Where Housing Inventory Grows, Sales Follow
By
Odeta Kushi on January 15, 2025
Key Points: Existing-home sales are projected to end 2024 higher than one year ago. Housing supply has increased in 34 of the top 50 markets we track on a year-over-year basis. Our analysis suggests a strong and positive relationship between increasing new listings and improving sales. Despite a year marked by elevated interest rates and the ...
Read More ›
Five Housing Market Predictions for 2025
By
Odeta Kushi on January 9, 2025
Key Points: Mortgage rates are expected to remain above 6 percent, but affordability may improve modestly due to positive wage growth and slightly lower rates. Inventory will remain historically low, with a slight increase expected if mortgage rates moderate. However, the mortgage lock-in effect will prevent a return to pre-pandemic inventory ...
Read More ›
Supply Surge Improving Affordability in South and West
By
Mark Fleming on December 27, 2024
Key Points: Affordability fell by 4 percent on a month-over-month basis, the second consecutive month of decline. Yet affordability remains improved on an annual basis. Housing supply has increased nationally and in 49 of the top 50 markets we track on a year-over-year basis. As more homes are listed for sale, the power dynamics can shift in favor ...
Read More ›
Uncertain Mortgage Rate Outlook Clouds Affordability Heading into 2025
By
Mark Fleming on November 27, 2024
Key Points: Affordability fell by 2.6 percent on a month-over-month basis, snapping a four-month streak of improving affordability. House-buying power declined by more than $14,000 due to the increase in mortgage rates since October. If the average mortgage rate decreases to the year-end consensus industry forecast of 6.2 percent and annual house ...
Read More ›
Thankful for Homeownership: A Look at Generational Trends
By
Sam Williamson on November 26, 2024
Key Points: The homeownership rate for millennials has consistently lagged behind previous generations by as much as 7 percentage points – despite higher education levels and similar incomes. Despite these setbacks, millennials have narrowed the gap as they near middle age, catching up to Gen X at age 38, and closing the gap more quickly than Gen ...
Read More ›
Housing Affordability Improves Nationally for Second Straight Month
By
Mark Fleming on October 29, 2024
Key Points: National affordability improved on an annual basis for the second consecutive month yet remains low historically. In deciding whether to rent or own, it’s important to remember the wealth-building power of equity accumulation. Even homeowners who bought at the height of the housing boom in 2006 have gained $169,000 in equity, while ...
Read More ›