(Des Moines, IA) -- Realtors will tell you January is typically slow, but not this year. Ted Weaver, President of the Des Moines Association of Realtors says sales were up 20-percent last month compared to 2020. He says usually things slow in December because of weather and Christmas, which leads to a slower January when those earlier sales become final. Weaver says December of 2020 was strong, so last month was busy as well.
The Association says 920 residential properties sold in January 2021, compared to 763 in January of 2020. The median sale price increased 15.7 percent compared to the number of sold properties in January 2020. Homes are selling quickly, continuing a trend seen throughout last year. In January, homes sold within 44 days on the market.
Weaver says buyer demand continues to be strong for existing and new construction, and the available homes on the market remains limited. He says buyers need to do their research and be ready to make an offer when they see something that they like. Weaver says many listings have been getting multiple offers because of the strong demand. He's also expecting continued strength the market for the rest of the winter and into the spring.
(Photo Getty images)