Home sales are forecast to reach levels in 2005 that are second only to the record set in 2004, the National Association of Realtors reported today.

Existing-home sales are forecast to decline 2 percent this year to a total of 6.54 million, compared with 6.68 million in 2004. New-home sales are projected at 1.11 million this year, down 6.2 percent from a record 1.18 million in 2004. Housing starts are seen at 1.92 million units this year, a decline of 1.8 percent from 1.95 million 2004, which was the highest level of housing construction since 1978.

David Lereah, chief economist for the association, said, “Even with a growing economy and improving job market, inflation should stay tame with only modest upward pressure on interest rates. The relationship between mortgage interest rates, family income and home prices will remain favorable for home buyers in most of the country.”

Lereah forecasts the 30-year fixed-rate mortgage to rise modestly to 6.3 percent by the end of the year, and average 6 percent for all of 2005 compared with an average rate of 5.8 percent in 2004.

The national median existing-home price should increase 5 percent in 2005, with the annual price expected at $193,300. The median new-home price is forecast to rise 6 percent in 2005 to $232,100. By contrast, appreciation rates in 2004 were 8.3 percent for existing homes and 12.3 percent for new homes.

“This slowing in the rate of home-price appreciation will be welcome news for home buyers, yet the market remains favorable for home sellers because housing inventory levels are tight,” Lereah said. “The home price gains expected this year will remain above the high end for historic norms, which are 1 to 2 percentage points higher that the overall rate of inflation.”

The association expects inflation to remain modest, with the Consumer Price Index rising 2.5 percent this year. The U.S. gross domestic product is projected to grow by 3.9 percent in 2005, while the unemployment rate is forecast to decline to 5 percent by the third quarter.

Inflation-adjusted disposable personal income is seen to grow 3.9 percent this year, while the consumer confidence index should rise to 105 by the end of the year.

***

Send tips or a Letter to the Editor to glenn@inman.com or call (510) 658-9252, ext. 137.

Show Comments Hide Comments
Sign up for Inman’s Morning Headlines
What you need to know to start your day with all the latest industry developments
By submitting your email address, you agree to receive marketing emails from Inman.
Success!
Thank you for subscribing to Morning Headlines.
Back to top
Only 3 days left to register for Inman Connect Las Vegas before prices go up! Don't miss the premier event for real estate pros.Register Now ×
Limited Time Offer: Get 1 year of Inman Select for $199SUBSCRIBE×
Log in
If you created your account with Google or Facebook
Don't have an account?
Forgot your password?
No Problem

Simply enter the email address you used to create your account and click "Reset Password". You will receive additional instructions via email.

Forgot your username? If so please contact customer support at (510) 658-9252

Password Reset Confirmation

Password Reset Instructions have been sent to

Subscribe to The Weekender
Get the week's leading headlines delivered straight to your inbox.
Top headlines from around the real estate industry. Breaking news as it happens.
15 stories covering tech, special reports, video and opinion.
Unique features from hacker profiles to portal watch and video interviews.
Unique features from hacker profiles to portal watch and video interviews.
It looks like you’re already a Select Member!
To subscribe to exclusive newsletters, visit your email preferences in the account settings.
Up-to-the-minute news and interviews in your inbox, ticket discounts for Inman events and more
1-Step CheckoutPay with a credit card
By continuing, you agree to Inman’s Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.

You will be charged . Your subscription will automatically renew for on . For more details on our payment terms and how to cancel, click here.

Interested in a group subscription?
Finish setting up your subscription
×