Mortgage and Real Estate Market Updates For 2024
This guide covers mortgage and real estate market updates for 2024. In 2023, the market faces some headwinds due to high-interest rates, low inventory, high inflation, and economic uncertainty. This blog post will summarize key trends and challenges you need to know and list tips on adapting to the situation.
Rising interest rates are the main factors affecting the mortgage and real estate market in 2023. Besides skyrocketing interest rates, housing inventory remains low.
Many homeowners with rates in the 3.0% are not selling their homes. Most homeowners would have sold their homes and purchased another household onto their homes due to high rates. Analysts and economists predict 2024 will be worse. The Federal Reserve has been hiking its key interest rate since March 2022 to curb inflation and support economic growth. In the following paragraphs, we will cover mortgage and real estate market updates for 2024.
Mortgage and Real Estate Market Updates For 2024
As of May 3, 2023, the Fed has raised its rate by 25 basis points, its 10th consecutive hike in a row. This indirectly impacts long-term mortgage rates, which are influenced by the market’s demand and supply of bonds. According to Forbes Advisor, the average mortgage rate for a 30-year fixed loan has surged to 7.09% as of June 2, 2023, nearly double its 3.22% level in early 2022.
The change in the average rate for a 15-year fixed loan has jumped to 6.54%, compared to 2.43% in January 2023.
High rates mean that borrowers have to pay more interest over the life of their loans, which reduces their purchasing power and affordability. If you borrowed $300,000 with a fixed rate 30-year mortgage at 3.22%, your monthly payment would be $1,298. But if you borrowed the same amount at a rate of 7.09%, your monthly payment would be $2,007. That difference is $709 per month or $8,508 per year.
The Danger of The Dow Plummeting on Any Tick Of Bad News
Politics affect mortgage rates. A few years ago, the markets liked that Bernie Sanders was unlikely to win the Democratic nomination for the 2020 Presidential election. Mike Bloomberg was the latest candidate to suspend their campaign. Again, several years ago, with all the bad news in politics, it affected the financial markets.
The Federal Reserve Board printing money is the cause of inflation. Inflation is soaring to record highs. Until Donald J. Trump gets re-elected to the Presidency, mortgage rates and inflation is expected to keep increasing.
The 10-year yield on treasuries fell under 1.0%, and today the 10-year treasuries are over 4.0%. Mortgage rates were getting slammed, hitting record-low rates. Whenever the stock market drops, it sends mortgage rates lower. Low mortgage rates spike home sales. This article will discuss and cover the mortgage and real estate updates for 2024.
Home Prices Are Still High
High home prices will be another challenge for buyers and sellers in 2024. Despite some signs of cooling off in recent months, home prices remain elevated due to low inventory and strong demand. The National Association of Realtors, or NAR, says that the median existing home sales price declined 1.7% to $388,800 in April 2023 compared to a year ago. However, this is still higher than the median price of $363,300 in April 2022.
The homes for sale are at low inventory partly because homeowners who bought them at record-low interest rates in recent years are reluctant to sell and lose their cheap financing.
Increasing home prices is also due to builders facing higher costs and shortages of materials and labor, which limit their ability to construct new homes. According to NAR, the total housing inventory at the end of April was 1.16 million units, down 20.5% from a year ago. High home prices mean buyers must save more for down payments and closing costs or settle for smaller or less desirable homes.
Economic Uncertainty Looms
A third factor affecting the mortgage and real estate market in 2023 is the economic uncertainty looming over the country. The U.S. economy faces several challenges that could derail its recovery from the pandemic-induced recession, such as inflation.
According to the CPI, or the consumer price index, which tracks how much consumers pay for various items, the prices of goods and services increased by 4.2% in April compared to last year.
Since September 2008, this has been the most significant annual increase in the CPI. The core CPI has risen by 3% compared to the previous year, representing the largest annual surge since January 1996. When prices increase, money loses value, and consumers can buy less with the same amount.
Mortgage and Real Estate Market Updates on the Economy
The current debt ceiling expires on July 31, and if Congress fails to raise it or suspend it before then, the government could default on its obligations, which could trigger a financial crisis and a credit downgrade. Several regional banks have recently been hit by scandals and losses, raising concerns about their solvency and stability.
As an illustration, Wells Fargo reached a settlement of $3 billion to resolve multiple criminal and civil charges associated with its fraudulent accounts scandal. In comparison, Citigroup reported a $900 million loss due to a clerical error.
These incidents could undermine the confidence and trust in the banking system, which is vital for the smooth functioning of the mortgage and credit markets. A recession is characterized by decreased economic activity, commonly defined as two-quarters of negative GDP growth. The U.S. economy contracted 3.5% in 2020, the worst annual performance since 1946.
What is the Mortgage and Real Estate Market Updates for 2024
The economic outlook on high inflation, home prices, and unemployment will continue under the Biden Administration until the next presidential election in 2024. The economy rebounded by 6.4% in the first quarter of 2023. However, economists say the Biden Administration doctored the numbers.
Some economists warn that the recovery could stall or reverse further into the second semester of 2024 due to the fading effects of the fiscal stimulus.
The resurgence of the coronavirus variants by the globalists and democrats continues to hinder the economy. Trade tensions with China is another factor impacting the economy and housing markets. These economic challenges could dampen consumer confidence and spending, key drivers of housing demand and growth. They could also affect the availability and cost of credit, essential for financing home purchases and refinances.
Tips for Purchasing or Selling a Home in 2024
Given these challenges, how can you navigate the mortgage and real estate market in 2023? Here are some tips for homebuyers. Shop for the best mortgage rate: The interest rates differ based on the lender, loan type, loan amount, credit score, and other variables. You can save much money throughout your loan by evaluating and comparing multiple offers from various lenders. Save for a larger down payment.
Increasing the size of your down payment can result in several benefits, including a reduction in your monthly payment, a lower interest rate, and the ability to avoid private mortgage insurance (PMI), an additional fee imposed by lenders on borrowers who put down less than 20%.
A larger down payment can enhance your competitiveness in a bidding war, as sellers generally favor buyers who can demonstrate financial stability and a strong level of commitment. Be flexible and realistic: In a seller’s market, you may have to compromise on your preferences and expectations. For example, you may have to widen your search area, consider fixer-uppers or foreclosures, or accept contingencies or concessions from the seller. You may also have to act fast and make firm offers when you find a home you like, as homes tend to sell quickly and receive multiple offers.
Mortgage and Real Estate Market Updates For Home Sellers
Price your home right. Setting an excessively high price for your home can dissuade prospective buyers and result in your property remaining on the market for an extended period. Conversely, pricing your home too low may leave potential profits on the table and give the impression that your property has underlying issues.
Establish the right price for your home through thorough research and by comparing properties sold similar to yours in your locality. Seeking assistance from a real estate agent or an appraiser can also provide valuable professional insights and guidance.
Prepare your home for sale: To entice buyers and secure the optimal price for your home, make sure that your property is clean, decluttered, staged, repaired, and updated. You may consider enlisting the services of a professional photographer or videographer to capture high-quality visuals showcasing your home’s attractive features and benefits. Utilizing social media platforms and online avenues can also facilitate effective marketing of your property, allowing you to reach a broader audience.
How To Negotiate on a Home Sale For Sellers
Upon receiving an offer from a potential buyer, it is important to diligently evaluate the proposal and determine whether to accept, reject, or counteroffer. You need to consider the price and the accompanying terms and conditions well. Home sellers need to be careful when reviewing a home purchase offer.
Factors to take into considerations by home sellers inclue3 the closing date, contingencies, financing arrangements, inspections, appraisals, repairs, and closing costs.
You must balance your goals and interests with the buyers and try to reach a win-win agreement for both parties. Skyrocketing inflation and high home prices mean sellers must compete with fewer buyers who can afford their asking prices or offer incentives such as paying for repairs or closing costs. The mortgage and real estate market updates in 2024 will be challenging but possible to navigate. By comprehending the market’s trends and challenges and implementing various tips and strategies tailored to the current conditions, you can turn your homeownership goals and aspirations into a reality.
