The median price of a single-family home grew 5.4% from last year.

Home value appreciation was greater than median annual earnings in most U.S. metro areas in 2021, a new Zillow report found, and Boston was no exception.

The median existing-home price for all housing types in February was $357,300, up 15% from a year before, as median prices rose in each region.    

“More groundbreaking is welcome news for a supply-starved housing market.” — First American deputy chief economist Odeta Kushi 

The measurement of six-month sales expectations among homebuilders took an especially negative turn in March, according to the National Association of Home Builders. 

“Investors are weighing the impacts of rapidly increasing inflation in the U.S. and many other parts of the world against the potential for a slowdown in economic growth due to a renewed bout of supply-chain constraints.” — MBA associate vice president of economic and industry forecasting Joel Kan

Of the homes that went under contract during the four weeks ended March 6, 58% had an accepted offer within the first two weeks of going on the market, and 45% had an accepted offer within just one week, Redfin reported.

Foreign buyers accounted for less than 2% of U.S. residential real estate transactions last year, and Russian buyers accounted for less than 1% of those, the National Association of REALTORS® reported. 

In Boston, 158 homes sold for at least $100,000 over asking price.

“Looking ahead, the potential for higher inflation amidst disruptions in oil and other commodity flows will likely lead to a period of volatility in rates.” — MBA associate vice president of economic and industry forecasting Joel Kan 

Rents nationwide continue to grow, driven by single-family rentals, and Boston is no exception.

Housing starts, existing home sales inventory took a tumble as well in February.

Homeowner tenure has flattened since its 2020 peak.

Demand has been trending up since the beginning of the pandemic.

The pace of new home listings is gaining steam, a welcome development in the face of high demand from buyers, Redfin reported.

Buyers faced bidding wars as more rushed to purchase a home before mortgage rates jumped again.