Massachusetts home prices have stopped climbing.

Massachusetts home prices have stopped climbing. The May single-family median came in at $665,000, almost exactly where it sat a year ago. That's from the deeds data, recorded sales rather than asking prices. After years of steady climbing, holding flat is the news.

Here's why it matters to you. The shortage that let sellers name their price is easing. The number of homes for sale across the state is up 13.7% from a year ago, and they're taking longer to sell. Even so, 44.5% of Massachusetts homes still sold above asking. The seller's window is open, just narrower than it was, with prices sitting right at the top.

Now the part to watch if you already own. In Massachusetts, 53.2% of mortgaged homes are now equity rich, meaning the owner owes no more than half of what the place is worth. A year ago that number was 55.9%. Your equity is near its peak, and the direction just turned. That's exactly when it pays to know your real number.

I sell homes around greater Boston with The Avenue Boston at SERHANT, and I live here too. Once a week I'll tell you what the numbers say about your corner of Massachusetts.