Markets can feel confusing when national headlines point one way and your local experience feels another. That is why this monthly snapshot matters. It highlights what is changing in the Chattanooga region, including how much is coming to market, how quickly buyers are moving and how pricing is holding up. With the data that is provided in this report from the National Association of Realtors, we are able to give consumers and realtors a clear set of guidelines to use when making real estate decisions this month.

U.S.

existing-home sales fell 3.6 percent month-over-month and 1.0 percent year-over-year to a seasonally adjusted annual rate of 3.98 million, according to the NAR, as tight supply and ongoing affordability challenges constrained activity. Sales declined month-over-month in all four regions. Year-over-year, sales increased in the South and West but fell in the Midwest and Northeast.

New Listings in the Chattanooga region increased 19.9 percent to 1,744. Pending Sales increased 8.6 percent to 1,056. Inventory increased 28.7 percent to 3,856.

Median Sales Price increased 3.0 percent from $330,000 to $340,000. Days on Market increased 17.4 percent to 54. Months Supply of Inventory increased 22.9 percent to 4.3.

Nationally, the median existing-home price rose 1.4 percent from a year earlier to $408,800, marking the 33rd consecutive month of year-over-year price increases as limited inventory continued to put upward pressure on prices, NAR said. There were 1.36 million homes for sale heading into April, up 2.3 percent from a year earlier, representing a 4.1-month supply at the current sales pace.

The takeaway this month is that small shifts matter. More choice and a slower pace can change negotiations and timing. Buyers should stay focused on budget and priorities, and sellers should lean on thoughtful preparation and pricing guidance from a local realtor based on recent sales and current market conditions #That'sWhoWeR