U.S. Existing Home Sales fell by 1.0% (month-over-month) in December to an annual rate of 4.94 million. First time buyers accounted for 30% of the sales, unchanged from November. From the houses sold, distressed properties accounted for 24% of the sales compared to 22% in November. Inventory declined by 8.5% to 1.82 million. The median price for all housing types was $180,800, a year-over-year rise of 11.5%. Year-over-year, existing home sales rose by 12.8%. Existing home sales in November were revised lower to an annual rate of 4.94 million.
