The summer is hot, but real estate sales in Carbon County were a little chillier in June than last year.

According to the Greater Lehigh Valley Realtors Association, the median sales price in Carbon County was $215,000 in June, down 3.8% from June 2023 when it was $223,500.

Meanwhile, the number of houses on the market is up.

The GLVR data showed a 3.7 month inventory in Carbon County. There were 200 units for sale in June, up from 140 in June 2023. And new listings were also up 7.4% to 90 new homes just in June, compared to 84 in June 2023.

Pamela Gothard, an associate broker affiliated with RE/MAX Real Estate in Allentown whose office is in Lehighton, said, “I feel the market drop in housing prices likely stems from the increased inventory of homes for sale, which has now slightly swayed the balance of supply and demand in the favor of buyers. (It) leaves sellers to make price adjustments to remain competitive in the market.”

As for why there are more houses on the market this June than last year, Gothard thinks it’s due to interest rates.

“The realization that interest rates are not going anywhere for the near foreseeable future may be, in part, fueling the increase, along with the fact that interest rates are slightly decreasing may be helping both sellers and buyers with their decision to move,” she said.

The Lehigh Valley is still hot with sales prices hitting a record. Prices were up 7.8% in June to $361,000 compared to $335,000 in June 2023, which was a sales record, according to GLVR.

Kristen Obert, a broker/owner of Iron Valley Real Estate Northeast in Palmerton, said she thinks the job market in the Lehigh Valley is playing a role in the high housing prices there.

“The Lehigh Valley has a high demand due to the number of jobs available,” Obert said. “In my opinion, Carbon County is entering into a more ‘normal’ market than we have seen since COVID. The interest rates and inflation have given a lot of buyers time to pause and think before purchasing.”

Pending sales in Carbon County fell 14.1% in June 2024, as did closed sales at 15.8%, according to GLVR data. Days on the market also increased to 36 versus 27 days in June 2023.

Gothard that back in 2019, inventory was up to four to six months and days on the market was up to 80.

“Buyers had a lot more choices and seller’s had to negotiate with buyers a lot more,” Gothard said. “I don’t think people are taking longer, they have a few more choices and may be waiting for their special home a little bit longer in hopes of a new listing.”

Obert said she is seeing an increase in the number of first-time homebuyers.

“We currently have a lot of first-time homebuyers, and buyers who are also looking to downsize, which is creating a higher demand in the middle market of $250,000-$300,000,” she said.

For buyers looking for starter homes, Obert said twin homes, also called duplexes, are a less expensive option.

“Twin homes are averaging at $150,000, depending on location. In Lehighton and Palmerton the average twin is higher, closer to $185,000,” Obert said.

As for the condition of a house, a fixer-upper is not necessarily a deterrent, Obert said.

“Many of the homes need updating but not necessarily renovating,” she said. “In my opinion, buyers are willing to purchase a home that needs updating, so they can make it their own taste.”