Welcome to the 1st Quarter, 2005 edition of the MRIS Quarterly Economic and Market Watch Report.

Transcription

1 METROPOLITAN REGIONAL INFORMATION SYSTEMS, INC Key West Avenue, Suite 200 T Rockville, Maryland F May 10, 2005 Welcome to the 1st Quarter, 2005 edition of the MRIS Quarterly Economic and Watch Report. Home sales continue to leave a scorched path in the first quarter of In the MRIS region, first quarter sales were 25.2% higher than the same quarter a year ago. But, housing experts agree that, nationwide, the boom is over. Check out the Chief Economist s Commentary and see whether David Lereah thinks we re in for a hard or soft landing, now that the real estate markets have grown up. The Forecast examines the market wildcard oil prices. Senior Research Forecaster, Lawrence Yun, explores the cause and effect relationship involving rising oil prices, the consumer price index and the unemployment rate. And in the Trends report, Economist Ken Fears advises real estate professionals in the MRIS region to focus their effort on the upper segment of the price spectrum, because those properties are bucking the current DOM trend. MRIS brokers and agents are welcome to quote text or recreate charts from this report for their internal use and to include selected elements in their respective marketing efforts. We ask only that you provide MRIS and NAR with the appropriate credit in the body of the new document or web page. Best regards, David Charron President/CEO

2 Economic and Watch Report 1st Quarter, 2005 *Click on a County to view economic and real estate information at the county and zip code level 2005 MRIS, Inc. and NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS

3 MRIS, Inc. Economic and Watch Report MRIS, owned by 25 REALTOR Shareholder Boards/Associations, is the largest Multiple Listing Service in the nation, with over 50,000 licensed agents, brokers and appraisers. Our customers have access to more than 24,000 active listings and we have an archive of over one-million comparable and sold properties. In excess of 4-million public records containing tax information about properties in our area are available. Over 37,000 properties have been sold through MRIS so far this year. MRIS is pleased to offer this Quarterly Economic and Watch Report, designed to help real estate practitioners identify current and future economic and real estate trends that affect our industry. Index Trends... Chief Economist's Commentary*... Local Forecast... Economic Monitor*... Local Report District of Columbia District of Columbia... Maryland Allegany County... Anne Arundel County... Baltimore County... Calvert County... Caroline County... Carroll County... Cecil County... Charles County... Dorchester County... Frederick County... Garrett County... Harford County... Howard County... Kent County... Montgomery County... Prince George's County... Queen Anne's County... St. Mary's County... Talbot County... Washington County... Baltimore City

4 Pennsylvania Franklin County... Fulton County... Virginia Arlington County... Caroline County... Clarke County... Culpeper County... Fairfax County... Fauquier County... Frederick County... King George County... Loudoun County... Madison County... Orange County... Page County... Prince William County... Rappahannock County... Shenandoah County... Spotsylvania County... Stafford County... Warren County... Westmoreland County... Alexandria City... Fairfax City... Falls Church City... Fredericksburg City... Manassas City... Manassas Park City... Winchester City... West Virginia Berkeley County... Grant County... Hampshire County... Hardy County... Jefferson County... Mineral County... Others *Reprinted from Real Estate Outlook: Trends and Insights NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS. Used with permission. Reproduction, reprinting, or retransmission of this article in any form (electronic media included) is prohibited without permission. For subscription information please call

5 Trends Selling While It s Hot By Ken Fears, Economist Home sales continue to leave a scorched path in the first quarter of Coming off of a record in 2004, sales are enduring at a strong pace. Roughly 31,567 homes were sold in the area serviced by MRIS during the first quarter of That is a decrease of -20% from the first quarter, January, February, and March, of While the 30-year fixed rate mortgage remained low in January and February, averaging roughly 5.7% according to the Freddie Mac survey, the average jumped up to 5.9% in March. This upward trend is expected to persist through the year. The National Association of Realtors is currently forecasting the 30-year FRM to rise to 6.7% by the fourth quarter of 2005 and to average 6.2% for all of Price Range Days on the 2004 Q1 Days on the 2005 Q1 <$100K $100K-$199K $200K-$299K $300K-$399K $400K> As interest rates rise demand for housing is pressing upward as potential buyers seek to lock in low monthly payments. With higher mortgage rates looming on the horizon, a Realtor might choose to seek out homes that move more quickly in order to take advantage of this trend. To this end, the average days on the market by price sector is plotted above. From this breakdown, some conclusions can be drawn: Homes move the fastest in the upper price ranges. The slowest moving homes are in the middle price ranges. Compared to last spring, the upper price ranges have shown the greatest improvement in days on the market. The average duration of a sale has softened most in the lower price range. Days on the market continues to be a strong indicator of market strength. While most areas are strong, certain ones are clearly better. As mortgage rates rise, one should focus their efforts on areas of fast turnover in order to garner more sales commissions; in short, getting in (on sales) while it s good. To this end, in the area covered by MRIS one should focus their sales effort on the upper segment of the price spectrum. However, don t ignore the other sectors! Commissions are good no matter where you get them. Furthermore, a balance must be struck between how fast one moves the home and the size of the commission. The housing sector looks to continue its strength in While sales are expected to moderate from the remarkable levels attained in 2004, this year is expected to be a historically strong year. Mortgage rates may be on the rise, but so is employment. With employment comes job security and rising wages, both of which will result in additional demand for housing. 1

6 Chief Economist s Commentary REAL ESTATE DOESN T NEED A BOOM TO ROAR By David Lereah. Chief Economist With the peak of the nation s housing boom most likely behind us, the debate about whether the housing sector lands hard or soft has begun. Many times in this column I have stated a case for a soft landing for housing. Today s housing sector is fundamentally sound with historically low mortgage rates, a lean supply of homes and a boomer-led demand for homebuying. As a result, home sales are expected to fall this year, but not by much. According to our latest forecast, existing home sales are expected to drop by only 2.6 percent this year. New home sales are expected to drop by 5 percent. And with housing inventories remaining lean across the nation, upward pressures on home prices are likely to persist. While we forecast home price appreciation for existing homes to slow from the 9.3 percent pace of last year to a 6.3 percent pace this year, that is hardly a fall-out in home values. So no big concerns there. What does concern me is that the media and many Wall Street analysts are now stating that even if the soft landing scenario plays out, real estate may lose its stronghold as a competitive investment vis-a-vis stocks and bonds. Nothing could be further from the truth. Real estate does not need a boom to roar. Over 36 percent of all home sales last year were second homes purchased either as a vacation property or a rental investment property. It is obvious that households are still comfortable putting some of their funds into tangible real estate rather than holding paper equity shares of companies whose values are subject to the sways of the economy, corporate management capabilities and market competition. Not surprisingly, most households that purchase real estate are not looking or depending on double-digit price returns. Property has built-in benefits that many other income-generating assets lack. First, there are the social benefits of homeownership: the pride of owning a home of one s own, improved relations with family members, reduced crime in the community. Second, real estate is a highly leveraged asset generating high-yielding returns and creating significant wealth through amortization schedules and steady price appreciation on the money homebuyers put down. Third, real estate expands a household s borrowing/buying power, allowing homeowners to borrow against the equity in their property. And finally, real estate brings with it tax benefits and government subsidies that no other income-generating asset can rival. Real estate has played second fiddle to traditional stock and bond investments for far too long. The real estate markets have grown up. The buying and selling of property is no longer a long, awkward and costly process. Property holdings have become more liquid and their financial rewards have become legendary during this past decade. Property ownership has generated substantial wealth and income gains for households across America. And real estate enables property owners to leverage capital and build wealth, it provides tax benefits, and attracts government subsidies all advantages that stock, bonds, and other income-producing assets do not offer. Real estate has earned the right to stand side by side with stocks and bonds in any investment and/or retirement portfolio. Double-digit price increases are not the reason households should be investing in real estate. Moreover, speculative purchasing in real estate is not healthy, but occurs because that is the nature of human greed in any asset market that offers the potential for great income and wealth gains. But let us separate the forest from these few speculative trees. Most home sales whether for a primary residence or a second home are based on solid economic fundamentals and rational purchase behavior. Households recognize real estate for what it is the gift that keeps on giving. 2

7 Forecast The Forecast By Lawrence Yun, Senior Research Forecaster Historically, home prices have advanced by one and one-half percentage points above consumer price inflation. But in recent years, the real home price gains (that is, home price growth minus the consumer price inflation) have been far stronger. Home price growth outpaced consumer price inflation by 16% cumulatively over the past three years. The only other period in modern history when real home price gains were this strong was in the 1976 to 1979 period when the cumulative gains totaled 15%. That rah-rah period, however, was immediately followed by a period of real home price declines of 10% from 1980 to Though nominal home prices have not declined at the national level since the Great Depression, real home prices have at times shown negative trends. With the so much discussion of the housing bubble in the current environment, should we also be bracing for at least real home price declines, if not an outright nominal home price declines? Don t Panic That s not likely. For that to happen, home sales would have to fall by half. Mortgage rates would have to double. And the economy would have to go through one of sharpest contractions in U.S. history! Those three nasty things did in fact happened when the real home price declined in the early 1980s. The likelihood of such a similar scenario playing out in the current environment is nil. Home sales momentum is still going strong (NAR pending sales index firmed up a bit in February) and looks to finish the year only a hair shy of last year s record figures. It s true that mortgage rates will rise, but to only 7% by the middle of next year. And the economy? There are no signs of a major economic contraction. In fact, the economy has been expanding nicely with a plenty of job creations. The much more likely scenario is for the modestly rising rates to temper home buying enthusiasm, thereby, slowing the real home price gain back to the historic norm by the end of next year. That means, at the national level a real price gain will slow from 6.6% in 2004 to 3.3% in 2005 to 1.0% in The Wildcard There is, however, a wildcard that could wreak havoc to our forecast oil prices. An expanding global economy has sharply driven up oil prices and there doesn t appear to be any relief in sight. Our baseline forecast assumes that oil prices will continue to stay near $50 a barrel for the rest of the year. That means GDP will be struggling to grow at the 3.0% mark by the end of this year. That growth rate is barely enough to absorb the anticipated rise in the labor force, and consequently, the unemployment rate may have already bottomed. High oil prices also push up the consumer price index and the unemployment rate. If oil prices reach $75 per barrel, the unemployment rate is expected to rise to 6% rather than falling to 5%. Inflation will also take a hit rising at a 4.5% rate rather than at the 3% pace. If oil prices reach $90, the unemployment rate will rise to 6.5% with inflation rising at a chocking rate of 5.5%. 3

8 Forecast The Local The local job market has shown solid improvements in recent months. Nearly 100,000 net new jobs have been added to the MRIS coverage area in the past 12 months. The local housing market conditions have been much more impressive. The first quarter sales were 25.2% higher than the same quarter a year ago. The average price of $311,500 represents 8.3% one year price growth. The local market outlook calls for continued job creations. Expect about 130,000 net new job over the next 24 months. But mortgage rates will be about one full percentage point higher by the year end. That will hold back demand, particularly in the starter home market. Home sales, as a result, will rise by only 7% in There is still enough momentum and housing shortage to push home prices by 9% in

9 Forecast U.S. Economic Outlook: May Q2 Q3 Q4 Q1 Q2 Q3 Q4 Q1 Q2 Q U.S. Economy Annual Growth Rate Real GDP Nonfarm Payroll Employment Consumer Prices Real Disposable Income Consumer Confidence Percent Unemployment Rate Interest Rates, Percent Fed Funds Rate Month T-Bill Rate Prime Rate Corporate Aaa Bond Yield Year Government Bond Year Government Bond Mortgage Rates, percent 30-Year Fixed Rate Year Adjustable National Housing Indicators Thousands Existing Single-Family Sales 6,900 6,797 6,877 6,833 6,743 6,569 6,354 6,291 6,335 6,501 6,183 6,784 6,624 6,443 New Single-Family Sales 1,206 1,155 1,153 1,180 1,170 1,130 1,089 1,063 1,041 1,027 1,086 1,202 1,142 1,032 Housing Starts 1,920 1,969 1,975 2,111 1,996 1,941 1,885 1,842 1,779 1,743 1,848 1,956 1,983 1,776 Single-Family Units 1,596 1,632 1,621 1,715 1,613 1,543 1,483 1,430 1,366 1,322 1,499 1,611 1,588 1,353 Multifamily Units Residential Construction* Percent Change -- Year Ago Existing Single-Family Sales New Single-Family Sales Housing Starts Single-Family Units Multifamily Units Residential Construction National Home Prices Thousands of Dollars Existing Home Prices New Home Prices Percent Change -- Year Ago Existing Home Prices New Home Prices Local Region Payroll Jobs (in thousands) Home Sales Home Prices (in thousand $) Percent Change -- Year Ago Jobs 2.3% 1.9% 2.6% 2.4% 2.2% 2.0% 1.8% 1.7% 1.9% 2.3% 2.1% 2.3% 2.1% 2.0% Home Sales 30.5% 20.0% 21.7% 25.2% 5.5% 3.2% 2.4% 0.9% 2.0% 2.2% 12.5% 21.4% 7.3% 2.2% Home Prices 8.9% 5.5% 10.2% 8.3% 9.7% 8.9% 8.1% 7.6% 7.4% 7.1% 12.7% 9.5% 8.6% 7.3% Quarterly figures are seasonally adjusted annual rates. * Billion dollars Source: Forecast produced using Macroeconomic Advisers quarterly model of the U.S. economy. Assumptions and simulations by Dr. David Lereah and Dr. Lawrence Yun. 5

10 This table reflects data available through April 5, Monthly Indicator Mortgage Rates The 30-year fixed mortgage rose to 5.90% in March the highest in 7 months. The one-year ARM also climbed to 4.21% from 4.16% in the prior month of February. Existing Home Sales Total existing home sales (single-family, condos and co-ops) posted 6.79 million seasonally adjusted annualized units in February. Resales continue to remain near record highs. The inventory of existing homes rose slightly to a 4.2 months supply. New Home Sales rose 9% in February to million seasonally adjusted annualized units. The increase is due in part to low interest rate conditions during the month, and warmer and dryer weather than is usual during February. Housing Starts surged to million units in February, a 0.5% from January and their highest monthly mark in over 21 years. Single-family units rose to an all-time high of 1.78 million units, while multifamily units posted 420,000. Employment Payroll employment advanced by 110,000 in March, less than anticipated by most forecasters. The latest payroll addition is far below what would be expected of an economy (GDP) that has been growing at 4% or better rate. The unemployment rate declined to 5.2%. Recent Statistics Jan 5.71 Feb 5.63 Mar 5.90 Dec 6,810 Jan 6,820 Feb 6,790 Dec 1,226 Jan 1,121 Feb 1,226 Dec 2,056 Jan 2,183 Feb 2,195 Jan 124 Feb 243 Mar 110 Economic Monitor Forecast ARM holders need be watchful of the next readjustment date To stay near record levels through the first half of 2005 High lumber and material costs becoming a concern Builders are an optimistic bunch Job gains will average over 200,000 per month Purchase Applications The mortgage application index leaped to in March a higher level than March of This indicates strong home sales activities ahead despite rising interest rates. Housing Affordability NAR s index was unchanged in February at An increase in the median home price was balanced by an increase in family median income. The ARM (adjustable rate mortgage) affordability index rose slightly from to Inflation The CPI jumped 0.4% in February and is up 2.9% over the last 12 months. The core index (excluding food and energy) increased 0.3%. Core prices are up 2.2% in the last 12 month period. Look to more steady upward increases in the CPI through the spring. NAR s Pending Home Sales Index (PHSI) a new leading indicator for the housing market stood at in February, 2.2% above January s figure and 10.4 percent ahead of the index in February The index is based on pending sales of all existing homes that is when a contract has been signed but the transaction has not yet closed. An index of 100 is equal to the average level of contract activity during 2001 (the first year to be analyzed and the first of four consecutive record years for existing home sales). Consequently an index of 100 coincides with a historically high level of home sales activity. February s index indicates that housing activity is firming up, with an anticipated modest uptrend in the months ahead. Details on the latest PHSI is available on page 16. For more information about NAR s Pending Home Sales Index, visit Research.nsf/pages/PHSdata By Wannasiri Chompoopet and Hristina Toshkova Real Estate Outlook 6 Jan Feb Mar Dec Jan Feb Dec 0.0% Jan 0.1% Feb 0.4% In neutral gear for purchase apps; reverse gear for refis Rising rates cut into affordability Anticipate highest inflation in five years

11 District of Columbia, DC Labor : In the first two months of the first quarter, 2,641 jobs were added to the payrolls of Washington. As a result of these new jobs, the average monthly unemployment rate fell from 8.8% during the fourth quarter to 8% for January and February. The strong employment climate may help to create demand for home purchases. Favorable mortgage rates should augment this trend. # Homes on the * # ** Avg # of Days on Housing : $482,500 $500,800 1,788 2,270 2,395 1, on $436, % % % $420, % % % $594, % % % $538, % % % $463, % % % $1,037, % % % $813, % % % $522, % % % $474, % % % $400, % % % $553, % % % 7

12 District of Columbia, DC on $776, % % % $685, % % % $319, % % % $352, % % % $191, % % % $197, % % % $338, % % % $198, % % % $353, % % % $595, % % % $345, OTHER $660, % % % 8

13 Allegany County, MD Labor : Employment increased by 3,040 jobs in Allegany County during January and February. However, the number of job seekers also increased. The combined effect of these two trends was an increase in the average monthly unemployment rate from 6.4% for the fourth quarter to 7.5% in the first two months of the first quarter. The solid job growth may provide strong home sales, while low mortgage rates should continue to spur sales. # Homes on the * # ** Avg # of Days on Housing : $90,700 $92, on $97, % % % $60, % $53, % % % $128, % % % $83, % % % $55, % % % $98, % $72, $122, % % % $70, % % % 9

14 Allegany County, MD on $69, % % % 10

15 Anne Arundel County, MD Labor : Employment increased by 5,692 jobs in Anne Arundel County during January and February. However, the number of job seekers also increased. The combined effect of these two trends was an increase in the average monthly unemployment rate from 3.3% for the fourth quarter to 3.9% in the first two months of the first quarter. The solid job growth may provide strong home sales, while low mortgage rates should continue to spur sales. # Homes on the * # ** Avg # of Days on Housing : $353,700 $360,700 1,647 2,143 2,285 1, on $813, % % % $328, % % % $408, % % % $249, % % % $355, % % % $289, % % % $588, % % % $585, % % % $447, % % % $499, % % % 11

16 Anne Arundel County, MD on $409, % % % $652, % % % $676, % % % $494, % % % $433, % % % $233, % % % $239, % % % $316, % % % $259, % % $301, % % % $393, % % % $311, % % % $315, % % % $307, % % % $429, % % % $314, % % % $574, % % % $280, % % % $449, % % % $431, % % % OTHER $199, % % 46 12

17 Baltimore County, MD Labor : Employment increased by 773 jobs in Baltimore County during January and February. However, the number of job seekers also increased. The combined effect of these two trends was an increase in the average monthly unemployment rate from 4.4% for the fourth quarter to 4.8% in the first two months of the first quarter. The solid job growth may provide strong home sales, while low mortgage rates should continue to spur sales. # Homes on the * # ** Avg # of Days on Housing : $242,100 $248,100 2,013 2,505 2,916 2, on $449, % % % $270, % $403, % % % $159, % $352, % % % $553, % % % $324, % % % $787, % % % $455, % % % $350, % % % 13

18 Baltimore County, MD on $544, % % % $272, % % % $517, % % % $335, % % % $709, % % % $219, % % $263, % % $701, % % % $220, % % % $358, % % % $462, % % % $164, % % % $284, % % % $272, % % % $175, % % % $145, % % % $121, % % % $192, % % % $278, % % % $191, % % % $219, % % % $197, % % % $206, % % % $309, % % % OTHER $261, % % % 14

19 Calvert County, MD Labor : Employment increased by 3,398 jobs in Calvert County during January and February. However, the number of job seekers also increased. The combined effect of these two trends was an increase in the average monthly unemployment rate from 2.8% for the fourth quarter to 3.6% in the first two months of the first quarter. The solid job growth may provide strong home sales, while low mortgage rates should continue to spur sales. # Homes on the * # ** Avg # of Days on Housing : $329,300 $354, on $261, % % % $472, % % % $506, % % % $253, % % % $336, % % % $370, % % % $400, % % % $281, % % % $445, % % $289, % % % 15

20 Calvert County, MD on $368, % % % $416, % % % $605, % % % 16

21 Caroline County, MD Labor : Employment declined by 2,414 jobs in January and February. The job losses brought about an increase in the average monthly unemployment rate from 4.2% in the fourth quarter to 5.7% for the first two months of the first quarter. Despite the job losses, the job situation still remains strong in Caroline County. Combined with favorable low mortgage rates, home sales should continue at a strong pace. # Homes on the * # ** Avg # of Days on Housing : $210,600 $203, on $279, % $196, % % % $182, % % % $249, % % % $186, % % % $290, % % % $74, % % % $211, % % % $236, % % % 17

22 Carroll County, MD Labor : Employment increased by 3,449 jobs in Carroll County during January and February. However, the number of job seekers also increased. The combined effect of these two trends was an increase in the average monthly unemployment rate from 2.6% for the fourth quarter to 3.7% in the first two months of the first quarter. The solid job growth may provide strong home sales, while low mortgage rates should continue to spur sales. # Homes on the * # ** Avg # of Days on Housing : $320,400 $332, on $366, % % % $245, % % % $335, % % % $397, % % % $311, % % % $295, % % % $257, % % % $352, % % % $373, % % % $251, % % % 18

23 Carroll County, MD on $267, % % % OTHER $485, % % % 19

24 Cecil County, MD Labor : Employment increased by 4,665 jobs in Cecil County during January and February. However, the number of job seekers also increased. The combined effect of these two trends was an increase in the average monthly unemployment rate from 5.4% for the fourth quarter to 5.6% in the first two months of the first quarter. The solid job growth may provide strong home sales, while low mortgage rates should continue to spur sales. # Homes on the * # ** Avg # of Days on Housing : $243,300 $283, on $253, % % % $199, % % % $322, % % % $228, % % % $246, % % % $186, % $282, % % % $258, % % % $220, % % % $1,654, % % % 20

25 Cecil County, MD on $236, % % % $447, % 21

26 Charles County, MD Labor : Employment increased by 5,144 jobs in Charles County during January and February. However, the number of job seekers also increased. The combined effect of these two trends was an increase in the average monthly unemployment rate from 2.9% for the fourth quarter to 3.6% in the first two months of the first quarter. The solid job growth may provide strong home sales, while low mortgage rates should continue to spur sales. # Homes on the * # ** Avg # of Days on Housing : $292,000 $303, on $295, % % $245, % % % $302, % % % $260, % % % $346, % $403, % % % $145, % $434, % % % $318, % % % $211, % 22

27 Charles County, MD on $505, % % $327, % % % $342, % % % $266, % % % $269, % % % $396, % % % $482, % % % $224, % % % $351, % % % OTHER $359, % % % 23

28 Dorchester County, MD Labor : Employment declined by 509 jobs in January and February. The job losses brought about an increase in the average monthly unemployment rate from 6.6% in the fourth quarter to 7.3% for the first two months of the first quarter. Despite the job losses, the job situation still remains strong in Dorchester County. Combined with favorable low mortgage rates, home sales should continue at a strong pace. # Homes on the * # ** Avg # of Days on Housing : $198,200 $236, on $290, % % % $167, % % % $110, % % $125, % $170, % % % $400, % % % $155, % % % $158, $239, % % % $359, % % $29,

29 Dorchester County, MD on $465, % $202, % % % OTHER $112, % % % 25

30 Frederick County, MD Labor : Employment increased by 7,624 jobs in Frederick County during January and February. However, the number of job seekers also increased. The combined effect of these two trends was an increase in the average monthly unemployment rate from 2.5% for the fourth quarter to 3.5% in the first two months of the first quarter. The solid job growth may provide strong home sales, while low mortgage rates should continue to spur sales. # Homes on the * # ** Avg # of Days on Housing : $300,700 $318, , on $300, % % % $284, % % % $271, % % % $461, % % % $392, % % % $339, $196, % % % $1,952, % % % $302, $223, % % % 26

31 Frederick County, MD on $431, % % % $411, % % % $258, % % % $279, % % $533, % % % $483, % % % $371, % % $356, % % % $379, % % $337, % % % $177, % % % $165, % % % $252, % % % $236, % % % $259, % OTHER $448, % % % 27

32 Garrett County, MD Labor : Employment declined by 73 jobs in January and February. The job losses brought about an increase in the average monthly unemployment rate from 5.6% in the fourth quarter to 7.6% for the first two months of the first quarter. Despite the job losses, the job situation still remains strong in Garrett County. Combined with favorable low mortgage rates, home sales should continue at a strong pace. # Homes on the * # ** Avg # of Days on Housing : $367,300 $360, on $261, % % % $50, $239, % % % $149, % % % $437, % % % $343, % % % $483, % % % OTHER $223, % % % 28

33 Harford County, MD Labor : Employment increased by 6,766 jobs in Harford County during January and February. However, the number of job seekers also increased. The combined effect of these two trends was an increase in the average monthly unemployment rate from 3.8% for the fourth quarter to 4.5% in the first two months of the first quarter. The solid job growth may provide strong home sales, while low mortgage rates should continue to spur sales. # Homes on the * # ** Avg # of Days on Housing : $243,200 $251, ,008 1, on $165, % % % $217, % % % $262, % % % $301, % % % $201, % % % $162, % $475, % % % $302, % $148, % % % $414, % % % 29

34 Harford County, MD on $301, % % % $199, % % % $356, % % % $288, % % % $454, % % % $369, % % % $213, % % $455, % % % OTHER $355, % % % 30

35 Howard County, MD Labor : Employment declined by 1,696 jobs in January and February. The job losses brought about an increase in the average monthly unemployment rate from 2.5% in the fourth quarter to 3.3% for the first two months of the first quarter. Despite the job losses, the job situation still remains strong in Howard County. Combined with favorable low mortgage rates, home sales should continue at a strong pace. # Homes on the * # ** Avg # of Days on Housing : $387,300 $405, , on $361, % % % $927, % % % $317, % % % $910, % % % $299, % % $635, % % % $676, % % $555, % % % $374, % % % $332, % % % $316, % % % 31

36 Howard County, MD on $309, % % % $360, % % $500, $504, % % % $853, % % % $690, % % % $771, % % % $739, % % % OTHER $684, % % % 32

37 Kent County, MD Labor : Employment declined by 1,165 jobs in January and February. The job losses brought about an increase in the average monthly unemployment rate from 3.3% in the fourth quarter to 5.8% for the first two months of the first quarter. Despite the job losses, the job situation still remains strong in Kent County. Combined with favorable low mortgage rates, home sales should continue at a strong pace. # Homes on the * # ** Avg # of Days on Housing : $287,300 $273, on $180, % % % $332, % % % $260, % % % $268, % % % $200, % % $137, % % % $313, % % % $77, % % % $161, % % % 33

38 Montgomery County, MD Labor : Employment declined by 1,792 jobs in January and February. The job losses brought about an increase in the average monthly unemployment rate from 2.3% in the fourth quarter to 3.4% for the first two months of the first quarter. Despite the job losses, the job situation still remains strong in Montgomery County. Combined with favorable low mortgage rates, home sales should continue at a strong pace. # Homes on the * # ** Avg # of Days on Housing : $438,600 $453,700 2,297 2,971 4,329 3, on $1,095, % $558, % % % $889, % % % $795, % % % $876, % % % $645, % % % $428, % % % $603, % % % $432, % % % $352, $687, % % % 34

39 Montgomery County, MD on $662, % % % $513, % % % $383, % % % $455, % % % $432, % % $1,065, % % % $485, % % % $937, % % % $728, % % % $750, % $303, % % % $512, % % % $382, % % % $317, % % % $366, % % % $306, % % % $445, % % % $304, % % % $585, % % % $613, % % % $280, % % % $520, % % % $615, % $401, % % % $351, % % % $388, % % % $381, % % % $544, % % % $324, % % $363, % % % $427, % % % OTHER $468, % % % 35

40 Prince George's County, MD Labor : Employment declined by 19,586 jobs in January and February. The job losses brought about an increase in the average monthly unemployment rate from 4.4% in the fourth quarter to 4.7% for the first two months of the first quarter. Despite the job losses, the job situation still remains strong in Prince George's County. Combined with favorable low mortgage rates, home sales should continue at a strong pace. # Homes on the * # ** Avg # of Days on Housing : $255,100 $268,500 1,887 2,314 3,784 2, on $407, % % % $399, $338, % % % $303, % % % $300, % % % $298, % % % $279, % % % $318, % % % $179, % % % $236, % % % 36

41 Prince George's County, MD on $324, % % % $303, % % % $390, % % % $399, % % % $275, % % % $297, % % % $241, % % % $304, % % % $169, % % % $333, % % % $198, % % % $178, % % % $197, % % % $205, % % % $425, % % % $203, % % % $284, % % % $281, % % % $225, % % % $308, % % % $233, % % % $226, % % % $198, % % % OTHER $259, % % % 37

42 Queen Anne's County, MD Labor : Employment increased by 1,883 jobs in Queen Anne's County during January and February. However, the number of job seekers also increased. The combined effect of these two trends was an increase in the average monthly unemployment rate from 3.2% for the fourth quarter to 4.1% in the first two months of the first quarter. The solid job growth may provide strong home sales, while low mortgage rates should continue to spur sales. # Homes on the * # ** Avg # of Days on Housing : $405,800 $376, on $241, % $372, % % % $365, % % % $256, % % % $421, % % % $405, % % % $510, % % $493, % % % $386, % % % $258, % % % 38

43 Queen Anne's County, MD on OTHER $250, % % % 39

44 St. Mary's County, MD Labor : Employment declined by 16,606 jobs in January and February. The job losses brought about an increase in the average monthly unemployment rate from 2.6% in the fourth quarter to 4.2% for the first two months of the first quarter. Despite the job losses, the job situation still remains strong in St Mary's County. Combined with favorable low mortgage rates, home sales should continue at a strong pace. # Homes on the * # ** Avg # of Days on Housing : $283,700 $279, on $271, % % % $410, % % % $216, % % % $271, % % % $130, % % % $432, % % % $438, % % % $187, % % % $1,140, % % % $231, % % $315, % % % 40

45 St. Mary's County, MD on $339, % % % $252, % % % $298, % % % $190, % $245, % % % $593, $339, % % % $329, % % % $259, % 41

46 Talbot County, MD Labor : Employment declined by 3,903 jobs in January and February. The job losses brought about an increase in the average monthly unemployment rate from 3.2% in the fourth quarter to 5.5% for the first two months of the first quarter. Despite the job losses, the job situation still remains strong in Talbot County. Combined with favorable low mortgage rates, home sales should continue at a strong pace. # Homes on the * # ** Avg # of Days on Housing : $592,000 $607, on $562, % % % $989, % % % $320, % % % $323, % % % $351, % $155, % $936, % % % $905, % % % $626, % % % $386, % % % $378, % % % 42

47 Talbot County, MD on $3,075, % % % OTHER $347, % % % 43

48 Washington County, MD Labor : Employment declined by 1,744 jobs in January and February. The job losses brought about an increase in the average monthly unemployment rate from 3.5% in the fourth quarter to 4.9% for the first two months of the first quarter. Despite the job losses, the job situation still remains strong in Washington County. Combined with favorable low mortgage rates, home sales should continue at a strong pace. # Homes on the * # ** Avg # of Days on Housing : $216,100 $229, on $864, % % $351, % % % $198, % % % $289, % $257, % % % $492, % % % $217, % % $178, % % % $267, % % % $211, % % % $397, % % % 44

49 Washington County, MD on $227, % % % $374, % % % $340, % % % $237, % % % $269, % % % OTHER $390, % % % 45

50 Baltimore City, MD Labor : Baltimore City saw 14,335 layoffs occur during January and February. Despite the decline in employment, the average monthly unemployment rate fell from 8.3% during the fourth quarter to 7.9% in the first two months of the first quarter. Despite the job losses, the labor market remains relatively strong leaving record low mortgage rates to drive home sales. # Homes on the * # ** Avg # of Days on Housing : $143,700 $144,900 2,755 3,338 2,267 2, on $370, % % % $186, % % % $44, % % % $113, % % % $243, % % % $384, % % % $157, % % % $172, % % % $67, % % % $133, % % % $97, % % % 46

51 Baltimore City, MD on $68, % % % $124, % % % $155, % % % $62, % % % $182, % % % $70, % % % $78, % % % $209, % % % $237, % % % $105, % % % OTHER $120, % % % 47

52 Franklin County, PA Labor : Employment increased by 6,282 jobs in Franklin County during January and February. However, the number of job seekers also increased. The combined effect of these two trends was an increase in the average monthly unemployment rate from 3.2% for the fourth quarter to 4.1% in the first two months of the first quarter. The solid job growth may provide strong home sales, while low mortgage rates should continue to spur sales. # Homes on the * # ** Avg # of Days on Housing : $158,200 $158, on $159, % % % $146, % % % $103, % $139, % % % $137, % % % $198, % % % $135, % $122, $178, % % % $137, % % 49 48

53 Franklin County, PA on $131, % % % $145, % % % $126, % $150, % % % $76, % % % $147, % % % OTHER $159, % % % 49

54 Fulton County, PA Labor : Employment increased by 661 jobs in Fulton County during January and February. However, the number of job seekers also increased. The combined effect of these two trends was an increase in the average monthly unemployment rate from 5.3% for the fourth quarter to 5.9% in the first two months of the first quarter. The solid job growth may provide strong home sales, while low mortgage rates should continue to spur sales. # Homes on the * # ** Avg # of Days on Housing : $132,500 $159, on $119, % $94, $182, % $48, % % % $254, % $74, % % % $262, % % % 50

55 Arlington County, VA Labor : Employment declined by 131 jobs in January and February. The job losses brought about an increase in the average monthly unemployment rate from 1.8% in the fourth quarter to 2.5% for the first two months of the first quarter. Despite the job losses, the job situation still remains strong in Arlington County. Combined with favorable low mortgage rates, home sales should continue at a strong pace. # Homes on the * # ** Avg # of Days on Housing : $479,100 $528, on $554, % % % $547, % % % $426, % % % $392, % % % $718, % % % $372, % % % $800, % % % $464, % % $677, % % % OTHER $995, % % % 51

56 Caroline County, VA Labor : In the first two months of the first quarter, 739 jobs were added to the payrolls of Caroline County. As a result of these new jobs, the average monthly unemployment rate fell from 4.3% during the fourth quarter to 4.1% for January and February. The strong employment climate may help to create demand for home purchases. Favorable mortgage rates should augment this trend. # Homes on the * # ** Avg # of Days on Housing : $208,400 $255, on $228, % % % $181, % % % $184, % % % $4,200, % % % $219, % % % $242, % % % 52

57 Clarke County, VA Labor : Employment increased by 404 jobs in Clarke County during January and February. However, the number of job seekers also increased. The combined effect of these two trends was an increase in the average monthly unemployment rate from 2.1% for the fourth quarter to 2.8% in the first two months of the first quarter. The solid job growth may provide strong home sales, while low mortgage rates should continue to spur sales. # Homes on the * # ** Avg # of Days on Housing : $454,800 $446, on $1,500, % $496, % % % $435, % % % $357, % % % $249, $307, % % % 53

58 Culpeper County, VA Labor : Employment declined by 337 jobs in January and February. The job losses brought about an increase in the average monthly unemployment rate from 2.7% in the fourth quarter to 3.4% for the first two months of the first quarter. Despite the job losses, the job situation still remains strong in Culpeper County. Combined with favorable low mortgage rates, home sales should continue at a strong pace. # Homes on the * # ** Avg # of Days on Housing : $302,400 $313, on $442, % % % $289, % % % $340, % % % $273, % % % $350, $477, % % % $265, % % $247, % % % $268, % % $367, % % % $349, % % 10 54

59 Culpeper County, VA on $428, % OTHER $306, % % % 55

60 Fairfax County, VA Labor : Employment declined by 13,696 jobs in January and February. The job losses brought about an increase in the average monthly unemployment rate from 1.8% in the fourth quarter to 2.6% for the first two months of the first quarter. Despite the job losses, the job situation still remains strong in Fairfax County. Combined with favorable low mortgage rates, home sales should continue at a strong pace. # Homes on the * # ** Avg # of Days on Housing : $459,200 $490,300 2,777 3,990 6,171 4, on $419, % % % $368, % % % $626, % % $457, % % % $441, % % % $542, % % % $401, % % % $398, % % % $520, % % % $397, % % % $417, % % % 56

61 Fairfax County, VA on $882, % % $483, % % % $499, % % % $462, % % % $808, % % $316, % % % $408, % % % $483, % % % $418, % % % $603, % % % $1,243, % % % $460, % % % $1,196, % % % $729, % % % $611, % % % $438, % % % $473, % % % $395, % % % $454, % % % $562, % % % $590, % % % $763, % % % $335, % % % $351, % % % $442, % % % $770, % % % $378, % % % $458, % % % $484, % % % $433, % % % OTHER $514, % % % 57

62 Fauquier County, VA Labor : Employment increased by 1,930 jobs in Fauquier County during January and February. However, the number of job seekers also increased. The combined effect of these two trends was an increase in the average monthly unemployment rate from 2% for the fourth quarter to 2.6% in the first two months of the first quarter. The solid job growth may provide strong home sales, while low mortgage rates should continue to spur sales. # Homes on the * # ** Avg # of Days on Housing : $405,800 $463, on $569, % % % $432, % % % $805, % % % $825, % % % $2,220, % $278, % $415, % % % $464, % % % $1,325, % % % $529, % % % 58

63 Fauquier County, VA on $334, % % % $424, % % $296, % % % $314, % % % OTHER $426, % % % 59

64 Frederick County, VA Labor : Employment increased by 1,507 jobs in Frederick County during January and February. However, the number of job seekers also increased. The combined effect of these two trends was an increase in the average monthly unemployment rate from 2.2% for the fourth quarter to 2.8% in the first two months of the first quarter. The solid job growth may provide strong home sales, while low mortgage rates should continue to spur sales. # Homes on the * # ** Avg # of Days on Housing : $262,200 $271, on $287, % % % $320, % % % $372, % % $283, % % % $263, % % % $194, % % % $234, % % % $226, % % % OTHER $206, % % % 60

65 King George County, VA Labor : Employment increased by 381 jobs in King George County during January and February. However, the number of job seekers also increased. The combined effect of these two trends was an increase in the average monthly unemployment rate from 2.8% for the fourth quarter to 3.2% in the first two months of the first quarter. The solid job growth may provide strong home sales, while low mortgage rates should continue to spur sales. # Homes on the * # ** Avg # of Days on Housing : $269,400 $287, on $287, % % % 61

66 Loudoun County, VA Labor : Employment increased by 6,772 jobs in Loudoun County during January and February. However, the number of job seekers also increased. The combined effect of these two trends was an increase in the average monthly unemployment rate from 1.8% for the fourth quarter to 2.1% in the first two months of the first quarter. The solid job growth may provide strong home sales, while low mortgage rates should continue to spur sales. # Homes on the * # ** Avg # of Days on Housing : $460,600 $481,100 1,265 1,835 2,275 1, on $551, % % % $775, % % % $658, % % % $547, % % % $517, % % % $466, % % % $552, % % % $425, $548, % % % $797, % % % 62

67 Loudoun County, VA on $354, % % % $500, % % % $429, % % % $402, % % % $508, % % % $470, % % % $1,006, % % % OTHER $506, % % % 63

68 Madison County, VA Labor : Employment declined by 3,898 jobs in January and February. The job losses brought about an increase in the average monthly unemployment rate from 1.6% in the fourth quarter to 3.3% for the first two months of the first quarter. Despite the job losses, the job situation still remains strong in Madison County. Combined with favorable low mortgage rates, home sales should continue at a strong pace. # Homes on the * # ** Avg # of Days on Housing : $264,900 $249, on $175, % $140, % % % $528, % % % $300, % % % $153, % $267, % % % $250, % % % $226, % % % $405, % OTHER $144, % % % 64

69 Orange County, VA Labor : Employment increased by 1,606 jobs in Orange County during January and February. However, the number of job seekers also increased. The combined effect of these two trends was an increase in the average monthly unemployment rate from 2.6% for the fourth quarter to 2.9% in the first two months of the first quarter. The solid job growth may provide strong home sales, while low mortgage rates should continue to spur sales. # Homes on the * # ** Avg # of Days on Housing : $248,300 $278, on $281, % % % $246, % % % $241, % % % $550, % % % $177, % % % $222, % % % $285, % OTHER $715, % % % 65

70 Page County, VA Labor : Employment increased by 37 jobs in Page County during January and February. However, the number of job seekers also increased. The combined effect of these two trends was an increase in the average monthly unemployment rate from 3.8% for the fourth quarter to 6% in the first two months of the first quarter. The solid job growth may provide strong home sales, while low mortgage rates should continue to spur sales. # Homes on the * # ** Avg # of Days on Housing : $204,600 $154, on $160, % % $122, % % % $206, % $300, % % % 66

71 Prince William County, VA Labor : Employment increased by 8,917 jobs in Prince William County during January and February. However, the number of job seekers also increased. The combined effect of these two trends was an increase in the average monthly unemployment rate from 2.4% for the fourth quarter to 2.8% in the first two months of the first quarter. The solid job growth may provide strong home sales, while low mortgage rates should continue to spur sales. # Homes on the * # ** Avg # of Days on Housing : $355,200 $380,200 1,350 1,970 2,875 2, on $292, % % % $374, % % % $501, % % % $446, % % % $946, % % % $477, % % % $540, % % % $591, % % $540, % $359, % % % 67

72 Prince William County, VA on $413, % % % $196, % $322, % % % $340, % % % $331, % % % $346, % % % OTHER $346, % % % 68

73 Rappahannock County, VA Labor : Employment declined by 540 jobs in January and February. The job losses brought about an increase in the average monthly unemployment rate from 1.5% in the fourth quarter to 2.4% for the first two months of the first quarter. Despite the job losses, the job situation still remains strong in Rappahannock County. Combined with favorable low mortgage rates, home sales should continue at a strong pace. # Homes on the * # ** Avg # of Days on Housing : $361,800 $397, on $224, % $436, % % % $235, % % % $433, % % % $608, % % % OTHER $368, % % % 69

74 Shenandoah County, VA Labor : Employment increased by 2,014 jobs in Shenandoah County during January and February. However, the number of job seekers also increased. The combined effect of these two trends was an increase in the average monthly unemployment rate from 2.7% for the fourth quarter to 2.8% in the first two months of the first quarter. The solid job growth may provide strong home sales, while low mortgage rates should continue to spur sales. # Homes on the * # ** Avg # of Days on Housing : $190,900 $185, on $201, % % % $177, % % % $173, % % % $236, % % % $109, % % % $168, % % % $270, % % % $180, $244, % % % 70

75 Spotsylvania County, VA Labor : Employment increased by 3,772 jobs in Spotsylvania County during January and February. However, the number of job seekers also increased. The combined effect of these two trends was an increase in the average monthly unemployment rate from 2% for the fourth quarter to 2.5% in the first two months of the first quarter. The solid job growth may provide strong home sales, while low mortgage rates should continue to spur sales. # Homes on the * # ** Avg # of Days on Housing : $282,300 $297, on $282, % % % $292, % % % $220, % % % $314, % % 39 OTHER $391, % % % 71

76 Stafford County, VA Labor : Employment increased by 3,916 jobs in Stafford County during January and February. However, the number of job seekers also increased. The combined effect of these two trends was an increase in the average monthly unemployment rate from 2% for the fourth quarter to 2.5% in the first two months of the first quarter. The solid job growth may provide strong home sales, while low mortgage rates should continue to spur sales. # Homes on the * # ** Avg # of Days on Housing : $324,900 $354, on $302, % % % $387, % % % $430, % $351, % % $412, % OTHER $239, % % % 72

77 Warren County, VA Labor : Employment increased by 1,289 jobs in Warren County during January and February. However, the number of job seekers also increased. The combined effect of these two trends was an increase in the average monthly unemployment rate from 3.1% for the fourth quarter to 3.4% in the first two months of the first quarter. The solid job growth may provide strong home sales, while low mortgage rates should continue to spur sales. # Homes on the * # ** Avg # of Days on Housing : $229,200 $263, on $261, % % % $258, % % % $257, % % % OTHER $410, % % % 73

78 Westmoreland County, VA Labor : Employment increased by 173 jobs in Westmoreland County during January and February. However, the number of job seekers also increased. The combined effect of these two trends was an increase in the average monthly unemployment rate from 4.4% for the fourth quarter to 4.9% in the first two months of the first quarter. The solid job growth may provide strong home sales, while low mortgage rates should continue to spur sales. # Homes on the * # ** Avg # of Days on Housing : $180,900 $203, on $214, % % % $94, % % % $187, % % % OTHER $152, % 74

79 Alexandria City, VA Labor : Employment declined by 3,612 jobs in January and February. The job losses brought about an increase in the average monthly unemployment rate from 2% in the fourth quarter to 2.8% for the first two months of the first quarter. Despite the job losses, the job situation still remains strong in Alexandria City. Combined with favorable low mortgage rates, home sales should continue at a strong pace. # Homes on the * # ** Avg # of Days on Housing : $423,400 $453, on $578, % % % $388, % % % $375, % % % $427, % % % $488, % % % $619, % % % OTHER $255, % % % 75

80 Fairfax City, VA Labor : Employment declined by 664 jobs in January and February. The job losses brought about an increase in the average monthly unemployment rate from 1.7% in the fourth quarter to 2.6% for the first two months of the first quarter. Despite the job losses, the job situation still remains strong in Fairfax City. Combined with favorable low mortgage rates, home sales should continue at a strong pace. # Homes on the * # ** Avg # of Days on Housing : $402,000 $437, on $451, % % % OTHER $381, % % % 76

81 Falls Church City, VA Labor : Employment declined by 183 jobs in January and February. The job losses brought about an increase in the average monthly unemployment rate from 3.1% in the fourth quarter to 3.4% for the first two months of the first quarter. Despite the job losses, the job situation still remains strong in Falls Church City. Combined with favorable low mortgage rates, home sales should continue at a strong pace. # Homes on the * # ** Avg # of Days on Housing : $556,100 $547, on $543, % % % OTHER $605, % % % 77

82 Fredericksburg City, VA Labor : Employment increased by 472 jobs in Fredericksburg City during January and February. However, the number of job seekers also increased. The combined effect of these two trends was an increase in the average monthly unemployment rate from 4.6% for the fourth quarter to 4.7% in the first two months of the first quarter. The solid job growth may provide strong home sales, while low mortgage rates should continue to spur sales. # Homes on the * # ** Avg # of Days on Housing : $263,900 $318, on $320, % % % $186, % OTHER $329, % % % 78

83 Manassas City, VA Labor : Employment declined by 1,134 jobs in January and February. The job losses brought about an increase in the average monthly unemployment rate from 2.3% in the fourth quarter to 3% for the first two months of the first quarter. Despite the job losses, the job situation still remains strong in Manassas City. Combined with favorable low mortgage rates, home sales should continue at a strong pace. # Homes on the * # ** Avg # of Days on Housing : $295,900 $298, on $298, % % % OTHER $257, % % 19 79

84 Manassas Park City, VA Labor : Employment increased by 141 jobs in Manassas Park City during January and February. However, the number of job seekers also increased. The combined effect of these two trends was an increase in the average monthly unemployment rate from 2% for the fourth quarter to 2.8% in the first two months of the first quarter. The solid job growth may provide strong home sales, while low mortgage rates should continue to spur sales. # Homes on the * # ** Avg # of Days on Housing : $307,600 $311, on OTHER $311, % % % 80

85 Winchester City, VA Labor : Employment increased by 181 jobs in Winchester City during January and February. However, the number of job seekers also increased. The combined effect of these two trends was an increase in the average monthly unemployment rate from 3.1% for the fourth quarter to 3.5% in the first two months of the first quarter. The solid job growth may provide strong home sales, while low mortgage rates should continue to spur sales. # Homes on the * # ** Avg # of Days on Housing : $249,000 $233, on $233, % % % OTHER $215,

86 Berkeley County, WV Labor : Employment increased by 3,047 jobs in Berkeley County during January and February. However, the number of job seekers also increased. The combined effect of these two trends was an increase in the average monthly unemployment rate from 3.7% for the fourth quarter to 4.1% in the first two months of the first quarter. The solid job growth may provide strong home sales, while low mortgage rates should continue to spur sales. # Homes on the * # ** Avg # of Days on Housing : $184,500 $188, on $179, % % % $217, % $219, % % % $226, % % % $165, % % % $189, % % % $192, % % % OTHER $285, % % % 82

87 Grant County, WV Labor : In the first two months of the first quarter, 888 jobs were added to the payrolls of Grant County. As a result of these new jobs, the average monthly unemployment rate fell from 8% during the fourth quarter to 7.4% for January and February. The strong employment climate may help to create demand for home purchases. Favorable mortgage rates should augment this trend. # Homes on the * # ** Avg # of Days on Housing : $118,700 $257, on $81, % % % $381, % % % $138, % % % OTHER $41, % % % 83

88 Hampshire County, WV Labor : Employment increased by 906 jobs in Hampshire County during January and February. However, the number of job seekers also increased. The combined effect of these two trends was an increase in the average monthly unemployment rate from 4.2% for the fourth quarter to 4.3% in the first two months of the first quarter. The solid job growth may provide strong home sales, while low mortgage rates should continue to spur sales. # Homes on the * # ** Housing : $121,500 $127, NA NA Avg # of Days on on $82, % % $177, % % % $152, % % % $153, % % % $49, % % $35, % % $74, % % % $116, % % % $80, % $70, % % % 84

89 Hampshire County, WV on $104, % $102, % $177, % $155, % % % OTHER $150, % % % 85

90 Hardy County, WV Labor : Employment declined by 1,372 jobs in January and February. The job losses brought about an increase in the average monthly unemployment rate from 2.6% in the fourth quarter to 4.8% for the first two months of the first quarter. Despite the job losses, the job situation still remains strong in Hardy County. Combined with favorable low mortgage rates, home sales should continue at a strong pace. # Homes on the * # ** Avg # of Days on Housing : $135,700 $137, on $158, % % % $192, % % % $103, % % % $138, % % % OTHER $98, % % % 86

91 Jefferson County, WV Labor : Employment increased by 946 jobs in Jefferson County during January and February. However, the number of job seekers also increased. The combined effect of these two trends was an increase in the average monthly unemployment rate from 2.6% for the fourth quarter to 3.5% in the first two months of the first quarter. The solid job growth may provide strong home sales, while low mortgage rates should continue to spur sales. # Homes on the * # ** Avg # of Days on Housing : $268,300 $274, on $289, % % % $140, % $242, % % % $250, % % % $230, % $183, % % % $290, % $274, % % % $372, % % % $342, % % % 87

92 Jefferson County, WV on OTHER $277, % % % 88

93 Mineral County, WV Labor : Employment increased by 1,614 jobs in Mineral County during January and February. However, the number of job seekers also increased. The combined effect of these two trends was an increase in the average monthly unemployment rate from 6.1% for the fourth quarter to 6.2% in the first two months of the first quarter. The solid job growth may provide strong home sales, while low mortgage rates should continue to spur sales. # Homes on the * # ** Avg # of Days on Housing : $108,500 $162, on $750, % % 1, $155, % % % $113, % % % $168, % % % $194, % % % 89

94 Others on $78, % $310, % $413, % $68, % $97, % $30, % $137, % $63, % $781, % $104, % $175, % $50, % $180, % $124, % $152, % $77, % $139, $224, % $115, $240, % $169, % $379, $93, % $100, % $311, % $258, % $198, % $275, % $195, % $254, % $269, % $358, % $294, $325, $340, % 90

95 Others on $178, % % $64, $125, % $653, $94, $70, % $296, % $314, % $260, % $115, % $525, % $375, % $42, % $55, % $35, % $475, % $527, % $325, $85, $61, % $123, $153, % $274, % $116, % $286, % $450, % $316, % $166, % $343, % $220, $195, $166, % $240, % $173, % $141, % $130, % $262, % 91

96 Others on $167, % $26, $208, % $100, % $188, % $53, % $87, % $246, % $74, % % % $145, % % $166, % % % $78, % % % $70, % OTHER $49, % 92