The Greater Lehigh Valley Realtors (GLVR) April report stated the Median Sales Price increased 7.1 percent to $345,000.

Closed Sales increased 1.6 percent.

The GLVR report for April, released May 13, “showed modest gains in closed sales and a continued rise in home prices.

“Although inventory remains limited, buyer demand persists, and many sellers are still receiving offers above list price, signs of a competitive market heading into summer,” stated the GLVR report.

Said GLVR CEO Justin Porembo: “While national sales were slowed due to affordability concerns and economic uncertainty, the Lehigh Valley continues to demonstrate stability.

“Rising home values and motivated buyers reflect a level of confidence in our local market that sets us apart from broader trends,” Porembo said.

Said GLVR President Michael Bernadyn: “In a market where low inventory and rising prices can make the path to homeownership feel uncertain, having a Realtor by your side is more important than ever.

“From understanding pricing trends to navigating quick-moving transactions, Realtors bring clarity and strategy to buyers and sellers facing today’s challenges. Even small shifts in the market can have a big impact, and that’s where professional guidance makes all the difference,” Bernadyn said.

April statistics

The Median Sales Price increased 7.1 percent to $345,000.

Closed Sales increased 1.6 percent, coming in at 511 listings.

Inventory decreased 9.1 percent with 630 units in April for Lehigh and Northampton counties.

Other housing statistics for April include:

* New Listings decreased 1.7 percent to 758.

* Pending Sales decreased 4.6 percent to 598.

* Months Supply of Inventory decreased 7.7 percent to 1.2 months.

* Percentage of List Price Received decreased 0.6 percent, but still came in above and beyond at 101.3 percent.

* Homes sold, on average, in 24 days, two days slower than the previous April.

Carbon County

The Median Sales Price increased to $251,875.

Closed Sales decreased five listings to 46.

Pending Sales decreased to 55.

New Listings increased to 86.

Inventory increased to 169 units.

Months Supply of Inventory increased to 3.1 months.

Days on Market came in at 58 days.

National View

Existing-home sales in the United States decreased 5.9 percent month-over-month and 2.4 percent year-over year to a seasonally adjusted annual rate of 4.02 million units, according to the National Association of Realtors (NAR).

Affordability challenges and economic uncertainty weighed on market activity, NAR stated.

Sales were down month-over-month in all four regions, with the West experiencing the largest decrease at 9.4 percent.

Total housing inventory increased 8.1 percent month-over-month for a total of 1.33 million units heading into April, equivalent to a 4.0-month supply at the sales pace, according to NAR.

Although inventory is up nearly 20 percent from the same time last year, the additional supply has had little effect on home prices in much of the U.S., with the national median existing-home price climbing 2.7 percent year-over-year to $403,700 as of last measure.

GLVR information

The Greater Lehigh Valley Realtors is a not-for-profit trade association representing more than 3,000 Realtors in Carbon, Lehigh and Northampton counties.

GLVR provides professional development and training resources, competitive market information, legislative advocacy, peer review and mediation processes for members, and a dispute resolution service for consumers.

GLVR owns and operates the Greater Lehigh Valley Multiple Listing Service and the Greater Lehigh Valley Real Estate Academy.

Realtors are distinguished from real estate licensees by subscribing to a strict code of ethics and standards of practice as defined by the National Association of Realtors.

Information: www.GreaterLehighValleyRealtors.com