09/01/2022
What The Housing “Recession” Is And Is Not 🏡📉📈
National Association of Realtors Chief Economist Lawrence Yun went on record to state, “We’re witnessing a housing recession in terms of declining home sales and home building … However, it’s not a recession in home prices. Inventory remains tight, and prices continue to rise nationally, with nearly 40% of homes [on the market] still commanding the full list price.”
In July 2022, the median existing-home sales price went up 10.8% from last year to $403,800. That's down $10,000 from the previous month's record high.
For sellers, a housing recession means you may need to temper your expectations. You may not get that bidding war that you hoped for, and high prices may scare some potential buyers away. Your home could be on the market for a longer period of time, and potential buyers could be more demanding.
As a buyer, you must accept the reality of a limited inventory and higher interest rates.
There are five long-term benefits of owning real estate:
• When you get a 30-year mortgage, it is a hedge against inflation. Rents will go up, but your 30-year mortgage will keep the same rate unless you refinance to a lower one.
• There are tax benefits to owning real estate.
• Over longer time horizons, you can expect to see price appreciation in real estate.
• You’re paying down the loan over time, providing you with equity in an asset.
• You need somewhere to live, so owning a home has a functional use.
“Homebuilding starts are a leading indicator of the real estate market. The Census Bureau recently released some disappointing news. Housing starts (new construction) dropped 9.6% in July 2022.
Since builders react to housing demand, we must take notice of this number as it can impact the real estate market for years to come. For instance, what will happen if interest rates drop and there’s an insufficient supply of houses to match demand?”
— Excerpts from Forbes.com