Market Report: Winter Warmup

This year has seen challenges for home buyers, with higher rates and lower inventory. However as the year closes, current trends suggest a shift that could be beneficial for homebuyers. This change is primarily due to falling mortgage rates and an increase in the number of properties for sale.

Decrease in Mortgage Rates:
Freddie Mac reports that the rate for a 30-year fixed mortgage has fallen to an average of 7.03%. This is a considerable drop from its 23-year peak of just over 8% recorded in early October. Such a reduction in mortgage rates can greatly influence the affordability and appeal of buying a home.

Surge in Mortgage Applications:
In response to lower mortgage rates, Redfin has observed a 15% increase in mortgage applications since early November, which previously reached a 28-year low. This rise in applications reflects a growing interest in purchasing homes, spurred by more favorable lending conditions.

More Homes on the Market:
Additionally, there’s been a 7% increase in new home listings compared to last year, when interest rates were on the rise. This increase in available properties provides more choices for buyers and may help reduce the intense competition for homes.

Gradual Recovery of the Housing Market:
Despite these positive signs, the recovery of the housing market is progressing slowly. Freddie Mac warns that the increase in applications is beginning to slow down, indicating that while the market is improving, a full recovery is not immediate.

Impact of Federal Reserve’s Rate Increases:
The recent decline in mortgage rates is partly linked to expectations that the Federal Reserve may pause its interest rate hikes. From March 2022 to July 2023, the Fed significantly raised its benchmark rate, affecting the cost of mortgages. This has been a major factor in the sluggish movement of the housing market.

Homeowners’ Hesitance to Sell:
Elevated rates also meant that homeowners with mortgages at rates between 3% and 4% were less likely to sell, leading to fewer homes on the market. This shortage played a role in driving up home prices, adding another hurdle for new buyers.

The current changes in the housing market, characterized by lower mortgage rates and an increase in home listings, offer positive news for homebuyers. However, the market’s recovery is ongoing, and its future trajectory remains uncertain. Homebuyers should stay informed and alert to navigate these shifting market conditions.