Minneapolis, Minnesota (August 12, 2013) -The Twin Cities were once again buzzing with housing activity in July. Rising rents combined with still-favorable prices and mortgage rates have resulted in ongoing housing recovery. House hunters continue to eye seller activity for hints of additional inventory. New listings rose a healthy 24.6 percent, the second-largest gain since April 2010. Buyers have 15,671 properties from which to choose - 13.0 percent fewer than in July 2012 but still marking the smallest year-over-year decline in inventory in more than two years.

The overall median sales price was $208,757, up 17.2 percent compared to July 2012. A shift in sales type is driving this price growth. As recently as July 2011, foreclosures and short sales together comprised 45.4 percent of all sales activity. In July 2013, these two distressed segments made up just 20.6 percent of all sales. On the seller side, the percentage of all new listings that were distressed in July fell to 17.9 percent, down from 41.2 percent in July 2011.

"If you want to see the type and price of properties that will sell next month, look at what sellers are listing this month and last month," said Andy Fazendin, President of the Minneapolis Area Association of REALTORS® (MAAR). "Banks are showing a decline in distressed listing activity, which bodes well for ongoing recovery."

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