Home sales are up, and local home builders are predicting a strong year ahead, too.
First quarter results are out from the Greater Rochester Association of Realtors and the Rochester Home Builders Association.
GRAR president Toni Connors says the mild winter helped and closed sales are up nearly 16 percent.
Trends include more empty-nesters downsizing, and more renters looking to become first time buyers.
Connors says interest rates remain low, and that's good for buyers.
But she also is encouraging everyone who is thinking about selling to do it now, because sellers are getting multiple offers, and are in a good position to get a good market value for their home.
Chief Executive Officer of the Rochester Home Builders Association, Rick Herman, says that there were a similar number of building permits in the first quarter compared to last year, but thanks to the warmer weather, construction of those homes this year could begin earlier.
"We had a great winter this year, and an early spring, so most of our builders are in the ground, they're building, activity at the models is great, we're very excited," he said.
Herman adds there is a shortage of existing homes on the market, and when that happens, it makes new construction all that much more popular.
Joe Sortino, Chairman of the Rochester Home Builders’ Association, talks about the growing empty nester market:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8Jl7M1FlM1w">https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8Jl7M1FlM1w