Mid-Year Market Update for 2024: What Buyers and Sellers Need to Know
Last December, when the Federal Reserve projected a series of benchmark rate cuts in the coming year, some analysts speculated that mortgage rates—which had recently peaked near 8%—would fall closer to 6% by mid-2024.1,2,3 Unfortunately, persistent inflation has delayed the central bank’s timeline and kept the average 30-year mortgage rate hovering around 7% so far this year.2 While elevated mortgage rates have continued to dampen the pace of home sales and affordability, there have been some positive developments for frustrated homebuyers. Nationwide, the inventory shortage is starting to ease, and an uptick in starter homes coming on the market has helped to slow the median home price growth rate, presenting some relief to cash-strapped buyers.4 There are also signs that sellers are adjusting to the higher rate environment, as a growing number list their properties for sale.4 Still, economists say a persistent housing deficit—combined with tighter lending standards and historically high levels of home equity—will help keep the market stable.5 What does that mean for you? Read on for our take on this year's most important real estate news and get a sneak peek into what analysts predict is around the corner for 2024. MORTGAGE RATE CUTS WILL TAKE LONGER THAN EXPECTED At its most recent meeting on May 1, the Federal Reserve announced that it would keep its overnight rate at a 23-year high in response to the latest, still-elevated inflation numbers.6 While mortgage rates aren’t directly tied to the federal funds rate, they do tend to move in tandem. So, while expected, the Fed’s announcement was further proof that a meaningful decline in mortgage rates—and a subsequent real estate market rebound—is farther off than many experts predicted. “The housing market has always been interest rate sensitive. When rates go up, we tend to see less activity,” explained Realtor.com chief economist Danielle Hale in a recent article. “The housing market is even more rate sensitive now because many people are locked into low mortgage rates and because first-time buyers are really stretched by high prices and borrowing costs.”7 Many experts now speculate that the first benchmark rate cut will come no sooner than September, so homebuyers hoping for a cheaper mortgage will have to remain patient. “We’re not likely to see mortgage rates decline significantly until after the Fed makes its first cut; and the longer it takes for that to happen, the less likely it is that we’ll see rates much below 6.5% by the end of the year,” predicted Rick Sharga, CEO at CJ Patrick Company, in a May interview.8 What does it mean for you? Mortgage rates aren’t expected to fall significantly any time soon, but that doesn’t necessarily mean you should wait to buy a home. A drop in rates could lead to a spike in home prices if pent-up demand sends a flood of homebuyers back into the market. Reach out to schedule a free consultation so we can help you chart the best course for your home purchase or sale. BUYERS ARE GAINING OPTIONS AS SELLERS RETURN TO THE MARKET There is a silver lining for buyers who have struggled to find the right property: More Americans are sticking a for-sale in their yard.9 Given the record-low inventory levels of the past few years, this presents an opportunity for buyers to find a place they love—and potentially score a better deal. In 2023, inventory remained scarce as homeowners who felt beholden to their existing mortgage rates delayed their plans to sell. However, a recent survey by Realtor.com shows that a growing number of those owners are ready to jump in off the sidelines.10 While the majority of potential sellers still report feeling “locked in” by their current mortgage, the share has declined slightly (79% now versus 82% in 2023). Additionally, nearly one-third of those “locked-in” owners say they need to sell soon for personal reasons, and the vast majority (86%) report that they’ve already been thinking about selling for more than a year.10 Renewed optimism may also be playing a part. “Both our ‘good time to buy’ and ‘good time to sell’ measures continued their slow upward drift this month,” noted Fannie Mae Chief Economist Doug Duncan in an April statement.11 However, the current stock of available homes still falls short of pre-pandemic levels, according to economists at Realtor.com. “For the first four months of this year, the inventory of homes actively for sale was at its highest level since 2020. However, while inventory this April is much improved compared with the previous three years, it is still down 35.9% compared with typical 2017 to 2019 levels.”4 What does it mean for you? If you’ve had trouble finding a home in the past, you may want to take another look. An increase in inventory, coupled with relatively low buyer competition, could make this an ideal time to make a move. Reach out if you’re ready to search for your next home. If you’re hoping to sell this year, you may also want to act now. If inventory levels grow, it will become more challenging for your home to stand out. We can craft a plan to maximize your profits, starting with a professional assessment of your home’s current market value. Contact us to schedule a free consultation. HOME PRICES ARE RISING AT A MORE MANAGEABLE PACE Homebuyers struggling with high borrowing costs have something else to celebrate. The national median home price has remained relatively stable over the past year, due to sellers bringing a greater share of smaller, more affordable homes to the market.4 In addition to offering cheaper homes, a recent survey found that home sellers are also adjusting their expectations when it comes to pricing. In many regions, just 12% anticipate a bidding war (down from 23% last year) and only 15% expect to sell above list price (versus 31% in 2023).10 But buyers shouldn’t expect a fire sale. According to Realtor.com’s April Housing Market Trends Report, “On an adjusted per-square-foot basis, the median list price grew by 3.8%, as homes continue to retain their value despite increased inventory compared with last year.”4 Dr. Selma Hepp, chief economist for the data firm CoreLogic, projects that home prices will keep rising at a gradual pace through the rest of 2024. “Spring home price gains are already off to a strong start despite continued mortgage rate volatility. That said, more inventory finally coming to market will likely translate to more options for buyers and fewer bidding wars, which typically keeps outsized price growth in check.”12 What does it mean for you? An increase in more affordable housing stock is great news, especially for first-time buyers. And with home values expected to keep rising, an investment in real estate could help you build wealth over time. Reach out to discuss your goals and budget, and we can help you decide if you’re ready to take your first step on the property ladder. DESIRE TO OWN PERSISTS, BUT AFFORDABILITY REMAINS AN OBSTACLE Surveys show that the American dream of homeownership is alive and well, despite the financial challenges. In fact, a recent poll by Realtor.com found that 55% of Millennial and 40% of Gen Z respondents believe that now is a good time to buy a home.13 According to Fannie Mae Chief Economist Doug Duncan, buyers are starting to adapt to the new economic reality. “With the historically low rates of the pandemic era now firmly behind us, some households appear to be moving past the hurdle of last year’s sharp jump in rates, an adjustment that we think could help further thaw the housing market. We noted in our latest monthly forecast that we expect to see a gradual increase in home listings and sales transactions in the coming year." The Realtor.com study also revealed that even a small drop in mortgage rates could give a big boost to homebuyer demand and affordability. In fact, 40% of the buyers polled would find a home purchase attainable if rates fall under 6%, and an additional 32% plan to enter the market if rates dip below 5%.13 But waiting for rates to drop isn’t the only approach that Americans are using to afford a home. A survey by U.S. News & World Report found that determined homebuyers are employing a variety of strategies, including shopping multiple lenders (52%), purchasing discount points to lower their rates (36%), and opting for adjustable-rate mortgages (36%). More than three-quarters of today’s buyers also hope to refinance to a lower rate in the future.14 Despite the obstacles, these respondents remain steadfast in their desire to own a home, listing financial benefits, stability, and more space as their top motivations for wanting to buy.14 What does it mean for you? If you’re dreaming of a new home, let’s talk. We can help you evaluate your options and connect you with a mortgage professional to discuss strategies you can use to make your monthly payments more affordable. And remember, in many cases, you can refinance if rates drop in the future. If you have plans to sell, it will be crucial to enlist the help of a skilled agent who knows how to maximize your profit margins and draw in qualified buyers. Reach out for a copy of our multi-step Property Marketing Plan. WE'RE HERE TO GUIDE YOU While national housing reports can give you a “big picture” outlook, much of real estate is local. And as local market experts, we know what's most likely to impact sales and drive home values in your particular neighborhood. As a trusted partner in your real estate journey, we can guide you through the market's twists and turns. If you’re considering buying or selling a home in 2024, contact us now to schedule a free consultation. Let’s work together and craft an action plan to meet your real estate goals. The above references an opinion and is for informational purposes only. It is not intended to be financial, legal, or tax advice. Consult the appropriate for advice regarding your individual needs. Sources: CBS News -https://www.cbsnews.com/news/federal-reserve-rate-decision-pause-december-13/ Bankrate -https://www.bankrate.com/mortgages/historical-mortgage-rates/ Fannie Mae -https://www.fanniemae.com/media/50096/display Realtor.com -https://www.realtor.com/research/april-2024-data/ Bankrate -https://www.bankrate.com/real-estate/is-the-housing-market-about-to-crash/ NPR -https://www.npr.org/2024/05/01/1248454950/federal-reserve-inflation-interest-rates Realtor.com -https://www.realtor.com/news/trends/will-the-fed-cut-interest-rates-2024-housing-market/ The Mortgage Reports -https://themortgagereports.com/32667/mortgage-rates-forecast-fha-va-usda-conventional Fast Company -https://www.fastcompany.com/91106568/housing-market-inventory-rising-across-country-maps Realtor.com -https://www.realtor.com/research/2023-q1-sellers-survey-btts/ Fannie Mae -https://www.fanniemae.com/research-and-insights/surveys-indices/national-housing-survey CoreLogic -https://www.corelogic.com/press-releases/corelogic-us-annual-home-price-growth-slows-still-up-by-over-5-february/ Realtor.com -https://www.realtor.com/research/america-dream-survey-feb-2024/ US News & World Report -https://money.usnews.com/loans/mortgages/articles/2024-homebuyer-survey
Could Lower Mortgage Rates Be on the Horizon for You?
Now that it’s September, all eyes are on the Federal Reserve (the Fed). The prevailing expectation is that they’ll reduce the Federal Funds Rate at their upcoming meeting, primarily due to recent indications that inflation is easing and the job market is slowing. Mark Zandi, Chief Economist at Moody’s Analytics, remarked: “They’re ready to cut, just as long as we don’t get an inflation surprise between now and September, which we won’t.” But what does this mean for the housing market, and more importantly, for you as a potential homebuyer or seller? Why a Federal Funds Rate Cut Matters The Federal Funds Rate is a key factor influencing mortgage rates, although other elements like the economy and geopolitical events also play a role. When the Fed reduces the Federal Funds Rate, it reflects broader economic trends, and mortgage rates usually adjust in response. While a single rate cut might not result in a significant drop in mortgage rates, it could contribute to the gradual decline that’s already underway. Mike Fratantoni, Chief Economist at the Mortgage Bankers Association (MBA), notes: “Once the Fed kicks off a rate-cutting cycle, we do expect that mortgage rates will move somewhat lower.” Moreover, any anticipated Federal Funds Rate cut is likely to be part of a broader trend. Lawrence Yun, Chief Economist at the National Association of Realtors (NAR), adds: “Generally, the rate-cutting cycle is not one-and-done. Six to eight rounds of rate cuts all through 2025 look likely.” The Projected Impact on Mortgage Rates Experts predict that mortgage rates will continue to decline gradually through 2025, aided by the expected cuts from the Fed. The following graph illustrates the latest forecasts from Fannie Mae, MBA, NAR, and Wells Fargo (see graph below): Given recent improvements in inflation and signs of a cooling job market, a Federal Funds Rate cut is likely to result in a moderate reduction in mortgage rates (as shown by the dotted lines). Here are two key reasons why this is beneficial for both buyers and sellers: It Helps Alleviate the Lock-In Effect For current homeowners, lower mortgage rates might help reduce the lock-in effect. This is where people feel trapped in their current home because today’s rates are higher than their existing mortgage rate. If the concern about losing a favorable mortgage rate has kept you from selling, a slight decrease in rates could make moving more appealing. However, this is unlikely to result in a surge of sellers, as many homeowners may still hesitate to give up their low-rate mortgages. It Should Boost Buyer Activity For prospective homebuyers, a drop in mortgage rates makes the housing market more attractive. Lower rates can lower the overall cost of homeownership, making it more feasible for you if you’ve been waiting to make a purchase. What Should You Do? While a Federal Funds Rate cut may not lead to dramatic reductions in mortgage rates, it will likely support the ongoing gradual decline. Given the anticipated rate cut’s potential to positively impact the housing market, it’s crucial to evaluate your options now. Jacob Channel, Senior Economist at LendingTree, puts it succinctly: “Timing the market is basically impossible. If you’re always waiting for perfect market conditions, you’re going to be waiting forever. Buy now only if it’s a good idea for you.” Bottom Line The expected Federal Funds Rate cut, driven by easing inflation and slower job growth, is likely to positively influence mortgage rates, albeit gradually. This could create new opportunities for you. When you're ready to take action, reach out to The Studnicka Group. Our expert team is here to guide you through the process and help you make the most of the current market conditions. Want to know what your home is currently worth? Click the link below to request a free home value assessment! 🏡👇 Request a Professional Home Valuation Search Active Listings Partner with The Studnicka Group, your local housing market experts, to ensure you have the professional guidance you need as you explore the possibilities in your area! Contact Us:Phone: (310) 994-6034Email: thestudnickagroup@gmail.comWebsite: thestudnickagrpsellslaluxury.com
7 Weekend Projects To Boost Your Property Value
Whether you’re putting your home on the market in a few weeks or a few years, strategic upgrades can make all the difference. But you don’t have to embark on a major remodel to make a significant improvement. Even minor updates can have a big impact on your home’s aesthetic, and certain renovations can even boost its future sale price. From curb appeal to interior updates, here are seven weekend projects that will enhance your home’s current charm and long-term value. 1. Freshen Your Front Door Is your front door looking a little tired? A new coat of paint can make your home more inviting to today’s guests and tomorrow’s buyers. But before you grab that paintbrush, think carefully about your choice of hue. According to a recent study, the color of your front door can boost—or lower—your home’s sale price by thousands of dollars.1 Cement gray, for instance, was found to decrease purchase offers by an average of $3,365. Going too bold can also deter home shoppers. The safest bets? Classic black or a mid-tone brown are proven winners.1 Need help choosing the perfect paint or stain for your front door? We’d be happy to offer advice or refer you to a design professional for assistance. 2. Upgrade Your Hardware and Lighting It’s easy to overlook dated cabinet pulls or dingy light switches in your own home. But those seemingly minor details can leave a bad impression on visitors. Swapping out old hardware for modern alternatives can easily and affordably elevate your space. New cabinet handles, for example, are relatively inexpensive and require just a few minutes and a screwdriver to install. To maximize the longevity of your update, consider classic shapes and finishes like brass knobs or nickel cup pulls.2 Take a look at your light fixtures, too. Try replacing an out-of-style chandelier with a more contemporary option. Even just updating your lampshades and lightbulbs can create a brighter, more welcoming space. Additionally, many experts agree that high-quality lighting can show off your property’s best features when it comes time to sell.3 Uncomfortable changing a light fixture yourself? Contact us for a referral to a licensed electrician for help. 3. Update Your Bathroom Fixtures Bathrooms can show their age quickly, but a few inexpensive updates can take years off in just a few hours. And since many buyers will be more drawn to a home that feels clean and modern, even small changes can make a big difference. According to one study, for every dollar you spend on minor cosmetic upgrades—like swapping out the bathroom mirror, upgrading hardware, or refinishing cabinets—you’ll see a $1.71 increase in your home’s value.4 Bathroom hardware is a great place to start. Consider updating your faucets and showerheads (we recommend lower-flow options to save money and the environment), and don’t forget about towel racks, toilet paper holders, and any other fixtures that look worn or discolored.5 If you want to stay on-trend, the most popular faucet finishes are currently black, nickel, and pewter. Spa-like upgrades, like steam showers and rain showers, are also in high demand.5,6 If your existing vanity is in poor condition, installing a new one is a slightly bigger project, but it has a huge impact on the look and feel of the room. Reach out for a list of retailers who carry high-quality but affordable prefabricated options. 4. Give Your Kitchen Cabinets a Makeover The kitchen is often referred to as the heart of the home, so it’s no surprise that an updated kitchen is a top priority for current homeowners and potential buyers alike.7,8 If your kitchen cabinets are from another era, that’s probably the first place you’ll want to start. Fortunately, you don’t need to commit to the hassle and expense of installing new cabinets if your current ones are in good shape. Instead, consider painting them. Not only is it more affordable and eco-friendly than replacement, but Better Homes and Gardens reports that this option typically offers a greater return on investment.9 When it comes to choosing the right color, warm neutrals and shades of green and blue are especially on-trend.10 Thinking about painting your cabinets yourself? Be sure to plan in advance and block out at least a couple of days for the project. You’ll need to take off all your cabinet doors and hardware and thoroughly cover your kitchen appliances and counters. You’ll also need to wait for the doors to dry before reassembling your kitchen.11 If you’re not confident in your painting skills, hiring a professional will still be far less expensive than installing new cabinets. We’re happy to refer you to capable painters in our network. 5. Look at Your Landscaping First impressions matter, and putting some work into your home’s exterior can make a big difference in how your guests and neighbors view it. Curb appeal can also make or break a potential buyer’s perception of your home—and significantly impact their offer. According to HomeLight, buyers will pay 7% more, on average, for a home with good curb appeal. And in some areas, the return on investment for improvements can exceed 300%.12 One of the best ways to improve curb appeal is through landscaping—and it doesn’t have to be elaborate. First and foremost, focus on keeping things neat, tidy, and welcoming. Mow your lawn, refresh any mulch, prune overgrown shrubs, and add pops of color with flowers. To take things up a notch, add outdoor lighting and plant perennial flowers along the sides of your walkway. When you’re ready to get started, reach out for a list of our favorite local garden centers where you can find all the necessary supplies. 6. Refinish Your Wood Floors For many buyers, wood floors are a huge selling point. Unfortunately, they also tend to get scuffed and worn over time, especially if you have kids or pets. The good news? If your wood floors could use a touch-up, it’s well worth the time and cost. According to the National Association of Realtors, it’s the project that pays off the most in terms of resale value, with an average 147% return on investment.13 If you have a few days to devote to your floors, you can rent the necessary equipment from a local hardware store. While you’re there, pick up some basic supplies, like a putty knife, paintbrushes, sandpaper, and stain.14 And if you want to modernize your space, opt for a lighter wood tone, which is the current trend.15 Of course, we’re also happy to provide the names of trusted professionals who can tackle the work for you. 7. Clean or Replace Your Grout Let’s face it: Whether it’s on a kitchen floor or a bathroom wall, grout gets grimy over time, even with regular cleaning. Fortunately, refreshing your grout is a relatively simple and affordable project that can yield impressive results. According to Apartment Therapy, grout that’s in poor condition is often one of the first things a potential buyer notices when they tour a bathroom.16 Fresh, clean grout, on the other hand, makes your bathroom sparkle—and that can pay off in a big way in terms of buyer’s perceptions. If your grout is simply stained, a focused cleaning session can make a big difference. Try a specialized product or a simple mix of baking soda, water, and hydrogen peroxide.16 If the grout is cracked, crumbling, or stained beyond repair, it’s time to replace it. Luckily, the right tools make that a very doable DIY project, even if it can get messy—and it’s a lot easier and less expensive than retiling.17 No time to tackle it yourself? Reach out for a recommendation of a pro who can help. CHOOSING THE PROJECT THAT’S RIGHT FOR YOU Embarking on home improvements can be exciting, but it’s essential to choose projects that align with your goals, budget, and skill level. Whether you’re preparing to sell your home or simply want to enhance its value, there are projects to suit every homeowner. If you’re unsure where to start, don’t hesitate to reach out for personalized advice and recommendations. With the right approach, you can unlock your home’s full potential and enjoy the rewards for years to come. The above references an opinion and is for informational purposes only. It is not intended to be financial, legal, or tax advice. Consult the appropriate professionals for advice regarding your individual needs. Sources: Zillow –https://www.zillow.com/learn/what-color-paint-front-door/ Martha Stewart –https://www.marthastewart.com/kitchen-hardware-trends-8563764 The Spruce –https://www.thespruce.com/expert-home-lighting-tips-8302722 Zillow –https://www.zillow.com/learn/roi-for-bathroom-remodel/ Forbes –https://www.forbes.com/home-improvement/bathroom/easy-quick-bathroom-updates/ Real Simple –https://www.realsimple.com/nkba-bathroom-design-trends-2024-8403788 Houzz –https://www.houzz.com/magazine/2024-u-s-houzz-and-home-study-renovation-trends-stsetivw-vs~174492310 National Association of Realtors –https://www.nar.realtor/magazine/real-estate-news/survey-buyers-judge-a-home-by-its-kitchen Better Homes and Gardens –https://www.bhg.com/kitchen/remodeling/planning/kitchen-upgrades-cost-value/ House Beautiful –https://www.housebeautiful.com/room-decorating/colors/g46105350/kitchen-paint-color-trends-2024/ HGTV –https://www.hgtv.com/design/rooms/kitchens/best-way-to-paint-kitchen-cabinets Homelight –https://www.homelight.com/blog/what-upgrades-increase-home-value/ National Association of Realtors –https://www.nar.realtor/magazine/real-estate-news/stub-for-148394 Architectural Digest –https://www.architecturaldigest.com/story/refinishing-hardwood-floors Houzz –https://www.houzz.com/magazine/5-new-trends-in-flooring-for-2024-stsetivw-vs~173560747 Apartment Therapy –https://www.apartmenttherapy.com/outdated-bathroom-features-37131219 Better Homes and Gardens –https://www.bhg.com/how-to-regrout-tile-7554710
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