Buyer Demand Surging in Utah as Spring Market Begins
Last fall, some predicted that the 2019 residential real estate market would be a disaster. There was even belief we might experience a housing crash like the one that occurred during the last decade.
However, according to two separate reports*, buyer demand dramatically increased over the last three months, leading into this spring buyers’ market (the March data is not yet available).
Both the ShowingTime Showing Index and the National Association of REALTORS Buyer Traffic Index show that buyer demand has increased in each of the last three months.
Why the increase in demand? Increased buying power.
According to the National Association of Realtors’ Economists’ Outlook Blog, purchasing a home has become more affordable, which has led to increased demand.
“Due to the combination of falling home prices and mortgage rates, the income needed to make an affordable mortgage payment (mortgage no more than 25% of income) on a median-priced home with 10% down payment and 30-year fixed rate mortgage decreased from $60,425 in June 2018 to $53,783 as of February 2019, and the difference of $6,642 represents a gain in buying power because one can afford a home purchase at a lower level of income.”
Bottom Line
It appears the spring buyers’ market is going to be much stronger than many had projected. Whether you are selling or buying, this is important news.
*The methodology behind the indices:
The ShowingTime Showing Index
“The ShowingTime Showing Index® tracks the average number of buyer showings on active residential properties on a monthly basis, a highly reliable leading indicator of current and future demand trends.”
The National Association of REALTORS® Buyer Traffic Index
“In a monthly survey of REALTORS®, NAR asks respondents ‘Compared to the same month last year, how would you rate the past month’s traffic in neighborhood(s) or area(s) where you make most of your sales?’ NAR compiles the responses into an index, where an index above 50 indicates that more respondents reported “stronger” traffic than “weaker” traffic.”
More Temporary Bumps in the Road to Recovery
We know there are bumps in the road when it comes to today’s economy and the housing market, and that’s to be expected under the current conditions. The good news is, experts are forecasting that home prices will continue to rise. DM me to discuss your plans in this...
Confused About the Economic Recovery? Here’s Why.
Confused About the Economic Recovery? Here’s Why.As we continue to work through the health crisis that plagues this country, more and more conversations are turning to economic recovery. While we look for signs that we’ve reached a plateau in cases of COVID-19, the...
U.S. Homeownership Rate Rises to Highest Point in 8 Years
U.S. Homeownership Rate Rises to Highest Point in 8 YearsFor nearly two months, most of us have been following strict stay-at-home orders from our state and local governments. It is a whole new way of life that has put our daily lives on pause. On the other hand, many...
The 3 Sciences That Are Driving Today’s Expert Economic Projections
[et_pb_wpl_widget_carousel id="wpl_carousel_widget-4" _builder_version="4.4.2"][/et_pb_wpl_widget_carousel][et_pb_wpl_widget_carousel id="wpl_carousel_widget-5" _builder_version="4.4.2"][/et_pb_wpl_widget_carousel][et_pb_wpl_widget_search...
Why the Housing Market Is a Powerful Economic Driver?
Why the Housing Market Is a Powerful Economic Driver?With businesses starting to slowly open back up again in some parts of the country, it’s important to understand how housing can have a major impact on the recovery of the U.S. economy. As we’ve mentioned...
Buying a Home Right Now: Easy? No. Smart? Yes.
Buying a Home Right Now: Easy? No. Smart? Yes.Through all the volatility in the economy right now, some have put their search for a home on hold, yet others have not. According to ShowingTime, the real estate industry's leading showing management technology provider,...
Rise to the Top of the Pool by Selling Your House Today
Rise to the Top of the Pool by Selling Your House Today With the release of the latest Economic Pulse Flash Survey from the National Association of Realtors (NAR), results show that people selling their houses today are holding strong on price. According to the most...
What Impact Might COVID-19 Have on Home Values?
What Impact Might COVID-19 Have on Home Values?A big challenge facing the housing industry is determining what impact the current pandemic may have on home values. Some buyers are hoping for major price reductions because the health crisis is straining the economy.The...
New Technology Is Powering the Real Estate Process
Technology Is Powering the Real Estate Process Technology is the driving force behind many of today's real estate transactions. Let’s connect to discuss how working together to go digital can give you an edge when buying or selling your home.
Uncertainty Abounds in the Search for Economic Recovery Timetable
Uncertainty Abounds in the Search for Economic Recovery TimetableEarlier this week, we discussed how most projections from financial institutions are calling for a quick V-shaped recovery from this economic downturn, and there’s research on previous post-pandemic...