Buyer Demand Surging in Utah as Spring Market Begins
Last fall, some predicted that the 2019 residential real estate market would be a disaster. There was even belief we might experience a housing crash like the one that occurred during the last decade.
However, according to two separate reports*, buyer demand dramatically increased over the last three months, leading into this spring buyers’ market (the March data is not yet available).
Both the ShowingTime Showing Index and the National Association of REALTORS Buyer Traffic Index show that buyer demand has increased in each of the last three months.
Why the increase in demand? Increased buying power.
According to the National Association of Realtors’ Economists’ Outlook Blog, purchasing a home has become more affordable, which has led to increased demand.
“Due to the combination of falling home prices and mortgage rates, the income needed to make an affordable mortgage payment (mortgage no more than 25% of income) on a median-priced home with 10% down payment and 30-year fixed rate mortgage decreased from $60,425 in June 2018 to $53,783 as of February 2019, and the difference of $6,642 represents a gain in buying power because one can afford a home purchase at a lower level of income.”
Bottom Line
It appears the spring buyers’ market is going to be much stronger than many had projected. Whether you are selling or buying, this is important news.
*The methodology behind the indices:
The ShowingTime Showing Index
“The ShowingTime Showing Index® tracks the average number of buyer showings on active residential properties on a monthly basis, a highly reliable leading indicator of current and future demand trends.”
The National Association of REALTORS® Buyer Traffic Index
“In a monthly survey of REALTORS®, NAR asks respondents ‘Compared to the same month last year, how would you rate the past month’s traffic in neighborhood(s) or area(s) where you make most of your sales?’ NAR compiles the responses into an index, where an index above 50 indicates that more respondents reported “stronger” traffic than “weaker” traffic.”
Is Your First Home Now Within Your Grasp?
Is Your First Home Now Within Your Grasp? Some Highlights: According to the US Census Bureau, “millennials” are defined as 18-36-year-olds. According to NAR’s latest Profile of Home Buyers & Sellers, the median age of all first-time home buyers is 32. More and...
Utah is Number Three in the nation in house-price appreciation.
Utah is No. 3 in the nation in house-price appreciation. In the first quarter, prices in the Beehive state increased 8.94 percent, according to the Federal Housing Finance Agency. Idaho was No. 1 in price increases. Maryland came in last place. Home prices there...
4 Tips to Sell Your Home Faster
4 Tips to Sell Your Home Faster Since June of last year, we have seen an increase in the inventory of homes for sale month per month. Every spring and summer, the inventory increases because people want to sell their home. For those with children, they may want to be...
Time to Move-Up and Upgrade Your Current Home With Utah Realty
Now’s the Time to Move-Up and Upgrade Your Current Home! Homes priced at the top 25% of the price range for a particular area of the country are considered "premium homes." In today’s real estate market, there are deals to be had at the higher end! This is great news...
10 Steps to Buying a Home This Summer
10 Steps to Buying a Home This Summer [INFOGRAPHIC] Some Highlights: If you are thinking of buying a home, you may not know where to start. Here is a simple list of 10 steps that you will go through to purchase a home. Make sure to ask your agent for details about...
Happy Forth of July!
Happy Independence Day! Wishing you & yours a safe & Happy 4th of July!
Stop Wondering What Your Budget Is & Get Pre-Approved
Stop Wondering What Your Budget Is & Get Pre-Approved! In many markets across the country, the number of buyers searching for their dream homes outnumbers the number of homes for sale. This has led to a competitive marketplace where buyers often need to stand out....
Your 6-Month Mortgage Rate Forecast
Both mortgage interest rates and home prices are projected to rise throughout 2019. If you plan on buying a home this year, the time is now! Let's get together to discuss your plans today!
What You Need to Know About Private Mortgage Insurance (PMI) Utah Realty
What You Need to Know About Private Mortgage Insurance (PMI) Courtesy of Utah Realty Whether it is your first time or your fifth, it is always important to know all the facts when it comes to buying a home. With the large number of mortgage programs available that...
5 Reasons to Sell Your House This Summer with Utah Realty
5 Reasons to Sell Your House This Summer with Utah Realty Here are 5 compelling reasons listing your home for sale this summer makes sense. 1. Demand Is Strong The latest Buyer Traffic Index from the National Association of Realtors (NAR) shows that buyer demand...