“If you’re a homeowner planning to sell in 2023, now is the time to get ready.”
The spring season appears to be warming up in housing as more and more buyers enter the market. And after rising mortgage rates sidelined so many buyers last year, that’s a good sign for sellers. Realtor.com has the latest:
“Spring is officially here, and like green shoots emerging from the bleak winter, new data suggests that more buyers are back in the market, although more subdued compared to a year ago.”
We know buyer activity is trending up because of mortgage purchase application data. According to Investopedia:
“A mortgage application is a document submitted to a lender when you apply for a mortgage to purchase real estate.”
That means the number of mortgage applications shows how many buyers are applying for mortgages. Put another way, an increase in mortgage applications means an increase in buyer demand – and as Joel Kan, VP and Deputy Chief Economist at the Mortgage Bankers Association (MBA), explains, application activity started ramping up as mortgage rates fell steadily in March:
“Application activity increased as mortgage rates declined . . . recent increases, along with data from other sources showing an uptick in home sales, is a welcome development.”
In fact, we can see how mortgage rates have a direct impact on applications over time. As rates rose dramatically last year, applications fell in response (see graph below):
The recent uptick in mortgage applications, as well as the decline in mortgage rates, is good news for sellers because it means more buyers are actively looking for homes.
What This Means for You
Buyers are coming this spring, which is typically the busiest time of the year in real estate. And as Realtor.com tells us, if you’re a seller, you need to prepare:
“If homeowners are planning to sell in 2023, now is the time to get ready.”
The means working with a local real estate agent to maximize your home’s appeal and get it listed at the ideal price for your area.
Bottom Line
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.
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.