maine Listings, the median sales price (MSP) for the 1,524 homes sold last month rose 5.12 percent to $200,000. The MSP indicates that half of the homes were sold for more and half sold for less.

"Along the coast, in York County, sales for single-family homes priced between $200,000 and $700,000 beat the rest of the market," states Linda Briggs, owner of Anne Erwin Sotheby's International Realty. "Our office has felt the lack the inventory of homes coming to the market and agree with the trend that these mid-market homes are maintaining value and see some values increasing," said Briggs. "It's the luxury market that's been suffering, only 10 homes, priced above $2 million have sold in the last 365 days in York County. And of those 10 homes our office listed 3 of them, more than any other office," Briggs continued. "With a strong internet presence, there is no lack of visibility, however luxury buyers appear to be taking their time. The better weather and summer season should see an increase in activity."

Nationally, single family home sales increased 2.7 percent. The National Association of Realtors reported a nationwide MSP of $254,600 a 6.0 percent jump from one year ago. The Northeastern US experienced a sales increase of 2.6 percent and the regional MSP rose 4.7 percent to $281,300.

Below are two charts showing statistics for Maine and York county. The first chart lists statistics for the month of May only, statewide. The second chart compares the number of existing, single-family homes sold (units) and volume (MSP) during the rolling quarter of March, April and May of 2016 and 2017.