Consumer Confidence in Economy & Housing is Soaring
The success of the housing market is strongly tied to the consumer’s confidence in the overall economy. For that reason, we believe 2017 will be a great year for real estate. Here is just a touch of the news coverage on the subject.
HousingWire:
“Consumers’ faith in the housing market is stronger than it’s ever been before, according to a newly released survey from Fannie Mae.”
Bloomberg:
“Americans’ confidence continued to mount last week as the Bloomberg Consumer Comfort Index reached the highest point in a decade on more-upbeat assessments about the economy and buying climate.”
Yahoo Finance:
“Confidence continues to rise among America’s consumers…the latest consumer sentiment numbers from the University of Michigan showed that in March confidence rose again.”
MarketWatch:
“U.S. consumers are the most confident in the U.S. economy in 15 years, buoyed by the strongest job market since before the Great Recession. The survey of consumer confidence rose…according to the Conference Board, the private company that publishes the index. That’s the highest level since July 2001.”
Ivy Zelman, in her recent Z Report, probably best capsulized the reports:
“The results were incredibly strong and…offer one of the most positive consumer takes on housing since the recovery started.”
People Want Less Expensive Homes – And Builders Are Responding
Builders producing smaller, less expensive newly built homes give you more affordable options at a time when that’s really needed.
Don’t Expect a Flood of Foreclosures
Before there can be a significant rise in foreclosures, the number of people who can’t pay their mortgage would need to rise. Since buyers are making their payments today, a wave of foreclosures isn’t likely.
Where Are People Moving Today and Why?
If you’re thinking of moving, you may be considering the inventory and affordability challenges in the housing market and how to offset these.
There’s Only Half the Inventory of a Normal Housing Market Today
If you want to list your house, know that there’s only about half the inventory there’d usually be in a more normal year.
Four Ways You Can Use Your Home Equity
Understanding how home equity works, and how to leverage it, is important for any homeowner.
Sellers: Don’t Let These Two Things Hold You Back
If fear you won’t be able to find your next home is the primary thing holding you back, remember to consider all your options.
Pricing Your House Right Still Matters Today
Pricing your house fairly based on market conditions increases the chance you’ll have more buyers who are interested in purchasing it.
Homebuyers Are Still More Active Than Usual
Buyer demand hasn’t disappeared, and in many places remains strong largely due to the shortage of homes on the market.
Don’t Fall for the Next Shocking Headlines About Home Prices
In the coming months, you’re going to see even more headlines that either get what’s happening with home prices wrong or are misleading.
Foreclosure Numbers Today Aren’t Like 2008
Today, foreclosures are far below the record-high number that was reported when the housing market crashed.