The data is now in for 2019 and although the trends have remained fairly consistent, there are some interesting changes to note.  We had a very rainy spring which dampened the market slightly. Otherwise it was a strong year overall. Interest rates remained low, the local economy was strong, and inventory of new and existing homes is gradually growing so it isn’t as much of a seller’s market as it used to be. We are also seeing fewer bidding wars and more contingent offers being accepted.  This is good news for buyers who have had a particularly difficult time over the past few years.

The City of Plymouth actually saw a slight decline in average sales price after years of steady price increases since the recession.  There are many factors to average sales price so it’s only one indicator but it is meaningful that for the first time in 10 years, average sales price has pulled back.  This could be due to smaller new construction homes being built or perhaps home values have simply peaked for the time being.

Both Plymouth and Northville Townships are holding fairly steady. The below charts illustrate the 10 year Average Sales Price trend for Plymouth and Northville, City and Township.  There are fewer home sales at higher prices in the City of Northville which can result in a more dramatic chart. 

10 Year Average Sales Price for Plymouth and Northville:

Buyers and sellers often consider $/sqft ratio when valuing a home. It’s just one indicator of many when you value a home but the $/sqft ratio trend over time is worth looking at. Generally, the larger the home, the lower the $/sqft all other things being equal.  Naturally, more updated/upgraded homes with finished basements and so on will also be higher than the average. The below charts illustrate the 10 year Sales Price by Square Foot ratio trend for Plymouth and Northville City and Township.  It remains steady for the area overall:

To illustrate the current low inventory which hasn’t changed much since the recession, the following charts show Months of Inventory and Days to Sell for Plymouth and Northville combined.  Inventory remains relatively low while Days to Sell was slightly higher.  The market has tilted slightly towards buyers.