There is no online shortage of armchair quarterbacks when it comes to prognostications on the future of home values and affordability. However, there are narratives that some people, and journalists, stubbornly hold to that are simply outdated or incorrect. Many of them were true a few years ago but are no longer true today. Here are just a few:
Myth #1 - Buyer demand is declining.
This was true in 2022 and 2023, but is no longer true today. While mortgage rates have knocked many buyers out of the game, buyer demand is now stable and following last year's trend with little reaction to rate fluctuations.
Myth #2 - There is very little to buy under $300K.
This was definitely true a few years ago, but not today. In February 2022, there were only 90 single family l...
2024 is on an upward trend in Greater Phoenix, but a few cities still offer a strong advantage to buyers. This month I pinpoint which Valley cities are in a seller's market and which ones are in a buyer's market. Get the scoop on the Phoenix Metro market conditions including the influence of mortgage rates.
Don't forget to subscribe to my channel to stay on top of the Greater Phoenix area real estate market.
Cindy Nelson is an Arizona native and REALTOR with Realty ONE Group and serves the Phoenix Metro area and the White Mountain region. In her spare time, you'll find her volunteering in her community, supporting local small businesses, and enjoying all Arizona has to offer.
When the Mortgage Rate Drops 1%, the Payment Drops By….
For Buyers:
Well the balanced market didn't last long, 7 weeks to be exact. Last month the Federal Reserve gave the housing industry a much needed gift. Not only did they not raise the Federal Funds Rate, they also announced their intention to drop it three times in 2024. Conventional mortgage rates responded by dropping from 7.1% to 6.62% within 2 days. Mortgage rates have now dropped 1.4% since they peaked at 8% in October 2023, saving a borrower nearly $380 per month on a $400,000 loan, a payment decline of 13%. For perspective, each time the rate drops by 1%, the mortgage payment can drop between 9-10% depending on where it started, in many cases saving at least $200/month*. This rate drop was enough to give December's mortgage applications a boost, which could be a precursor to Jan...
Phoenix area sales are down, but home prices are up
. I'll give you the scoop on home prices and tell you how much sellers are giving buyers to help with affordability.
Plus, find out why 2024 could be a promising year in the Phoenix metro real estate market.
Watch this video for the latest market update.
Cindy Nelson is an Arizona native and REALTOR with Realty ONE Group and serves the Phoenix Metro area and the White Mountain region. In her spare time, you'll find her volunteering in her community, supporting local small businesses, and enjoying all Arizona has to offer.