“Unlike last year, there’s another type of buyer that is very active this winter – the homebuyer.”
Black Friday is behind us and holiday gifts are flying off the shelves in stores and online. Unlike last year, however, there’s another type of buyer that is very active this winter – the homebuyer.
Each month, ShowingTime releases their Showing Index, which tracks the average number of appointments received on active U.S. house listings. The latest index revealed:
“Traffic was more active once again compared to 2018, as the nation saw its third straight month of higher year-over-year showing activity…The 5.5% increase in showings nationwide was the largest jump in activity during the now three-month streak of year-over-year increases vs. 2018.”
The same report indicates showings increased in every region of the country:
- The South increased by 10.8%
- The West increased by 8.6%
- The Northeast increased by 3.8%
- The Midwest increased by 1.5%
Why is the traffic more active?
One of the main reasons buyer traffic has increased year-over-year is that mortgage rates have fallen dramatically. According to Freddie Mac, the average mortgage rate last December was 4.64%. Today, the rate is almost a full percentage point lower!
Bottom Line
There are first-time, move-up, and move-down buyers actively looking for the home of their dreams this winter. If you’re thinking of selling your house in 2020, you don’t need to wait until the spring to do it. Your potential buyer may be searching for a home in your neighborhood right now.
To view original article, visit Keeping Current Matters.
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.