A report from the Arizona Republic. "It’s still a sellers market in metro Phoenix, but buyers are gaining ground. At the same time, the number of homes for sale is up. 'Buyers now might be competing with three other offers compared to 15 last year,” said Tina Tamboer, senior housing analyst with the Cromford Report."

"The number of new home listings in the Phoenix area jumped 78 percent from December, according to ARMLS. Valley home sales fell 16 percent in January from December. 'January’s numbers are in, and we are off to a roaring mediocre start,' said Arizona housing analyst Tom Ruff with The Information Market. 'Not good, not bad, just slightly above average.'"

"Many first-time buyers have had to compete with investors and flippers going after homes priced around the Valley’s median. But recently, homes for sale priced below $250,000 have seen the most price reductions, said Tamboer. That’s partly because many of the investors and flippers are now trying to resell homes they purchased in that price range."

The Naples Daily News in Florida. "Following a national trend, house flipping has slowed in Southwest Florida. By double digits. Also, the upward pressure on home prices has subsided in the region, making it more challenging for flippers to avoid becoming floppers."

"'When you take appreciation out of the equation, that means you have to buy right, not sell right. The risk is much greater' said Denny Grimes, with Denny Grimes & Co., in Fort Myers."

From Globe St on California. "Home sales in Los Angeles slowed down at the end of the year, causing rippling concern throughout the market that it could be the precursor of a recession. However, Brett Miller, a real estate agent at Nourmand & Associates, says that concerns are greatly exaggerated."

"'The shortage of housing and new construction units means prices still prevail in California for 2019,' he explains."

"But, if demand is so strong, why are housing sales slowing in the market? Well, upward pricing has been responsible for the stalled sales activity, along with rising interest rates. 'As people continued to flock to Los Angeles, median prices rose, and with no end in sight to the boom, you could sell your home above its real value. Over time, this market mindset has conditioned many sellers to think their overpriced home will always sell for 10%-15% more than the listing price with little improvements justifying that price,' Miller explains."

"In addition, buyer economic sentiment is shifting, and no one wants to buy a home at the top of the market. 'There are cautious buyers who have read about the housing bubble and have decided to sit tight in their situation. In the market upswing over the past several years, every property was selling, regardless of price,' says Miller. 'When prices are high and sellers are worried about a bubble, you must price strategically, understanding that buyers are tired of paying more than a home is worth'".