If you’re planning to move soon, you’re probably wondering if there are too many homes to choose from, where prices and mortgage rates are headed, and how to navigate the current market. So what do the pros have to say about what to expect this season?
Odeta Kushi, Deputy Chief Economist, First American:
“. . . it seems our general expectation for the spring is that we will see a pickup in inventory. In fact, that already seems to be happening. But it won’t necessarily be enough to satiate demand.”
Lisa Sturtevant, Chief Economist, Bright MLS:
“There is still strong demand, as the large millennial population remains in the prime first-time homebuying range.”
Danielle Hale, Chief Economist, Realtor.com:
“Where we are right now is the best of both worlds. Price increases are slowing, which is good for buyers, and prices are still relatively high, which is good for sellers.”
Skylar Olsen, Chief Economist, Zillow:
“There are slightly more homes for sale than this time last year, and there is still plenty of competition for well-priced houses. Buyers should prep their credit scores and sellers should prep their properties now, attractive listings are going pending in less than a month, and time on market will shrink in the weeks ahead.”
Jiayi Xu, Economist, Realtor.com:
“While mortgage rates remain elevated, home shoppers who are looking to buy this spring could find more affordable homes on the market than they saw at the same time last year. Specifically, there were 20.6% more homes available for sale ranging between $200,000 and $350,000 in February 2024 than a year ago, surpassing growth in other price ranges.”
If you are looking to sell, this spring may be your best option as there aren’t many homes on the market. Of course, the stock is growing, but it is not enough to meet the current buyer demand. So they are still selling fast.
If you’re looking to buy, the increase in the number of homes for sale this spring means you have more options than you did this time last year. But be prepared to act quickly, as competition from other buyers can be fierce.
