
“2020 is anything but a normal year, and the housing market is no exception.”
The demand for homes this year is extraordinary as record-breaking numbers of hopeful buyers continue to shop for homes. In a normal year, the peak homebuying season comes to a close by early fall. However, 2020 is anything but a normal year, and the housing market is no exception. Lawrence Yun, Chief Economist for the National Association of Realtors (NAR), explains:
“Home sales traditionally taper off toward the end of the year, but in September they surged beyond what we normally see during this season…I would attribute this jump to record-low interest rates and an abundance of buyers in the marketplace, including buyers of vacation homes given the greater flexibility to work from home.”
What’s drawing so many buyers to the market?
As Yun mentioned, record-low interest rates are key. Today’s rates are strengthening purchasing power for buyers, too. Sam Khater, Chief Economist at Freddie Mac, emphasizes:
“Mortgage rates today are on average more than a full percentage point lower than rates over the last five years.”
If you’re a homebuyer right now, there’s no question that you want to take advantage of this opportunity – and you’re not alone. Competition among buyers is definitely increasing as more buyers enter the market and mortgage interest rates remain so low.
Who’s planning to buy a home right now?
Today’s affordability is appealing to all generations and seems to be especially attractive to younger buyers who want to begin growing their wealth through homeownership. There’s a distinct increase this year in the percentage of those in younger generations searching for homes. The National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) notes:
“Between the third quarters of 2019 and 2020, the share of Gen Z adults planning a home purchase rose three points to 14%. Millennials, however, are the generation most likely to be considering buying a home (22%).”
Here’s a graph showing the year-over-year increase in homebuying interest by generation:According to Mark Fleming, Chief Economist for First American, millennials are reaching their prime home-buying years, a likely driver in this increase:
“Record low mortgage rates and millennials continuing to age into their prime home-buying years has boosted demand, but a lack of housing supply remains a challenge.”
What’s the biggest challenge for today’s buyers?
Finding a home, however, as Fleming notes above, is clearly a challenge today. Yun also explains:
“There is no shortage of hopeful, potential buyers, but inventory is historically low.”
With so many buyers actively searching for homes this year and so few houses for sale, it’s more important than ever to work with a trusted real estate professional to navigate today’s market. From pre-approval to bidding wars and guidance on down payment assistance resources, having an agent by your side might make the difference in your ability to land your dream home.
Bottom Line
Let’s connect if you’re ready to buy a home. More buyers mean more competition, so you need an expert guide to help you stand out from the crowd.
To view original article, visit Keeping Current Matters.
Buying a Home May Help Shield You from Inflation
A fixed-rate mortgage protects your budget, and home price appreciation grows your net worth.
Home Price Growth Is Moderating – Here’s Why That’s Good for You
It’s crucial to understand what’s happening in your local market and a local real estate agent can really help.
Are You Asking Yourself These Questions About Selling Your House?
The market isn’t at a standstill. Every day, thousands of people buy, and they’re looking for homes like yours.
Buyer Bright Spot: There Are More Homes on the Market
The number of homes for sale has grown a whole lot lately and that’s true for both existing and newly built homes.
A Record Percent of Buyers Are Planning To Move in 2025 – Are You?
Find the right agent to make sure your house is prepped, priced, and marketed well, so you can get ahead of the competition!
The Real Benefits of Buying a Home This Year
Let’s break down why homeownership is worth considering in 2025 and beyond, and how it can help set you up for the future.