As we head into a new year, the most common question we receive is, “What’s the outlook for real estate in 2018?”
It’s not just potential buyers and sellers who are curious; homeowners also want reassurance their home’s value is going up. The good news is that a strong U.S. economy, coupled with low unemployment rates, is expected to drive continued real estate growth in 2018. However, changes on the horizon could significantly impact you if you plan to buy, sell or refinance this year.
HOME VALUES WILL CONTINUE TO RISE
Get ready for another strong year! U.S. home values and sales volume will continue to rise in 2018.
Experts agree that home prices will increase in 2018, but predict a slower rate of appreciation than 2017, which clocked in at nearly 7 percent nationwide. National Association of Realtors (NAR) Chief Economist Lawrence Yun predicts a growth rate this year of 5.5 percent,1 while Freddie Mac’s September Outlook Report forecasts a rate of 4.9 percent. Either way, all indicators point towards continued growth in 2018.2
What does it mean for you? If you’re a current homeowner, congratulations! Real estate proves once again to be a solid investment over the long term. And if you’re considering selling this year, there’s never been a better time. Contact us to request a free Comparative Market Analysis to find out how much you can expect your home to sell for under current market conditions.
If you’re in the market to buy this year, there’s good news for you, too. Although prices continue to rise, the rate of appreciation has slowed. Still, don’t wait any longer. Prices will continue to go up, so you’ll pay more six months from now than you would today. Call us to setup a free, no-obligation property search and get notified about listings that meet your criteria as soon as (or before) they hit the market.
WE’RE HERE TO HELP
While national real estate numbers and predictions can provide a “big-picture” outlook for the year, real estate is local. And as local market experts, I can guide you through the ins and outs of our market, and the local issues that are likely to drive home values in your particular neighborhood. If you have specific questions, or would like more information about where I see real estate headed in our area, please give me a call! I’d love to discuss how issues here at home are likely to impact your desire to buy or a sell a home this year.
Sources:
1. Inman News –
https://www.inman.com/2017/11/03/what-to-expect-from-the-2018-housing-market/
2. Freddie Mac September Outlook Report –
http://www.freddiemac.com/research/outlook/20170921_looking_ahead_to_2018.html
3. Marketplace.org –
https://www.marketplace.org/2017/07/05/economy/tight-inventory-slows-housing-market-down-0
4. National Association of Realtors Press Release –
https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/existing-home-sales-to-grow-37-percent-in-2018-but-inventory-shortages-and-tax-reform-effects-loom-300549447.html
5. Fox Business News –
http://www.foxbusiness.com/features/2017/11/27/entry-level-buyers-drive-solid-new-home-sales.html
6. Zillow Research –
https://www.zillow.com/research/2018-predictions-17217/
7. National Association of Realtors’ Home Buyer and Seller Generational Trends Report –
https://www.nar.realtor/research-and-statistics/research-reports/home-buyer-and-seller-generational-trends
8. MyFico.com –
https://www.myfico.com/crediteducation/questions/foreclosure-fico-score-affect.aspx
9. RealtyTrac –
http://www.realtytrac.com/news/foreclosure-trends/boomerang-buyers/
10. National Association of Realtors –
https://www.nar.realtor/taxes/tax-reform/the-tax-cuts-and-jobs-act-what-it-means-for-homeowners-and-real-estate-professionals
11. Realtor.com –
https://www.realtor.com/news/real-estate-news/tax-cuts-survey/
12. Mortgage Bankers Association Economic Forecast –
https://www.mba.org/news-research-and-resources/research-and-economics/forecasts-and-commentary
13. Kiplinger Economic Forecast –
https://www.kiplinger.com/article/business/T019-C000-S010-interest-rate-forecast.html#iOf4mkSFvvTmi2wr.99