New York, May 8, 2024 – The US housing market is facing a period of uncertainty. On the one hand, rising mortgage interest rates and home prices are discouraging potential buyers. On the other hand, sellers remain optimistic.
Buyer confidence declines
A survey by the Fannie Mae Home Purchase Sentiment Index (HPSI) found that nearly 80% of Americans believe that now is a bad time to buy a home. This is due to the sharp increase in mortgage interest rates, which have risen by more than 2% over the past year. The higher rates have led to an increase in monthly mortgage payments, making homeownership less affordable for many people.
In addition, home prices are also rising. The S&P CoreLogic Case-Shiller US National Home Price Index showed a 6.4% increase in February. This means that the average US home price is up 6.4% from a year ago.
Expectations of rate declines fade
Many buyers were hoping that mortgage interest rates would come down in 2024. However, those hopes are slowly fading. In the latest HPSI survey, only 25% of respondents expect mortgage rates to fall in the next 12 months. This is down from 33% who expected that just a month ago.
Sellers remain optimistic
Despite the decline in buyer confidence, sellers are still holding on to optimism. Nearly 70% of HPSI survey respondents believe that now is a good time to sell a home. This is because of rising home prices, which are allowing sellers to get high prices for their homes.
Home prices continue to rise
Home prices in the US are continuing to rise, even as interest rates increase. The S&P CoreLogic Case-Shiller US National Home Price Index showed a 6.4% increase in February. This means that the average US home price is up 6.4% from a year ago.
What does this mean for consumers?
Buyers: If you are considering buying a home, it is important to factor in the impact of rising interest rates and home prices on your affordability. You should carefully review your budget and make sure you can afford the monthly mortgage payments. You may also want to consider waiting for interest rates to come down, although it is uncertain when that will happen.
Sellers: If you are considering selling your home, you can take advantage of rising home prices and get a good price for your home. However, it is important to note that the housing market could cool down in the future, so it is important to sell while prices are still high.
Overall outlook
The US housing market is at a crossroads. Rising interest rates and home prices are putting pressure on buyers, while sellers remain optimistic. It is difficult to say what the future holds, but consumers should be cautious when making decisions about buying or selling a home.
Sources:
- Fannie Mae Home Purchase Sentiment Index (HPSI):Â https://www.fanniemae.com/research-and-insights/surveys-indices/national-housing-survey
- S&P CoreLogic Case-Shiller US National Home Price Index:Â https://www.spglobal.com/spdji/en/index-family/indicators/sp-corelogic-case-shiller/sp-corelogic-case-shiller-composite/
