Market Trends

Real Estate Agent Meeting with Clients

Three Biggest Impacts on Home Affordability

In the last year, the topic of housing affordability has been a major point of discussion, with many noting its increasing difficulty. However, there has been some recent easing in this area. A key factor in this change is the reduction in mortgage rates since their peak in October. But, understanding home affordability goes beyond just looking at mortgage rates. To fully grasp the concept of home affordability, it’s essential to consider a trio of critical elements: mortgage rates, home prices, and wages. Here’s an in-depth look at the latest trends in each of these areas, shedding light on why […]

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New Home Construction

Consider the Advantages of Buying a Newly Constructed Home

Hesitant to sell your home due to concerns about finding a desirable new place? It might be the perfect moment to think about the advantages of purchasing a newly constructed home. Here’s why this could be a beneficial choice. Surge in New Home Inventory The presence of newly constructed homes in the current housing market is growing significantly. The latest report from the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) reveals: “Newly built homes available for sale accounted for 31% of total homes available for sale in November, compared to an approximate 12% historical average.” This indicates that the share of

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Mortgage Rates

Understanding the Impact of Lower Mortgage Rates on Home Buying Power

Knowing the influence of mortgage rates on your purchasing capacity and monthly payments is crucial when considering buying a home. Thankfully, 30-year fixed mortgage rates have significantly decreased since late October, now falling below 7% as reported by Freddie Mac (refer to the graph below): This downward trend in rates is a positive development for prospective home buyers. As Bankrate recently highlighted: “The rate cool-off somewhat eases the housing affordability squeeze.” Edward Seiler, AVP of Housing Economics and Executive Director of the Research Institute for Housing America at the Mortgage Bankers Association (MBA), also notes: “MBA expects that affordability conditions

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2024 Mortgage Rate Forecast

Understanding the Current Mortgage Landscape in New Jersey: 2024 Outlook

As we step into 2024, it’s essential for homebuyers and homeowners in New Jersey to stay informed about the current mortgage interest rates, recent trends, and what to expect in the year ahead. Here’s a detailed look at the mortgage landscape in New Jersey, using up-to-date statistics and facts. Current Mortgage Interest Rates in New Jersey As of January 1, 2024, the mortgage interest rates in New Jersey are experiencing a period of fluctuation. The current interest rates listed on Bankrate.com stand at 7.00% for a 30-year fixed mortgage and 6.35% for a 15-year fixed mortgage. These rates reflect the

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Construction Workers at New Home

Why the Economy is Unlikely to Cause a Housing Market Collapse

Concerns about a potential recession are widespread. In recent years, there’s been considerable discussion about the possibility of a recession, sparking fears that it could lead to a significant increase in unemployment. Some are even apprehensive that this could result in a foreclosure crisis reminiscent of the one experienced 15 years ago. Yet, the most recent Economic Forecasting Survey by the Wall Street Journal (WSJ) indicates a shift in perspective. For the first time in over a year, less than half of the economists surveyed (48%) predict a recession in the coming year: “Economists are turning optimistic on the U.S.

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Realtor Listing Appointment

Home Price Growth Starting to Normalize

Understanding the current state of home prices can be confusing, especially with mixed messages in the media. Some claim that prices are dropping, but actual data tells a different story. This discrepancy often arises from unreliable sources and media misinterpretations of the data. To clarify, here’s a straightforward explanation based on credible data. Understanding Regular Patterns in Home Prices The housing market experiences predictable fluctuations throughout the year, known as seasonality. Spring marks the peak of home buying, with high market activity, which generally remains robust through summer but starts to decline as colder months set in. Home prices are

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Suburban Neighborhood

Is the Number of Homes for Sale Increasing?

When planning to move, having the most current information about the housing market is crucial. Whether you’re a buyer or a seller, the quantity of homes on the market in your area is significant. Here’s a recent update on the availability of homes for sale that answers the question of whether or not the number of homes for sale is increasing. Understanding the Current State of Housing Inventory In recent years, the narrative has been about the scarcity of homes on the market. However, recent national trends might seem confusing. According to Realtor.com, there’s a slight month-over-month increase in home

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Family Moving into a New Home

Housing Affordability Is Historically Low, Yet People Are Still Moving

In the current real estate landscape, prospective buyers and sellers are facing challenges due to rising mortgage rates and increasing home prices, a significant shift from the trends of recent years. The accompanying graph offers a clear perspective on how today’s affordability compares with the past. As you can see in the graph above, housing affordability is historically low. The National Association of Realtors (NAR) provides guidance on interpreting the graph’s data: “To interpret the indices, a value of 100 means that a family with the median income has exactly enough income to qualify for a mortgage on a median-priced

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Housing Market

What to Expect in the 2024 Housing Market

As we approach the new year, many are curious about the prospects of buying or selling a home in 2024. Understanding expert predictions for the housing market is crucial for making well-informed decisions. Surprisingly, the outlook for what to expect in the 2024 housing market might be more positive than anticipated. Predictions Indicate Continued Rise in Home Prices Recent forecasts from Fannie Mae, the Mortgage Bankers Association (MBA), and the National Association of Realtors (NAR) provide valuable insights: The forecasts, represented by orange bars in the accompanying graph, suggest an average price increase of about 2.8% by the end of

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Home Prices Continue to Rise

Home Prices Continue to Rise in Most Markets

As you navigate the decision to buy or sell a home, understanding the current trajectory of home prices is crucial. Here’s the latest information you need. Despite prevailing confusion and misinformation, national trends indicate that home prices continue to rise in most markets (refer to the graphs below): In early 2022, there was a significant surge in home prices, a trend that proved unsustainable. Consequently, the latter half of 2022 saw a correction with minor price dips, which were short-lived. Despite media emphasis on these decreases, the bigger picture is more optimistic. 2023 marks a return to rising home prices,

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