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The Real Story Behind What’s Happening with Home Prices

By
Real Estate Agent with PHP Houses SL3302417

If you’re wondering what’s going on with home prices lately, you’re definitely not the only one. With so much information out there, it can be hard to figure out your next move.

As a buyer, you might be worried about paying more than you should. And if you're thinking of selling, you might be concerned about not getting the price you're aiming for. 

So, here's a quick breakdown to help clear things up and show you what’s really happening with prices—whether you're thinking about buying or selling

Home Price Growth Is Slowing, but Prices Aren’t Falling Nationally

Throughout the country, home price appreciation is moderating. What that means is, prices are still going up, but they're not rising as quickly as they were in recent years. The graph below uses data from Case-Shiller to make the shift from 2023 to 2024 clear:

But rest assured, this doesn't mean home prices are falling. In fact, all the bars in this graph show price growth. So, while you might hear talk of prices cooling, what that really means is they're not climbing as fast as they were when they skyrocketed just a few years ago.

What’s Next for Home Prices? It’s All About Supply and Demand 

You might be curious where prices will go from here. The answer depends on supply and demand, and it’s going to vary by local market.

Nationally, the number of homes for sale is going up, but there still aren’t enough of them to meet today’s buyer demand. That’s keeping upward pressure on prices – even though recent inventory growth has caused that home price appreciation to slow. Danielle Hale, Chief Economist at Realtor.com, said:

“. . . today’s low but quickly improving for-sale inventory has ushered in more market balance than would otherwise be expected . . . This should help home prices maintain a slower pace of growth.” 

And here’s one other thing you may not have considered that could play a role in where prices go from here. Since experts say mortgage rates should continue to decline, it’s likely more buyers will re-enter the market in the months ahead. If demand picks back up, that could make prices climb a bit further.

Why You Should Work with a Local Real Estate Agent 

While national trends give a big-picture view, real estate is always local – especially when it comes to prices. What's happening in your neighborhood might be different from the national average based on what supply and demand look like in your market. That’s why it's crucial to get local insights from a knowledgeable real estate agent.

 As your go-to source for everything related to home prices, a local agent can provide the most current data and trends specific to your area.

So, if you’re planning to sell, they can help you price your house accurately. And when you’re ready to buy, they can find the right home that fits your budget and your needs.

Bottom Line

Home prices are still rising, just not as quickly as before. Whether you’re thinking about buying, selling, or just curious about what your house is worth, let’s connect so you have the personalized guidance you need.

 

Contact us:
PHP Houses
142 W Lakeview Ave
Unit 1030
Lake Mary, FL 32746
Ph: (407) 641-1531
Fax: (407) 205-1951
email: info@phphouses.com

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The information contained, and the opinions expressed, in this article are not intended to be construed as investment advice. The author does not guarantee or warrant the accuracy or completeness of the information or opinions contained herein. Nothing herein should be construed as investment advice. You should always conduct your own research and due diligence and obtain professional advice before making any investment decision. The author will not be liable for any loss or damage caused by your reliance on the information or opinions contained herein.
Lew Corcoran
Better Living Real Estate, LLC - East Bridgewater, MA
Expert guidance. Exceptional results.

Thank you, Walter, for breaking down the current situation with home prices so clearly! Your insights on supply and demand and the importance of local expertise are incredibly helpful for anyone navigating the real estate market right now.

Sep 11, 2024 02:25 PM
Faye Y. Taylor
StepStone Realty, LLC - Floresville, TX
Country Living with City Convenience -Wilson Co TX

Walter,  Your point about local agents is spot on.  We are in a higher price point area compared to a lot of our neighboring counties and we have been invaded by city agents who know nothing about rural living.  Some of the stories we could tell.  We weren't necessarily seeing price drops but we are starting to see a lot of concessions that started this past summer. And it does seem we are starting to have price drops.  I blame that on a lot of out of area agents who don't have local expertise between neighborhoods so overprice to begin with.  Thank you Zillow, Realtor.com and all the "pay for play" sites.   Never had seen that many price drops in the past and the ones now are getting to be frequent.   What happened here is that we were HOT from ~2019 to end of 2022 and the prices were high.  Then Jan of 2023 the market really dropped fast as far as sales.   So the builders who overbuilt their specs had to offload their inventory.   Now  that has happened, the spec builders have really dropped off  building and the available homes have dropped.  So as the market levels out this area will see what will happen.  (We have a lot of semi custom independent builders-- no national ones until they "discovered" us in  2020. UGH.)  The slap 'em up builders who provide "affordable" housing have now invaded us. 

Sep 11, 2024 02:27 PM