The Federal Reserve raised its key short-term interest rate from 1.50 to 1.75 percent, citing inflation concerns in an improved economy with rising wages and low unemployment. Borrowing money will be more expensive, particularly for home equity loans, credit cards and adjustable rate mortgages. Although it is the Fed's sixth rate increase since December 2015, rates remain historically low. Home buyers should be aware that at least two more rate increases are expected this year.
In the Twin Cities region, for the week ending March 17:
• New Listings decreased 10.7% to 1,562
• Pending Sales decreased 9.2% to 1,188
• Inventory decreased 23.2% to 8,123
For the month of February:
• Median Sales Price increased 12.7% to $250,000
• Days on Market decreased 15.9% to 69
• Percent of Original List Price Received increased 1.6% to 98.0%
• Months Supply of Homes For Sale decreased 15.8% to 1.6