As was widely expected, the Federal Reserve did not change the target range for the federal funds rate – currently set at 2.25 to 2.5 percent – during their June meeting. Although the economy is still performing well due to factors such as low unemployment and solid retail sales, uncertainty remains
regarding trade tensions, slowed manufacturing and meek business investments.

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Closed Sales decreased 5.3 percent for existing homes and 17.6 percent for new homes. Pending Sales increased 1.5 percent for existing homes but decreased 9.4 percent for new homes. Inventory decreased 10.9 percent for existing homes and 1.1 percent for new homes. The Median Sales Price was up 9.5 percent to $219,950 for existing homes but remained flat at $365,000 for new homes. Days on Market decreased 8.8 percent for existing homes but increased 24.8 percent for new homes. Supply decreased 8.7 percent for existing homes but increased 9.3 percent for new 
homes.

In terms of relative balance between buyer and seller interests, residential real estate markets across the country are performing well within an economic expansion that will become the longest in U.S. history in July. However, there are signs of a slowing economy. The Federal Reserve considers 2.0 percent a healthy inflation rate, but the U.S. is expected to remain below that this year. The Fed has received pressure from the White House to cut rates in order to spur further economic activity, and the possibility of a rate reduction in 2019 is definitely in play following a string of increases over the last several years.