And why exactly does this news surprise anyone? As someone coming here a year ago or so from a slightly less bloated housing market, I can't understand how these sellers around here can ask for what they are asking for price-wise with a straight face.

350K for a townhouse? you have to be kidding!
It won't be long before these things will be given away -

All they'd need to do is jack up your property taxes, and increase your HOA fees.....Would be like getting the coffee maker free but paying for the coffee....

City wins, home "owner" wins, home sellers lose. Bye bye "equity".
Even harder to understand is who on earth is dumb enough to give them anything close to the asking price?