
"Most experts believe if there is a recession, it will not resemble 2008."
Last week realtor.com released the results of a survey that produced three major revelations:
- 53% of home purchasers (first-time and repeat buyers) currently in the market believe a recession will occur this year or next.
- 57% believe the next recession will be as bad or worse than 2008.
- 55% said they would cancel plans to move if a recession occurred.
Since we are currently experiencing the longest-ever economic expansion in American history, there is reason to believe a recession could occur in the not-too-distant future. And, it does make sense that buyers and sellers remember the horrors of 2008 when they hear the word “recession.”
Ali Wolf, Director of Economic Research at the real estate consulting firm Meyers Research, addressed this point in a recent interview:
“With people having PTSD from the last time, they’re still afraid of buying at the wrong time.”
Most experts, however, believe if there is a recession, it will not resemble 2008. This housing market is in no way the same as it was just over a decade ago.
Zillow Economist, Jeff Tucker, explained the difference in a recent article, Recessions Typically Have Limited Effect on the Housing Market:
“As we look ahead to the next recession, it’s important to recognize how unusual the conditions were that caused the last one, and what’s different about the housing market today. Rather than abundant homes, we have a shortage of new home supply. Rather than risky borrowers taking on adjustable-rate mortgages, we have buyers with sterling credit scores taking out predictable 30-year fixed-rate mortgages. The housing market is simply much less risky than it was 15 years ago.”
George Ratiu, Senior Economist at realtor.com, also weighed in on the subject:
“This is going to be a much shorter recession than the last one, I don’t think the next recession will be a repeat of 2008…The housing market is in a better position.”
In the past 23 years, there have been two national recessions – the dot-com crash in 2001 and the Great Recession in 2008. It is true that home values fell 19.7% during the 2008 recession, which was caused by a mortgage meltdown that heavily impacted the housing market. However, while stock prices fell almost 25% in 2001, home values appreciated 6.6%. The triggers of the next recession will more closely mirror those from 2001 – not those from 2008.
Bottom Line
No one can accurately predict when the next recession will occur, but expecting one could possibly take place in the next 18-24 months is understandable. It is, however, important to realize that the impact of a recession on the housing market will in no way resemble 2008.
To view original article, visit Keeping Current Matters.
Why Staging Your House Could Pay Off This Spring
Staging doesn’t always have to mean hiring a full crew or filling your house with rented furniture. There are a few different paths you can take.
4 Ways To Give Your Offer an Edge This Spring
Here’s what you should know if you’re looking to buy a home during this busy spring season.
Rent or Buy? The Real Tradeoff Most People Don’t Talk About
Whether you’re looking to buy now or planning for the future, the first step is the same. Have a quick conversation with a local real estate agent about your goals, timeline, and budget.
The Best Week To List Your House Is Just Around the Corner
Based on analysis of historical trends, the ideal week to put your house on the market this year is: April 12–18.
Affordability Has Improved in All 50 States
When buyers have more choices, it creates a healthier balance in the market and that can help bring affordability back within reach.
The Remodel You’ve Been Dreaming About May Be Closer Than You Think
Whether the project you’ve been thinking about is on this list or not, chat with an agent to make sure it’s worth the time, money, and effort before calling in any contractors.





