Photographer:Severe winter weather is hindering home sales across the country, according to a Thursday report from real estate company Redfin . The median U.S. home-sale price has been steadily increasing, rising around 5% in the first four weeks of January, alongside asking prices, Redfin reported. While low inventory – down 4% year over year – and increased purchasing power have contributed to the high price tags, Redfin said winter weather has also factored into sluggish sales. Pending home sales are down more than 8% year over year, which Redfin reported as the biggest decline in four months. With potential homebuyers in areas facing severe winter weather staying home, that number has continued to climb.

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Persons: Redfin, Christine Kooiker Organizations: National Association Of Realtors, Midwest, National Association of Realtors Locations: Geneseo , Illinois, U.S, California, Michigan, Redfin, Anaheim , California, New Brunswick , New Jersey, Miami , Florida