Cory Thompson

Mid America Mortgage, Inc.

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NAHB: Rising Demand for Homes Boosts Builder Confidence

November 18, 2020 by Cory Thompson

NAHB: Rising Demand for Homes Boosts Builder ConfidenceBuilder confidence in housing market conditions reached a new record high in November according to the National Association of Home Builders. November’s index reading of 90 was five points higher than in October. Index readings over 50 indicate positive builder sentiment toward market conditions. Readings for the Housing Market Index fell below 50 in April and May as the COVID-19 pandemic grew.

Component readings for the Housing Market Index rose six points to 96 for current housing market conditions and one point to 89 for builder confidence in home sales in the next six months. Builder confidence in buyer traffic in new housing developments rose three points to 77. Readings for buyer traffic typically didn’t exceed 50 until recently. High demand for homes is associated with record-low mortgage rates and changing priorities created by the pandemic.

While demand for homes usually slows in the colder months, the pandemic has caused families to re-evaluate their housing needs as more people work from home and children attend school online or are homeschooled. Larger homes cost more, which contributes to home sellers moving to suburban or rural areas to accommodate the additional expenses of buying and maintaining larger homes.

Regional Housing Market Conditions Mixed in November

The NAHB reported gains in builder confidence in three of four regions. The Midwest led with a nine-point increase in builder confidence. The South and West also showed rising builder confidence, but builders in the Northeast reported a five-point drop in builder confidence.

Robert Dietz, chief economist for the NAHB said, “In the short run, the shift of housing demand to lower density markets such as suburbs and exurbs along with ongoing low resale inventory levels is supporting demand for home building.”  Rising demand for homes as compared to low numbers of pre-owned homes available is creating additional demand for new homes. 

Analysts said that the demand for new homes will last for quarters or years as it will take time for builders to catch up with the unusually high demand for single-family homes.

A seasonal slow-down in home sales coupled with a new and severe wave of COVID-19 cases may cause challenges for home builders in the coming months, but the current demand for homes could rise if city-dwellers continue to move to less congested areas. Recent positive news about COVID-19 vaccines could impact flight from cities to suburbs, but government approval, manufacture, and distribution of vaccines can’t happen immediately.

Real Estate Tagged: COVID 19, Housing Market, Market Conditions

Case-Shiller Reports Fastest Home Price Growth in Two Years

October 28, 2020 by Cory Thompson

Case-Shiller Reports Fastest Home Price Growth in Two YearsHome prices rose at their fastest rate in two years according to Case-Shiller Home Price Indices. The National Home Price Index for August showed 5.70 percent home price growth year-over-year as compared to 4.80 percent growth reported in July.

The Case-Shiller 20-City Home Price Index showed that home prices rose to a 5.70 percent year-over-year pace from July’s growth rate of 4.10 percent. Phoenix, Arizona held the top home price growth rate for the 15th consecutive month with year-over-year home price growth of 9.90 percent. Seattle, Washington held second place with 8.50 percent growth in home prices. San Diego, California took third place with 7.60 percent year-over-year home price growth.

According to the 20-City Home Price Index, 19 of 20 cities reported growth in home prices. Detroit, MI has not reported home price information in recent months. Analysts said that low mortgage rates, short supplies of available homes, and changing consumer preferences drove home prices higher. The COVID pandemic caused homeowners and buyers to change preferences for home location, square footage, and amenities as working from home, school closures, and avoiding crowded urban areas adjusted family priorities.

Craig Lazzara, global head of index investment strategies for S&P Dow Jones Indices, said “If future reports continue in this vein,[positive index readings], we may be able to conclude that the COVID-related deceleration is far behind us.” It’s also possible that seasonal weather conditions and resurging COVID cases could slow home sales and home price growth.

Federal Housing Finance AgencyReports Highest Home Price Growth Rate Since 2006

August readings reported by FHFA also showed higher home prices. The agency, which oversees mortgage giants Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac, reported year-over-year home price growth of 1.50 percent from July to August; home prices for homes mortgaged or owned by Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac rose by eight percent annually. 

FHFA home price data is tracked nationally by census divisions, states, and metro areas. Information is also available by county and zip code.

Financial Reports Tagged: Case-Shiller, COVID 19, Home Price

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