Will falling mortgage rates finally help the housing market? (3/3/25 Market Update)
Mar 4, 2025
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Declining mortgage rates are sparking discussions about their impact on buyer demand and housing inventory as spring approaches. The analysis pits single-family homes against condos, revealing fascinating trends. A case study on a San Francisco condo showcases seller strategies amid a shortage of new listings. The complexities of the current housing market are explored, emphasizing the crucial role of local data in making informed decisions. Join in for insights that could redefine your understanding of real estate dynamics!
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Quick takeaways
Recent declines in mortgage rates have not yet boosted buyer demand, as pending home sales remain 3% lower compared to last year.
The significant rise in unsold inventory, particularly in condos, indicates a sluggish market despite a seasonal expectation for increased home sales.
Deep dives
Current Mortgage Rate Trends and Economic Impact
The decline in mortgage rates over recent weeks, with the 30-year fixed mortgage falling to as low as 6.75%, reflects broader economic trends, such as a 60 basis point drop in the 10-year treasury yield. This reduction in rates has not yet translated into increased buyer demand, as pending home sales remain 3% lower than the previous year. Historical data suggests that significant changes in buyer behavior may only occur once rates approach the 6% threshold. With the economy slowing and potential increases in unemployment, uncertainty regarding personal financial situations could hinder homebuyers’ willingness to capitalize on lower mortgage costs.
Inventory Levels and Sales Dynamics
The total inventory of available single-family homes has dipped to 639,000, which is 28% higher than last year, indicating a significant increase in unsold homes. The unsold inventory of condos is also noteworthy, being 33% higher, with a substantial concentration of these units in Florida. Despite an increase in overall inventory, the introduction of new listings has been sluggish, with a decrease in the number of sellers contributing to the active market. This limited influx of new properties has kept inventory growth in check, reinforcing the expectation that home sales should rise as the market approaches the spring season.
Home Prices and Market Signals
The median price of newly pending contracts rose slightly to $389,900, showing a 1% weekly increase and a 2.6% rise compared to the previous year. While prices may experience seasonal upward trends, underlying signals point to potential weaknesses, particularly with many homes experiencing price reductions. A concerning indicator is that 33.7% of homes on the market have now seen price cuts, the highest level noted recently. This suggests an increasingly competitive market, where various local conditions result in differing price appreciations and declines across regions.
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Real-Time Analysis of Housing Market Trends and Economic Influences
Welcome to How’s the Market, our weekly look at what’s happening in the US housing market, powered by data from Altos Research.
If you want to see all the inventory, pricing, and supply and demand charts we reference in the show, head on over to our YouTube channel at https://youtube.com/altosresearch.
Hosted by Mike Simonsen, President of Altos Research.A true data geek, Mike founded Altos Research in 2006 to bring data and insight on the U.S. housing market to those who need it most. Altos provides national and local real estate data to financial institutions, real estate professionals, and investors across the country, and the company is now part of HW Media, publisher of HousingWire and RealTrends. Mike uses Altos data to identify trends in the real estate market well before the headlines, and his work has been featured in the New York Times, The Atlantic, Fortune, Forbes and other publications.
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