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.”
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.
Explaining Today’s Mortgage Rates
Factors such as inflation, other economic drivers, and the policy and decisions from the Federal Reserve are all influencing mortgage rates today.
Homebuyers Are Getting Used to the New Normal
One positive trend right now is homebuyers are adapting to today’s mortgage rates and getting used to them as the new normal.
Home Prices Are Rebounding
Experts believe one of the reasons prices didn’t crash like some expected is because there aren’t enough available homes for the number of people who want to buy them.
Momentum Is Building for New Home Construction
If you’re looking to move right now, reach out to a local real estate professional to explore the homes that were recently completed.
Reasons Your Home May Not Be Selling
If you’re thinking of selling, lean on your real estate agent for expert advice based on your unique situation and feedback you get from buyers throughout the process.
Today’s Housing Inventory Is a Sweet Spot for Sellers
Buyers have fewer choices now than they did in more normal years, and that’s continuing to impact statistics in the housing market.
Evaluating Your Wants and Needs as a Homebuyer Matters More Today
So, if you’re looking to buy a home, take some time to consider what’s truly essential for you in your next house.
Where Will You Go If You Sell? Newly Built Homes Might Be the Answer.
New home construction is up and is becoming an increasingly significant part of the housing inventory.