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Housing Market | Barbara's Corner Blog

Thursday, May 4, 2023   /   by Barbara Oleska

A Recession Doesn’t Equal a Housing Crisis

Everywhere you look, people are talking about a potential recession. And if you’re planning to buy or sell a house, this may leave you wondering if your plans are still a wise move. To help ease your mind, experts are saying that if we do officially enter a recession, it’ll be mild and short. As the Federal Reserve explained in their March meeting:
“. . . the staff’s projection at the time of the March meeting included a mild recession starting later this year, with a recovery over the subsequent two years.” 
While a recession may be on the horizon, it won’t be one for the housing market record books like the crash in 2008. What we have to remember is that a recession doesn’t always lead to a housing crisis.
To prove it, let’s look at the historical data of what happened in real estate during previous recessions. That way you know why you shouldn’t be afraid of what a recession could mean for the housing . ...

  florida real estate, boca raton real estate, realtor, housing market

Thursday, March 9, 2023   /   by Barbara Oleska

Things To Consider When Selling Your House

Things To Consider When Selling Your House
Should you sell your house this spring? What's the latest on inventory, rates and pricing?
If you’re thinking about selling your house, please click on my Spring guide below to get the answers to your questions. If you want to see how your property measures up in our local market, give me a call and we'll discuss.

  florida real estate, boca raton real estate, south florida real estate, boca raton realtor, south florida realtor, boca raton residential real estate, residential real estate, seller market, how do i sell my home, housing market, what should i do to my house before i sell it

Thursday, February 23, 2023   /   by Barbara Oleska

The Two Big Issues the Housing Market’s Facing Right Now

 
The biggest challenge the housing market’s facing is how few homes there are for sale. Mark Fleming, Chief Economist at First American, explains the root causes of today’s low supply:


“Two dynamics are keeping existing-home inventory historically low – rate-locked existing homeowners and the fear of not finding something to buy.”

Let’s break down these two big issues in today’s housing market.

Rate-Locked Homeowners

According to the Federal Housing Finance Agency (FHFA), the average interest rate for current homeowners with mortgages is less than 4% (see graph below):


But today, the typical mortgage rate offered to buyers is over 6%. As a result, many homeowners are opting to stay put instead of moving to another home with a higher borrowing cost. This is a situation known as being rate locked.

When so many homeowners are rate locked and reluctant to sel. ...

  florida real estate, residential real estate, housing market, mortgage rates, home price appreciation, housing inventory

Thursday, February 2, 2023   /   by Barbara Oleska

Lower Mortgage Rates Are Bringing Buyers Back to the Market

 

As mortgage rates rose last year, activity in the housing market slowed down. And as a result, homes started seeing fewer offers and stayed on the market longer. That meant some homeowners decided to press pause on selling.

Now, however, rates are beginning to come down—and buyers are starting to reenter the market. In fact, the latest data from the Mortgage Bankers Association (MBA) shows mortgage applications increased last week by 7% compared to the week before.

So, if you’ve been planning to sell your house but you’re unsure if there will be anyone to buy it, this shift in the market could be your chance. Here’s what experts are saying about buyers returning to the market as we approach spring.

Mike Fratantoni, SVP and Chief Economist, MBA:


“Mortgage rates are now at their lowest level since September 2022, and about a percentage point below the peak mortgage rate last fall. As we ent. ...

  florida real estate, boca raton real estate, south florida real estate, boca raton realtor, residential real estate, seller market, housing market

Thursday, January 12, 2023   /   by Barbara Oleska

Housing Outlook For 2023

Well, here we are in 2023! I hope your year has gotten off to a happy and healthy start!
Everybody is wondering where the real estate market is going for 2023. Below is the Housing Outlook For 2023, provided by Brian S Wesbury, Chief Economist Of First Trust Investments, along with Robert Stein, Deputy Chief Economist, that I thought you might find interesting. I am always here to answer any questions you might have whether it's about buying, selling, or investing in properties.








The Housing Outlook for 2023
















The housing sector was a huge and early beneficiary of the super-loose monetary policy of 2020-21. But, once the Fed started tightening, housing took the lead downward, as well.  This isn’t a repeat of the 2006-11 housing bust, but it will drag on.  Don’t expect any real recovery in housing until at least late 2023 or early 2024.  Home sales and prices will continue to drag in 2 ...

  florida real estate, boca raton real estate, residential real estate, realtor, housing market, home prices, mortgage rates