Economic experts have begun weighing in on expected trends in the housing market for next year. Here are some of the predictions to be on the lookout for:
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Increase in Home Purchases Every industry expert whose opinions we looked at agreed: Purchase mortgage volume will increase in 2018. In fact, Michael Fratantoni, chief economist and senior vice president of research and technology of the Mortgage Bankers Association (MBA), expects purchase growth through 2020. Freddie Mac’s Economic and Housing Research Group (EHRG) has predicted growth of about 2% next year in both new and existing home sales. |
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Rise in Interest Rates Speaking of rising interest rates, economists at the MBA predict mortgage interest rates on 30-year fixed-rate loans to rise to 4.6% in 2018, and to more than 5% in 2019. The Federal Housing Finance Agency (FHFA) agrees that rates will hit the mid-4% range next year and mid- to upper 5% range by 2020. |
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Inventory Issues Low inventory across the country will continue to remain a challenge for homebuyers in 2018. Experts state that low new housing starts and soaring prices are keeping purchase numbers down. First-time buyers and millennials are the most impacted by the lack of affordable housing. As more homeowners see the difficulties of affording a new home in this climate, they may choose to stay in their current homes longer, which will also impact inventory. Based on a recent survey, Zillow predicts that the shortage of affordable homes will also push housing prices to climb more than 4% in 2018, exacerbating the problem and forcing millennials to remain renters.
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If you are un-decided if you should buy now or wait until next year….be aware that by dragging your feet you could be losing out on a better priced home this year. Buying now….in the winter…could be your best choice, before you get priced out of the market.
Whether buying your first home or your fifth, having a buyer’s agent who is an expert in their market on your side is your best bet to make sure the process goes smoothly. Let’s talk about how we can make your dreams of homeownership a reality!
Give us a call today and we will be happy to put you on the track of a new home here in St Augustine, St Johns, Nocatee or Ponte Vedra. For Buyers Only Realty is the only Exclusive Buyer’s Agents in Northeast Florida. 100% Buyer Representation at no cost to you! We are the Wife-Husband team of Dedicated Buyer’s Agents!
Call Sharon Stevens at 904-687-5220 or Dwight Cole at 904-466-4630.