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.”
Why Is This Spring a Great Time to Sell Your House?
Why Is This Spring a Great Time to Sell Your House?
Your House Could Be the Oasis in an Inventory Desert
Your House Could Be the Oasis in an Inventory DesertHomebuyers are flooding the housing market right now to take advantage of record-low mortgage rates. Many have a sense of urgency to find a home soon since experts forecast a steady rise in both rates and home prices...
It’s Not Too Late To Apply For Forbearance
It’s Not Too Late To Apply For Forbearance Over the past year, the pandemic made it challenging for some homeowners to make their mortgage payments. Thankfully, the government initiated a forbearance program to provide much-needed support. Unless they’re extended once...
Americans Have Their Hearts Set on Homeownership
801-205-3500
Are Interest Rates Expected to Rise Over the Next Year?
Are Interest Rates Expected to Rise Over the Next Year?So far this year, mortgage rates continue to hover around 3%, encouraging many hopeful homebuyers to enter the housing market. However, there’s a good chance rates will increase later this year and going into...
Single Family Inventory on The Rise for May
It’s a Great Time for Your House to Shine
It's a Great Time for Your House to Shine April 30, 2021 Today's housing market makes it easy to win as a seller. Let's connect if you're ready to make a move this year.
Utah Housing This Isn’t a Bubble. It’s Simply Lack of Supply
This Isn’t a Bubble. It’s Simply Lack of Supply. [INFOGRAPHIC] Some Highlights In a recent article, Lawrence Yun, Chief Economist for the National Association of Realtors (NAR), discussed the state of today’s housing market. When addressing whether or not today’s high...
Endless Utah Real Estate Possibilities
Top 4 Reasons to Own a Home
Top 4 Reasons to Own a Home Owning a home can have an incredible impact on your quality of life. Let's connect if you're ready to make your dream of homeownership a reality.