CoreLogic released its April cash sales report today, and as has been the trend all year, cash sales declined year-over-year, bringing national levels closer to the pre-crisis baseline of around a 25 percent market share.

In April, cash sales accounted for 33.7 percent of total home sales. The decrease from 37.4 percent in April 2014 is the 28th consecutive year-over-year decline in cash sales. Since the cash sales peak in Jan. 2011, when market share reached heights of 46.5 percent, a shift in market dynamics has allowed more first-time and traditionally financed buyers to enter and re-enter, leveling price appreciation and dissuading all cash investors to search for quick returns elsewhere.

Researchers with CoreLogic expressed optimism in cash sales maintaining their current rate of decline. They said if declines continue, cash sales would fall to 25 percent by mid-2017.

In Boston, cash sales have remained low relative to both the country and pre-crisis standards. In April, cash sales had fallen to 21.6 percent, declining 2.4 percentage points from the same time last year. Statewide, cash sales in Massachusetts were at 25 percent.