Realtor: Median home prices down in area

New Mexico’s housing prices were the most expensive since 2008, but eastern New Mexico saw its lowest prices in five years, according to a local Realtor.

The Realtors Association of New Mexico reported on Jan. 25 a median sales price of $190,000. That’s $5,000 higher than in 2016 and the highest median sales price since 2008.

In a press release, 2018 RANM President Connie Hettinga said that while the majority of New Mexico reported growth during 2017, “we have a number of counties with 2017 numbers lower than those reported in 2016.”

That appears to be the case in Curry and Roosevelt counties for the last five years.

Tammy Waters, president of the Clovis-Portales Association of Realtors, said the median housing price for 2017 in the area was $142,000 — down from $149,000 in 2016 and $154,500 in 2013.

The years 2014 and 2015 saw the highest median prices in that period with $151,825 and $153,000, respectively.

“It went up until last year,” Waters said.

She added that the current list price in 2018 is $169,250.

RANM CEO M. Steven Anaya said the National Association of Realtors is predicting slower growth in home prices in 2018 “as low inventories continue to spur price gains.

“Some local markets, particularly in high-cost, higher-tax areas, will likely see price declines as a result of ... new restrictions on mortgage interest and state and local taxes.”