What to Expect from the Summer 2023 Housing Market

Summer is the best season to sell or buy a home. Buyers are eager to close on houses before the start of the new school year, and showings go more smoothly when the weather is warmer. But before you rush into the home market in the summer of 2023, consider the signs.

Will housing prices fall? Is a recession or property market crash on the horizon? The next article will share industry professionals’ forecasts for the real estate market.

Home Prices and Market Trends

As the old adage goes, “What’s past is prologue.” If so, the real estate market in the summer of 2023 may be in better shape than previously thought. Although March house sales were down 2% from February (the most recent month for which data is available), Nadia Evangelou, senior economist and director of real estate research for the National Association of Realtors, notes that March nevertheless saw about 34% more home sales than February.

For Instance: According to a study conducted on April 12 by the Mortgage Bankers Association, buy loan applications were up 9% from the previous week but down a substantial 31% from last year.

Hepp claims that in February, some of the most expensive markets in California and New York experienced annual price drops in the double digits, while markets in Arizona, Idaho, and Utah saw annual price hikes in the double digits.

With rising prices and declining interest rates, the housing market in the summer of 2023 may be much hotter than the housing market in the summer of 2022. Many market watchers anticipate that mortgage rates will level off or decline, making them more accessible to consumers.

However, the shortage of available homes is expected to continue to put upward pressure on prices.

Mortgage Rates and Affordability

One major aspect affecting the housing market is the mortgage interest rate. They impact the amount potential purchasers can borrow, and sellers can ask for their homes.

The demand for home purchases increased dramatically in 2020 and 2021 as mortgage rates hit all-time lows. Late in 2022, however, mortgage rates skyrocketed due to rising concerns over inflation and bond market volatility.

After hovering around 3% during the summer of 2021, the interest rate on a 30-year fixed mortgage jumped to 6.9% by the following October. Although they have decreased somewhat from their highs in October, interest rates are still more than twice what they were a few years ago.

Since mortgage rates have increased, buyer enthusiasm has waned, and purchasing power has decreased. A loan of $300,000 at 3% interest would have a payment of $1,264 each month. At a rate of 6%, the same loan would cost $1,799 per month — a hike of $535, or 42%.

Some economists predict that in 2023 mortgage rates will either level out or fall as inflationary pressures subside and the Federal Reserve moves in to strengthen the economy.

Housing Inventory and Competition

More homes on the market would greatly help purchasers in the summer of 2023. Realtor.com reports that the number of homes for sale in the United States dropped to a little over a million in March, a record low compared to last year.

Due to a lack of available products, today’s market is characterized by competitive bidding and steadily increasing pricing. In March, the median listing price across the country was $370,000, representing a year-over-year increase of 15.6%. The average home sold in 54 days, 20 days less than the previous year.

Buyers looking for more room, reduced loan rates, or a change of scenery after staying inside more often during the pandemic have contributed to the shortage of available properties. Low inventory is also to blame since some homeowners hesitate to put their properties on the market for various reasons, such as personal health issues, financial difficulties, or a lack of a suitable replacement.

However, there are indicators that stock levels could rise in the next weeks and months. New construction activity has increased, with March marking the highest level of house starts since June 2006. The current housing market could feel less strain if more houses became available.

As vaccination rates rise, pandemic restrictions are lifted, and consumer confidence rises, some homeowners may opt to sell their houses. With strong equity and low mortgage rates, some homeowners may decide to cash out or refinance their properties.

Tips for Buyers and Sellers

Here are some things to keep in mind if you want to purchase or sell a house during the summer of 2023:

For Buyers:

Before you go house hunting, be pre-approved for a mortgage. This can help you move quickly to the home of your dreams and show the seller you are serious and competent.

Try to adjust your expectations and be flexible. Since it’s unlikely that you’ll be able to find everything you want in this market, it’s crucial to figure out what’s most important to you and be ready to give up some features in exchange.

Consult a seasoned agent who is well-versed in the industry in your area. They can identify properties within your price range and preferences and negotiate successfully on your behalf.

Expect competitive bidding and several offers. To convince the sellers to accept an offer, you could pay more than they ask or remove conditions. However, avoid going into debt or putting undue stress on yourself. Stay within your bounds of tolerance.

For Sellers:

You should start with a fair price for your home. Make sure to price your home based on comparable sales or high expectations. If you price your house competitively in light of the current market conditions, you’ll get more interested buyers and offers.

Boost your house’s internet appeal. Make sure your web listing has professional-quality images, videos, and descriptions that showcase your home’s best qualities, as this is where most buyers will begin their search. Improve your home’s attractiveness by investing in expert staging or minor repairs and renovations.

Always be available for showings and quick to respond to offers. More potential buyers mean more competition, which means a higher selling price. Always be polite and quick to respond to requests or offers, and be willing to consider other solutions.

What is the Current State of the Housing Market?

The median sales price of a home in February 2022 was $389,520, up 16.1% over the previous year, according to Realtor.com. Between the second quarters of 2021 and 2022, home prices rose in all 50 states and the District of Columbia.

Forbes says mortgage rates are a major factor in the real estate market. They impact the amount potential purchasers can borrow, and sellers can ask for their homes. The demand for home purchases increased dramatically in 2020 and 2021 as mortgage rates hit all-time lows. Late in 2022, however, mortgage rates skyrocketed due to rising concerns over inflation and bond market volatility.

There need to be more houses on the market, CNBC reports, which is a major problem for homebuyers in the current market. The number of properties for sale in the United States hit a new low of just over one million in March, with active listings down 52% year over year, as reported by Realtor.com’s Monthly Housing Trends Report.

Some analysts, though, see hope for the market in the coming months as mortgage rates level off or fall, supply grows, and consumer confidence rises.

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