Oahu Real Estate Market Update - March 2020

Oahu Housing Market Remains Steady, Readies for Impacts of COVID-19

According to resale figures released on April 6th by the Honolulu Board of REALTORS®, single-family home sales were up again in March with a year-over-year increase of 9.8%, while condo sales declined 12.2% compared to last year. The median sales price for both single-family homes and condos rose modestly to $810,000 and $435,000, respectively.

Using data collected from its computerized Multiple Listing Service (MLS) system, the Board reported the following statistics:

March 2020 Oahu Real Estate Trends and Statistics

While the numbers illustrate the market is holding strong, we're only beginning to see the changes in activity, said the President of the Honolulu Board of REALTORS®. For example, the majority of closed sales were already in escrow at least 30 days prior to the stay-at-home order, and we saw a double-digit decline in new listings last month. These stats are likely an early reaction to economic uncertainty and indicative of a shift in market activity due to the impacts of COVID-19.

Generally, real estate activity has kept pace with 2019 figures. For the first quarter of 2020, single-family home sales were up 11.6% compared to 2019. Condo year-to-date sales trail last year by just under 1%. However, the stay-at-home order that went into effect on March 23, 2020 has contributed to a slowdown in the number of listings coming on market. Single-family home listings declined by 16.7% and condo listings were down 14.3% in March. A significant number of active listings have also been moved into a temporarily off-market status, which has resulted in lower inventory levels.  

The Honolulu Board of REALTORS® temporarily canceled all open houses effective March 24, but its members continue to conduct essential business. Showings are held virtually and preventative measures, including best practices in social distancing and hygiene, are encouraged for any activity that must occur in-person or on-properties.  

“We’re all doing our part to prevent the spread of COVID-19 and keep our community safe,” added the President. “The real estate industry – from REALTORS® to title companies, financial institutions and more – is presenting a united front to support homeowners and renters. We know that it will take everyone’s cooperation to get through this uncertain time.” 

As many in the community face unemployment and concerns over paying their mortgages and rent, resources have been made available to provide relief. Homeowners and renters are encouraged to contact their mortgage lender or landlord to discuss relief options, such as deferral and forbearance. 

Click HERE to view full market report.

Additional Resources

Source: Honolulu Board of REALTORS®, www.hicentral.com

If you want to learn more about the current real estate market or are thinking about buying or selling in the future, please call Colin Lee anytime @ 808-352-8587. All calls are 100% confidential.

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About Colin Lee
Realtor-Associate, CPA* | RS-75820
(808) 352-8587 | ColinL@BetterHawaii.com

Colin is recognized as one of the Top 100 Realtors in the State of Hawaii and Top 50 on the island of Oahu in terms of most home sale transactions. This places him in the Top 1% of all realtors on the island. His real estate Team is also ranked in the Top 2% of all Real Estate Teams in the Nation, earning the Platinum Award from Better Homes & Gardens Real Estate. He has been voted “Best In Real Estate” by Honolulu Magazine 6 years in a row and is also an Aloha Aina Award Nominee for 6 years in a row. As a former Licensed Certified Public Accountant (CPA*), Colin is able to use his past professional financial and accounting experiences to help both Buyers and Sellers with one of their biggest financial transactions of their life.

 

*Colin is a full-time real estate agent and no longer practices public accounting.