September 2021 Real Estate Market Update: Is the market starting to cool?

Aerial view of residential neighborhood in northwest Las Vegas, Nevada.

September was another record setter in the Las Vegas valley! Both resale and rent values increased on average, adding to an already record setting year. The median price of a home rose to $406,500 according to Las Vegas Realtors. Rent values rose on average between 3-9% (Zumper).

Though Las Vegas saw an increase in resale values between August and September, the fact is, it’s a far cry from the appreciation seen thus far in the year. As a matter of fact, the median sales price remained at $405,000 the two months prior, barely making an increase during September.

In essence, the market is taking a much needed break. Constant and significant appreciation can lead to over inflated prices which is not healthy for a market. Already, many individuals are out priced of a home, compared to just 6 months or a year ago. Fortunately, interest rates are remaining low, allowing many to to still qualify for high mortgages. And for the time being, rates should remain that way.

However, what does this slow down mean for the market? At this time, it is simply means that the market is pumping its brakes a little due to significant appreciation over the last year. Additionally, as the end of the year approaches, a seasonal slow down is typically expected.

Of course, a real estate market is based on many factors – economic climate, jobs, consumer confidence and interest rates, to name a few. These can affect a real estate market in a positive or negative way. For the time being, indicators appear to point to continued appreciation, though modest. Inventory continues to remain low, both in homes for sale and for rent. And most buyers are still in the game.