Are More Homeowners Selling as Mortgage Rates Come Down?
If you’re looking to buy a home, the recent downward trend in mortgage rates is good news because it helps with affordability. But there’s another way this benefits you – it may inspire more homeowners to put their houses up for sale.
Over the past year, one factor that’s really limited the options for your move is how few homes were on the market. That’s because many homeowners chose to delay their plans to sell once mortgage rates went up. An article from Freddie Mac explains:
“The lack of housing supply was partly driven by the rate lock-in effect. . . . With higher rates, the incentive for existing homeowners to list their property and move to a new house has greatly diminished, leaving them rate locked.”
These homeowners decided to stay put and keep their current lower mortgage rate, rather than move and take on a higher one on their next home.
According to the latest data from Realtor.com, there were more homeowners putting their houses up for sale, known in the industry as new listings, in December 2023 compared to December 2022 (see graph below):
Here's why this is so significant. Typically, activity in the housing market cools down in the later months of the year as some sellers choose to delay their moves until January rolls around.
This is the first time since 2020 that we’ve seen an uptick in new listings this time of year. This could be a signal that the rate lock-in effect is easing a bit in response to lower rates.
While there isn’t going to suddenly be an influx of options for your home search, it does mean more sellers may be deciding to list. According to a recent article from the Joint Center for Housing Studies (JCHS):
“A reduction in interest rates could alleviate the lock-in effect and help lift homeowner mobility. Indeed, interest rates have recently declined, falling by a full percentage point from October to November 2023 . . . Further decreases would reduce the barrier to moving and give homeowners looking to sell a newfound sense of urgency . . .”
And that means you may see more homes come onto the market to give you more fresh options to choose from.
As mortgage rates come down, more sellers may re-enter the market – that gives you an opportunity to find the home you’re looking for. Let’s connect so you’ve got a local expert on your side who’ll help you stay on top of the latest listings in our area.
Stay up to date on the latest real estate trends.
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Single-family inventory levels are 20.05% higher on a year-over-year basis, and condo inventory levels are 13.15% higher.
Although many markets have seen a downtrend in pricing, San Francisco has remained incredibly resilient.
Although prices have been incredibly resilient in the East Bay, the future of this stability is very uncertain, as inventories have been growing at a tremendous rate.
Single-family homes continue to be a hot commodity, while condos continue to sit on the market.
Inventory levels are increasing drastically throughout the entire East Bay, with the area seeing over 40% more active listings than this time last year.
You’ve got questions and we can’t wait to answer them.