• Existing home sales near 2019 low as coronavirus sets in.

• Sales decline around the country.

• Prices improved before quarantine.

The National Association of Realtors (NAR) reported that sales of existing homes during March declined 8.5% (+0.8% y/y) to 5.270 million (AR) from 5.760 million in February, revised from 5.770 million. It was the lowest level of sales since April of last year. The Action Economics Forecast Survey expected March sales of 5.30 million.

The median price of all existing homes sold increased 3.8% (NSA, 8.0% y/y) to $280,600 following a 1.6% February increase. The average sales price improved 3.3% last month (6.2% y/y) to $316,000. These price data are not seasonally adjusted.

Existing home sales weakened around the country in March. In the West, sales fell 13.6% (-0.9% y/y) to 1.080 million and reversed the increase in February. Sales in the South declined 9.1% (+0.9% y/y) to 2.290 million, the lowest level since November. In the Northeast, sales fell 7.1% (-3.0% y/y) to 650,000, roughly five-year low. Sales in the Midwest were off 3.1% (+4.2% y/y) to 1.250 million, the lowest level since May of last year.

Sales of existing single-family homes weakened 8.1% (+1.3% y/y) to 4.740 million units and reversed February's rise. Sales of condos and co-ops plunged 11.7% (-3.6% y/y) to 530,000 units, the lowest level since July 2012.

The number of homes on the market decreased 10.2% y/y, but rose seasonally in recent months. The months' supply of homes on the market improved m/m to 3.4 but compared to 3.8 one year earlier. These inventory figures date back to 1999.

The data on existing home sales, prices and affordability are compiled by the National Association of Realtors and can be found in Haver's USECON database. The regional price, affordability and inventory data are available in the REALTOR database. The expectations figure is from the Action Economics Forecast Survey, reported in the AS1REPNA database.