Our market peaked in May of 2022, began a slow slide until it hit bottom of that year in November, before regaining its traction and the slow pace of recovery.
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The roots of this electrifying holiday trace back to the late nineteenth century …
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It’s just like hopping on a roller-coaster, but with a twist of real estate drama!
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The landscape of the real estate market is intricately linked with the trajectory of mortgage rates. As we navigate the ever-changing economic environment, various institutions and experts have offered their projections for the path that mortgage rates might take in the near future. These forecasts provide valuable insights for potential homebuyers, sellers, and investors alike, enabling them to make informed decisions based on the anticipated changes in borrowing costs.
While each institution’s projections may differ slightly, a common thread emerges the anticipation of declining mortgage rates in the coming years. These forecasts provide valuable information for potential homebuyers and those involved in the real estate market, aiding them in making well-informed decisions based on the expected changes in borrowing costs. As economic conditions evolve, the accuracy of these predictions will become clearer, ultimately shaping the future landscape of the housing market.
The decrease in interest rates is likely to be a welcomed development for both sellers and buyers. However, it’s important to note that these predictions don’t imply a complete return to historically low rates—those days seem to be behind us for the foreseeable future.
As interest rates decline and the affordability index increases, prospective buyers will find themselves with increased purchasing power. This surge in affordability will also contribute to a rise in the buyer sentiment index regarding home purchases. Currently, this index reflects that 82% of buyers consider it unfavorable to buy a home due to the combination of elevated interest rates and housing prices.
As the scenario changes and interest rates start to decrease, we anticipate a significant portion of the 82% of cautious buyers on the sidelines will reengage in the housing market. This renewed interest, combined with improved affordability and increased enthusiasm for homebuying, is likely to lead to a scenario where home values start to appreciate at a faster rate compared to the present.
As Warren Buffet famously stated, “Be fearful when others are greedy, and greedy when others are fearful.”
The most prudent trajectory within the realm of our discerned understanding would be for prospective buyers to proactively pursue their aspirations of homeownership prior to the broader populace. Should the cacophony of experts’ prognostications hold true and the prevailing interest rates experience a decline, the avenue of refinancing at the diminished rate emerges as a viable choice, thereby securing a residential abode in advance of the burgeoning fervor among competitors. Conversely, in the event of errant forecasts, substantial savings would also be accrued by evading elevated interest rates.
MBA’s Anticipations
The Mortgage Bankers Association (MBA) has provided its outlook on mortgage rates, forecasting that the 30-year fixed mortgage rate will experience an average of 5.9% during the fourth quarter of 2023. Beyond this year, the MBA anticipates a gradual slide in mortgage rates, reaching an average of 4.9% by April 2024. This projection suggests a potential easing of borrowing costs, which could stimulate activity in the housing market.
Morningstar’s Insights
Economists at Morningstar, a renowned financial services firm, offer their own perspective on the path of mortgage rates. Their projections suggest that the average 30-year fixed mortgage rate will stand at 6.25% in 2023. Looking ahead, Morningstar envisions a decline to 5.0% in 2024, followed by a further decrease to 4.0% in 2025. These projections point towards a more gradual and sustained decline in borrowing rates over the next few years.
Goldman Sachs’ Analysis
The investment banking giant, Goldman Sachs, lends its voice to the discussion by estimating that the 30-year fixed mortgage rate will conclude 2023 at 6.4%. For the subsequent year, Goldman Sachs predicts an average mortgage rate of 5.9% in 2024. This projection suggests that while the rates may experience a slight decrease, they will remain above the historical lows seen in previous years.
NAR’s Outlook
The National Association of Realtors (NAR) brings its perspective to the table, forecasting a decline in mortgage rates as well. NAR’s economists project a dip to 6.4% by the end of 2023, followed by a further reduction to 6.0% in 2024. These predictions align with the overall trend of declining mortgage rates, potentially influencing buying decisions and overall market dynamics.
Morgan Stanley’s Perspective
Morgan Stanley, a prominent financial institution, projects that the 30-year fixed mortgage rate will initiate 2024 at 6.0%. This projection indicates a stabilization of rates at a level similar to those forecasted by other entities, further solidifying the notion of a gradual decline in borrowing costs.
Moody’s Analytics’ Insights
The financial intelligence arm of Moody’s, Moody’s Analytics, projects that the 30-year fixed mortgage rate will remain relatively high through much of 2023, with an average of 6.5%. While this forecast deviates from some others, it suggests a potential delay in the downward trajectory of rates before aligning with the broader trend.
Realtor.com’s Perspective
Economists at Realtor.com, a prominent home listing site, hold the belief that the 30-year fixed mortgage rate will commence 2024 at 6.1%. Their projection hints at a continued decline in mortgage rates, although at a pace that may vary from other estimations.
Fannie Mae’s Expectations
Economists at Fannie Mae, a government-sponsored enterprise, provide their own outlook on mortgage rates. Fannie Mae anticipates an average of 6.6% for the 30-year fixed mortgage rate during the fourth quarter of 2023. Looking forward, Fannie Mae foresees a gradual reduction in rates to an average of 5.9% in the fourth quarter of 2024. Additionally, for the entire calendar year of 2024, Fannie Mae’s forecast suggests an average mortgage rate of 6.1%.
Drew & Christine Morgan are REALTORS/NOTARY PUBLIC in Belmont, CA. with more than 30 years of experience in helping sellers and buyers in their community. As Diamond recipients, Drew and Christine ranked in the top 50 RE/MAX agents nationwide and the top 3 in Northern California. They may be reached at (650) 508.1441 or emailed at info@morganhomes.com.
For all you need to know about Belmont, subscribe to this blog right here. You can also follow us on Facebook and on Twitter.
The information contained in this article is educational and intended for informational purposes only. It does not constitute real estate, tax, insurance or legal advice, nor does it substitute for advice specific to your situation. Always consult an appropriate professional familiar with your scenario.
Drew Morgan—Broker Associate 01124318 | Christine Morgan—Sales Associate 01174047
Co-Owners of Morganhomes, Inc. Licensed under RE/MAX Star Properties 01811140
We recently published an article titled “Navigating Bay Area Real Estate: Balancing Wealth Optimization and Limited Data Amidst Shifting Market Dynamics” that sparked significant reader inquiries seeking clarity. Within this piece, we delved into the year-over-year assessment of home values for June, a customary method to analyze housing trends.
However, exploring micro trends can prove beneficial during market volatility. This involves observing month-to-month changes. The challenge in doing so is the presence of seasonal fluctuations in the real estate market. The trends we compiled for San Mateo County and our residing city, Belmont, illustrate a gradual price recovery compared to the preceding article, where annual values had receded in quarters Q2-Q4 of 2022.
Though yet to reach the peak levels of 2022, at least for now, home values appear to have stabilized and are maintaining, if not gently appreciating.
We exemplify this by presenting an illustrative graph generated by Fred®, utilizing the Case-Shiller® data methodology linked here. While this data trails the market by three months, it remains valuable for investors analyzing value patterns. The most recent trend depicted suggests we may have surpassed the market trough and are trending upwards.
Opting for gradual growth is preferable due to its sustainability. The graph we provided indicates growth is so gradual that any economic shift could easily reverse the trajectory.
The market correction following the hyper-growth observed in Q1 of 2002—driven by imminent interest rate hikes—seems to have subsided. The question now is the duration it will take for buyers and sellers to adjust and realize that the era of sub-3% loans is unlikely to return, prompting them to proceed with their life plans.
Sales in the Bay Area have declined by 30%, a result of a similar 30% drop in available new listings.
Presently, prevailing market dynamics impact our housing sector, with both sellers and buyers hesitating due to current interest rates, despite their historical below-average nature.
A further incongruous position we have today is the dichotomy between sellers awaiting price rebounds and buyers finding that prices are already too steep.
According to a recent survey by Fannie Mae, the nation’s primary purchaser of secondary market loans, 82% of buyers believe it’s an inopportune time to purchase a home.
The query remains: When will one of these groups move into action?
Drew & Christine Morgan are REALTORS/NOTARY PUBLIC in Belmont, CA. with more than 30 years of experience in helping sellers and buyers in their community. As Diamond recipients, Drew and Christine ranked in the top 50 RE/MAX agents nationwide and the top 3 in Northern California. They may be reached at (650) 508.1441 or emailed at info@morganhomes.com.
For all you need to know about Belmont, subscribe to this blog right here. You can also follow us on Facebook and on Twitter.
The information contained in this article is educational and intended for informational purposes only. It does not constitute real estate, tax, insurance or legal advice, nor does it substitute for advice specific to your situation. Always consult an appropriate professional familiar with your scenario.
Drew Morgan—Broker Associate 01124318 | Christine Morgan—Salesperson 01174047
Co-Owners of Morganhomes, Inc. Licensed under RE/MAX Star Properties 01811140
Given the substantial wealth associated with owning property in the Bay Area, it’s rational for sellers to strive for enhanced investment gains and carefully assess the most opportune moment to sell their residences. However, the challenge lies in the limited data available to assist them in reaching a well-founded decision.
Our objective is to adopt a forward-looking futurist strategy to aid individuals in making well-informed decisions while avoiding any reliance on methods like fortune-telling cards or crystal balls, or theories that stand to benefit us personally.
The stability of our real estate values has been influenced by Sellers’ reduced desire to sell their homes, a direct consequence of rising interest rates. This has maintained a state of relative equilibrium in the market compared to recent times.
However, the situation might shift in 2024. More Sellers have postponed selling their properties this year, hoping for a more favorable market next year. This presents a potential issue.
Historical market downturns, like the one in 2007, have seen buyers holding off on purchases for years. When they eventually rejoin the market, they tend to do so simultaneously due to changing conditions that they have in common, resulting in multiple offers and price escalation—a phenomenon observed in 2012 following a housing hiatus.
Sellers could also face this challenge. Previously, when government bond purchases kept interest rates artificially low, and people refinanced at around 3%, the anticipation was that rates would rise when the bond purchases ceased. As predicted, Sellers have now refrained from refinancing and moving due to the prospect of significantly increased mortgage payments.
Given that interest rates have doubled in the past two years, Sellers lack motivation to upsize their homes, considering their mortgage payments would more than double. Property tax hikes further compound this issue. Many Sellers we’ve communicated with plan to wait until 2024 before acting.
In this scenario, if more homes come onto the market while the buyer pool remains static, it could lead to lower home prices in 2024 due to reduced competition for available homes.
Another challenge in 2024 is the presidential election year, which is historically associated with market pullbacks due to political and economic uncertainties. These uncertainties breed caution and indecision among buyers, particularly from May to November, resulting in further downward pressure on prices.
This graph illustrates the effect the highly contentious election between Hillary Clinton and Donald Trump in 2016 had on home values during those months.
Drawing from historical market trends, we recommend Sellers take proactive measures to address the potential influx of 2023’s home Sellers. Selling before May 2024 becomes crucial for maximizing returns ahead of the election year’s uncertain market conditions.
Drew & Christine Morgan are REALTORS/NOTARY PUBLIC in Belmont, CA with more than 30 years of experience in helping sellers and buyers in their community. As Diamond recipients, Drew and Christine ranked in the top 50 RE/MAX agents nationwide and the top 3 in Northern California. They may be reached at (650) 508.1441 or emailed at info@morganhomes.com.
For all you need to know about Belmont, subscribe to this blog right here. You can also follow us on Facebook and on Twitter.
The information contained in this article is educational and intended for informational purposes only. It does not constitute real estate, tax, insurance or legal advice, nor does it substitute for advice specific to your situation. Always consult an appropriate professional familiar with your scenario.
Drew Morgan, Broker Associate 01124318 | Christine Morgan, Sales Associate—Owners of MorganHomes, Inc. Licensed under RE/MAX Star Properties, 01811140
Though the landscape may appear bleak to some, to others, doors have opened to greener pastures offering new market opportunities.
We guessed correctly that around this time, home prices would start to look more like they did a year ago than two years ago.
Looking in the rear-view mirror, home prices hit their all-time high in April of 2022 before beginning what would be a reverse of fortune for sellers over the next year.
Most indicators remain down over last year, but not so much in the price decrease department. What has taken a hit is the inevitable drop in sellers choosing to move for fear of losing their low fixed mortgage rate.
Take Belmont, for example. The number of new listings dropped 27% YOY as compared to June 2022.
The Inventory—or the number of homes left for sale at the end of the month dropped 56%, a strong indicator that there is still strong demand for homes.
One more home sold this month than last year, which is statistically insignificant, but it underscores that our meager inventory is moving.
The days a home is on the market is back to a more normal 12, up from eight when the bidding frenzy in Q1 of 2022 was at its peak.
The percent a seller receives of the asking price is around 105%—down from 107% a year ago, but still indicating overbidding on select homes.
The Belmont median home price is down 12.3% YOY, as some air escapes from the brief bubble in 2022.
San Mateo County fared about the same:
News listings declined 27%
Inventory dropped 30%
Sales were down 8%
The median home price came down 5%
And the time it took to sell a home increased by 50%
We still have less than one month of housing inventory in Belmont and 1.4 months in San Mateo County, which is lower than the rest of the country by about five months.
Currently, half of the homes being sold are fetching prices above the seller’s asking price, indicating the presence of multiple bids, while the other half are selling for less. Sellers are still receiving lower prices than they could have obtained a year ago during the brief bubble. However, given the rapid 14% price increase in the first three months of 2022, it is evident that there was considerable room for a market correction.
With prices rising by 14% in the first quarter of 2022, it was anticipated that a portion of the price surge would not be sustainable.
TAKE AWAY
Interest rates have increased again recently and will probably stay at these levels for the remainder of the year. That’s not helping buyers or sellers. Buyers can afford less home, or less expensive homes, and sellers don’t want to move, which puts more pressure on holding home prices at bay.
Since the local housing market heavily relies on the interplay of supply and demand, if interest rates remain high and an increase number of sellers feel compelled to sell, the growing inventory of homes for sale will intensify the pace of home price decreases.
We understand how difficult it is to try and time one’s life around the housing market—whether to move now or later and what would be optimal. Two things will impact the housing next year that we can anticipate. With the Presidential Election, we expect a repeat of diminished housing market activity as we near summer. And mortgage interest rates are expected to come down. This may entice more sellers into the market, diluting the pool of possible buyers for homes. If you are considering a move, be sure to contact us soon so that we may advise you early on as to the best time next year to sell.
Drew & Christine Morgan are REALTORS/NOTARY PUBLIC in Belmont, CA. with more than 30 years of experience in helping sellers and buyers in their community. As Diamond recipients, Drew and Christine ranked in the top 50 RE/MAX agents nationwide and the top 3 in Northern California. They may be reached at (650) 508.1441 or emailed at info@morganhomes.com.
Drew Morgan, Broker Associate 01124318 | Christine Morgan, Sales Associate 01174047
For all you need to know about Belmont, subscribe to this blog right here. You can also follow us on Facebook and on Twitter.
The information contained in this article is educational and intended for informational purposes only. It does not constitute real estate, tax, insurance or legal advice, nor does it substitute for advice specific to your situation. Always consult an appropriate professional familiar with your scenario.
What is a Moral Hazard and Its Relevance in Real Estate
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We frequently come across a condominium that doesn’t have gas for each unit, or at least none was installed to be accessible for cooking appliances. This is worrisome for some buyers, but they may see the benefits of using an induction-style electric cooktop over the more common gas with the right education.
As an ex-chef, the thought of ditching my gas stove and going back to electric caused me to be highly skeptical. That is, until I bought one to use on our RV.
One of the first things I noticed was that the cooking is very precise. For example, if I want to cook scrambled eggs, instead of guessing the temperature needed to cause an egg to solidify, on our induction cooktop, we can just set the temperature, in this case, to 150℉ degrees, and know that it will never get any hotter—no more scorched eggs. In this way, it offers benefits similar to sous vide cooking, wherein one can exactly control the temperature of the cooking process.
Adjusting the temperature can be based on the desired heat instead of guessing how much flame one needs.
One downside we can see is in cooking in a Wok, where one needs extremely high heat and heat that transfers to the side of the cooking vessel. Another issue is sauteing foods. The term sauté literally translates into “jump up”, as you lift the pan off of the heat to toss it around. With an induction stove that requires the pan to be in direct contact with the cooking surface or it will temporarily shut off, sauteing won’t be as practicable as with a gas stove top.
Several cities in California have taken steps to restrict or phase out the use of natural gas in new buildings. For example, Berkeley, San Jose, and San Francisco have been trying to implement regulations requiring new buildings to be all-electric, meaning they cannot use natural gas for appliances like stoves, water heaters, and furnaces (Note: in April of 2023 the 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals found the ban in Berkeley to be in direct violation of the Energy Policy and Conservation Act of 1975).
It’s important to note that local regulations and policies can change over time, and it’s always advisable to check with the relevant authorities or consult the most up-to-date information to determine the specific regulations in effect.
These measures attempt to combat climate change and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Natural gas is a fossil fuel that contributes to carbon dioxide emissions and is a significant contributor to global warming.
Gas stoves can contribute to indoor air pollution and pose certain health risks. Here are some reasons why gas stoves can be considered unhealthy:
To mitigate these risks, it is important to ensure proper ventilation when using gas stoves, such as using exhaust fans or opening windows. Regular maintenance of gas stoves, including cleaning burners and checking for gas leaks, is also crucial. Additionally, using alternative cooking methods, such as electric stoves or induction cooktops, can help reduce indoor air pollution associated with gas stoves.
Induction stoves offer several benefits over gas stoves. Here are some of the advantages of using an induction stove:
It’s worth noting that while induction stoves offer many advantages, there are a few considerations to keep in mind. Induction stoves require cookware with magnetic properties (ferrous metal) to work effectively, so you may need to replace some of your existing cookware. Additionally, the upfront cost of induction stoves is typically higher than gas stoves, although they can help save on energy costs in the long run.
According to the New York Times, if you are interested in transitioning to induction cooking, these are the top-rated induction cooktops.
Drew & Christine Morgan are REALTORS/NOTARY PUBLIC in Belmont, CA. with more than 30 years of experience in helping sellers and buyers in their community. As Diamond recipients, Drew and Christine ranked in the top 50 RE/MAX agents nationwide and the top 3 in Northern California. They may be reached at (650) 508.1441 or emailed at info@morganhomes.com.
or all you need to know about Belmont, subscribe to this blog right here. You can also follow us on Facebook and on Twitter.
The information contained in this article is educational and intended for informational purposes only. It does not constitute real estate, tax, insurance or legal advice, nor does it substitute for advice specific to your situation. Always consult an appropriate professional familiar with your scenario.
The San Mateo County home sale activity shows a year over year decline in home sale activity between May 2022 and May 2023.
The comparison sheds light on the changes in new inventory, sold properties, average days on the market (DOM), average sale price, median sale price, the median price per square foot, percentage of list price received, sale volume, average home square footage, average lot square footage, and months of inventory.
In summary, the housing market in May 2023 exhibited several notable differences compared to May 2022. New inventory, sold properties, average sale price, median sale price, median price per square foot, and sale volume decreased. With fewer homes being listed and fewer selling, the market remains more balanced than in recent memory.
The average days on the market increased, suggesting a potentially slower sales cycle. Additionally, the months of inventory increased, indicating a shift towards a more balanced market with higher supply relative to demand.
It is essential to note that the provided statistics are specific to the given timeframe and location. Further analysis and consideration of additional factors are necessary to understand the local housing marke dynamics comprehensively.
For example, when we comnpare month over month, sales and prices have picked up in 2023, just still not high as they were during the same period in 2022, as the Case-Shiller MSA report for the Bay Area illustrates.
If this trajectorty continues, we expect by October 2023, YOY homes values will be higher than in 2022.
Please feel free to reach out if you have any questions or need more information.
Drew & Christine Morgan are REALTORS/NOTARY PUBLIC in Belmont, CA. with more than 30 years of experience helping sellers and buyers in their community. As Diamond recipients, Drew and Christine ranked in the top 50 RE/MAX agents nationwide and the top 3 in Northern California. They may be reached at (650) 508.1441 or emailed at info@morganhomes.com.
For all you need to know about Belmont, subscribe to this blog right here. You can also follow us on Facebook and on Twitter.
The information contained in this article is educational and intended for informational purposes only. It does not constitute real estate, tax, insurance or legal advice or substitute for advice specific to your situation. Always consult an appropriate professional familiar with your scenario.
