Is the Twin Cities housing market shifting gears?
Put it this way: the public perception certainly has. See, “Twin Cities Home Prices Up; Traditional Sales Strengthen.”
In fact, the market does feel different this spring.
The weekly Broker meetings — always a good litmus test of market trends — have devoted more time to dealing with multiple offers this Spring than they have in seven years (that would be 2005, if you need help with the math).
And active, local Buyers’ agents (that would include me) are reporting thin inventory and shifting leverage in multiple Twin Cities neighborhoods.
Turning Points
But what’s also nice is what’s missing.
Like, the unprompted offerings of sympathy 
(if not condolences) from complete strangers when they hear you are a Realtor.
That trend peaked (bottomed?) about 18 months ago.
Also missing: the sketchy types who seem to invade the market — however briefly — at market extremes.
Like shady auto dealer (and now convicted felon) Denny Hecker, who jumped into residential home sales and financing near the housing market peak.
Loudly.
There was a period back then when his ads seemed to be slapped on every bus bench and billboard in town.
See also, “Calling a Housing Market Bottom.”
