Closed sales of houses in the Lehigh Valley decreased by 0.2 percent in November to 504, compared to in 505 in November 2014.

Pending sales increased 19 percent in November to 600, compared to 504 in November 2014.

Closed sales for year-to-date 2015 are up 12.7 percent to 6,720, compared to 5,964 year-to-date 2014.

The housing market is healthy and stable, and expected to stay that way through 2016, according to the Greater Lehigh Valley Realtors (GLVR), which releases the monthly reports. Reduced inventory and an expected rise in mortgage rates should keep home prices from increasing too rapidly, stated the GLVR.

“Bad weather can start to affect sales at this time of year, but so far it hasn’t been a factor,” said Chris Raad, GLVR President.

Closed sales decreased slightly in November and October.

September was the first month in three months that closed sales did not increase in double digits.

In 2015, closed sales increased by double digits in August, July, June, April and March, by single digits in February and January, and declined by single digits in May.

Days on the market decreased 11.4 percent in November to 62 from 70 in November 2014.

The months supply decreased 38.5 percent in November to 5.6 months from 9.1 months in November 2014.

Inventory decreased 29.1 percent in November to 3,539 from 4,993 in November 2014.

New listings decreased 1.7 percent in November to 707 from 719 in November 2014.

The average sales price decreased 0.4 percent in November to $196,126 from $196,859 in November 2014.

The median sales price decreased 4 percent in November to $169,900 from $177,000 in November 2014.

The percentage of list price received decreased 0.2 percent in November to 96.6 percent compared to 96.4 percent in November 2014.

The affordability index rose 8.2 percent.

“This is a great time to buy a home,” said GLVR CEO Justin Porembo. “The market is healthy, prices are favorable, the job market is stable, and a rate hike is predicted any day now.”

Here’s an overview of Lehigh Valley house sales in 2015:

Closed sales in October decreased 0.3 percent to 660 from 662 in October 2014.

Closed sales in September increased 5.3 percent to 612 from 581 in September 2014.

Closed house sales in August increased 12.8 percent to 767 from 680 in August 2014.

Closed sales in July increased 13.8 percent to 774 from 680 in July 2014.

Closed sales in June increased 15.6 percent to 779 from 674 in June 2014.

Closed sales in May decreased 2.8 percent to 596 from 613 in May 2014.

Closed sales in April increased 10.5 percent to 507 from 459 in April 2014.

Closed sales in March increased 19 percent to 514 from 432 in March 2014.

Closed sales in February increased 4.3 percent to 339 from 325 in February 2014.

Closed sales in January increased 5.7 percent to 373 from 353 in January 2014.

In Carbon County, data for November shows closed sales at 339, an increase of 15.3 percent; pending sales are were 24.1 percent; new listings were down 1.8 percent; the average sales price was up 13.2 percent to $121,931, and the percentage of list price received was at 95.4 percent.

The monthly housing data is collected by the GLVR from its Multiple Listing Service, a comprehensive database that includes housing market information from its more than 2,000 Realtor members.

The GLVR is a not-for-profit trade association providing professional development and training resources, competitive market information, legislative advocacy, a peer review and mediation process for members, and a dispute resolution service for consumers.

The GLVR owns and operates the Greater Lehigh Valley Multiple Listing Service, the Greater Lehigh Valley Real Estate Academy and is publisher of Greater Lehigh Valley Real Estate Weekly.

Information: GreaterLehighValleyRealtors.com