It’s becoming a familiar refrain for housing in the Lehigh Valley: Housing sales are down and housing prices have increased.

Closed Sales of housing in the Lehigh Valley decreased for the fourth straight month while the Median Sales Price again increased.

Closed Sales decreased 10.1 percent in January.

The Median Sales Price increased 11.1 percent to $350,000 in January, up from $315,000.

The information is contained in the January report stated in a Feb. 18 press release from the Greater Lehigh Valley Realtors (GLVR).

In an overview in the GLVR report: “January housing data reflected a seasonally slower market, with closed sales declining year over year amid tight inventory and severe winter weather.

“At the same time, recent economic development announcements and statewide housing initiatives are reinforcing long-term confidence in the Pennsylvania and Lehigh Valley housing markets,” stated the report.

“January’s numbers reflect a market constrained by limited inventory and influenced by unusually harsh winter conditions, including winter storms and sub-zero temperatures that can temporarily slow buyer and seller activity,” said GLVR CEO Justin Porembo.

“That said, this mirrors national trends showing that while conditions may shift month to month, opportunity remains. Strong price growth, near-full list price attainment, and steady new listings point to resilient demand and continued competitiveness across the Lehigh Valley housing market,” Porembo stated in the press release.

“Even in a slower sales environment, demand in the Lehigh Valley remains strong,” said GLVR 2026 President Cliff Lewis.

“Strategic investments, like Governor Josh Shapiro’s recently-announced housing action plan and Eli Lilly’s expected expansion into the Lehigh Valley, signal confidence in the future of our state and region,” Lewis said.

“These initiatives not only support job growth but also underscore the need for smart, sustainable housing solutions to ensure our communities remain accessible, competitive, and resilient in the years ahead,” stated Lewis in the press release.

January statistics

* Closed Sales decreased 10.1 percent, coming in at 366 listings.

* Inventory decreased 3.1 percent, with 596 units available in January in Lehigh and Northampton counties.

* The Median Sales Price increased 11.1 percent to $350,000, up from $315,000.

* New Listings were steady, losing one listing, 484 compared to 483.

* Pending Sales decreased 4.6 percent to 418.

* Months Supply of Inventory was steady at 1.1 months.

* Percentage of List Price Received increased to 99.9 percent, a change of 0.4 percent.

* Homes sold, on average, in 30 days, five days slower than the previous January.

Carbon County

In Carbon County, the Median Sales Price decreased to $222,500.

Most housing statistics for Carbon were steady.

Closed Sales decreased by six listings to end the month at 40.

Pending Sales increased by one listing, 40 compared to 41.

New Listings decreased to 58, a change of three listings.

Inventory decreased to 131 units.

Months Supply of Inventory was 2.3 months.

Homes sold in an average of 46 days.

National view

In January, existing home sales in the United States increased 5.1 percent month-over-month and 1.4 percent year-over-year to a seasonally-adjusted annual rate of 4.35 million units, “the strongest pace in three years,” according to the National Association of Realtors (NAR).

“Lower mortgage rates and slower home price growth helped spur buyer activity, and sales increased month-over-month in every region,” stated NAR.

“On an annual basis, sales rose in the South, held steady in the West and Midwest, and declined in the Northeast,” according to NAR.

“Nationally, there were 1.18 million homes for sale heading into January, an 18.1 percent decline from the previous month, but 3.5 percent higher compared to the same period last year, representing a 3.3-month supply at the current sales pace.” NAR stated.

“The median existing home price rose 0.4 percent from one year ago to $405.400, reflecting a continued moderation in national price growth,” according to NAR.

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