According to Lawrence Yun, the National Association of Realtor’s chief economist, the spring housing market is starting off strong. “If activity is sustained near present levels, existing-home sales will see their best performance in five years. The NAR expects sales to rise between 7% and 10% in 2012. What does that mean? Strong demand has melted away inventory in some housing markets with investors and first-time buyers vying for bargains, homes are being snatched up as soon as they hit the market. Prices may not be shooting up, but homes are once again selling at a rapid clip in many markets, draining the multiple-listing services and turning up the competitive pressure on buyers. Multiple offers and bidding wars are back. Lately if a buyer is not there the first day a home comes on the market, it’s gone. When a quality property that is priced accurately comes on the market, it’s not going to sit around. In some areas the competitive environment has already begun to nudge prices up slightly. Bargain prices and historically low interest rates are bringing buyers back. The belief among buyers is that the housing market has already turned the corner and that there won’t be a better time to land an affordable home. National Association of Realtors President Moe Veissi, broker-owner of Veissi & Associates Inc. in Miami, says market conditions are improving as supply and demand have become more balanced.]]>