The November 2024 housing market marked a significant month, with sales of existing homes rising 5% from October and 6% from the same time last year. Similarly, the median existing-home price climbed 5% year-over-year, reaching $406,100. However, while inventories improved by 18% compared to last year, the supply remains at a historically low 3.8-month level, well below the 6-month supply indicative of a balanced market.

The September 2024 housing market presented a mixed bag of data, highlighting a complex landscape with contrasting trends in existing and new home sales. On one hand, sales of existing homes declined to their lowest level since October 2010, reflecting ongoing challenges like limited inventory and high prices. On the other hand, new home sales showed signs of strength, rising both month-over-month and year-over-year. Adding another layer to the story, single-family housing starts and builder sentiment also pointed to potential optimism for future market conditions. Let’s break down what these numbers mean and how they could shape the housing market going forward.

The August 2024 housing market experienced fluctuations, with both new and existing home sales showing changes in activity over the past few months. From shifts in home prices to the impact of external factors like hurricanes, recent trends offer critical insights into the future of the housing sector.

The September 2023 Housing Market has been a topic of much discussion, presenting a mixed bag of challenges and opportunities for buyers, sellers, and investors. Understanding the dynamics of this particular period is crucial for those navigating the real estate landscape.

The real estate data for March 2023 had a significant impact on mortgage-backed securities (MBS) in April. Let's explore how specific factors influenced MBS:

While the past year-and-a-half took its toll on the real estate market, the latest news offered a glimmer of hope as data saw existing home sales rise. Despite 2021’s massive surge in real estate sales, 2022 generated a lackluster environment. Although the most recent data reflected an increase in home sales, housing inventory still presents an ongoing challenge. That said, the market took a step in the right direction.

Over the last year, the real estate market fell into a bit of a slump, home builder confidence included. However, as we turn the corner to spring, confidence levels begin to climb once again.

Throughout September, the latest August home sales data reflected a strong sensitivity to mortgage rates. When rates experienced a short-lived dip in August, home sales reacted with a sudden jolt of activity. However, September 2022 closed out with mortgage rates hitting their highest levels since 2007. Thus, the real estate will be sure to compensate with the next round of real estate reporting.

May 2022 highlighted numerous real estate market challenges facing prospective home buyers. Now, the data directly supports the drop-off in activity.

With the release of last month’s real estate market report, housing inventory fell to a new record-low level. Meanwhile, both existing and new home sales disappointed as prices jumped higher. As the United States first experienced the coronavirus pandemic in 2020, the housing market suffered. One year later, the United States surged through an unprecedented economic rebound. In the wake of the rebound, 2021’s real estate market performed very well. In fact, 2021 saw the United States reach its best year in home sales since 2006.

However, housing is a game of give and take. And now, the market is facing another slowdown. With mortgage rates exceeding 5%, loan applications declined considerably. In addition, existing home inventory fell to a record-low level in March. Because of this, prospective home buyers face tougher competition for fewer properties.

As previously mentioned, 2021 marked one of the best years for real estate in recent memory. After the coronavirus pandemic stifled home sales throughout the country, the real estate market rebounded at a quicker pace than anticipated. However, the real estate market still deals with longstanding housing inventory challenges. In addition, rising home prices and mortgage rates produce a barrier to entry for prospective first-time home buyers.

As the holiday season approaches, investors saw new home sales jump. Additionally, home values rose this year. Many factors play a role in the increase, particularly limited inventory and inflation. Currently, investors worry about future economic growth. This past month, the United States witnessed record-high inflation, supply chain struggles, and job growth struggles.