Will Fall Bring Housing Changes?

Dated: September 16 2023

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 The housing market along the Pikes Peak region continues to create frustration for many buyers and sellers. Despite having active listings fall 14% year over year for all properties, we have now seen the median sales price slip 2.1%. This may not seem like it is substantial, and maybe it isn’t, but the trend continues, and housing corrections take time, so it is worth noting. Average days on the market increased 70% on single-family/patio homes and was up 133% on townhomes. The total number of units sold saw a decrease of 22.7%.

 “What we don’t see in these numbers are the homes not selling, owners who could not sell, or the buyers who could not buy. Weekly we receive 5-10 inquiries now for property management because a seller cannot sell. When we talk to them, 50% of those would-be landlords will be upside down on the rent plus costs vs their payment. So, despite the above numbers showing values dropping 2.1%, we have owners upside down on home mortgages and cannot sell. That is new, and something we have not seen for many years. 

 “Nationally, the Federal Reserve met at Jackson Hole. Fed Chair Powell has stated that they are watching the inflation numbers closely. He did not close the door to another increase in rates. Also, in August we saw a slight uptick on nonfarm unemployment payroll from 3.6-3.8%. Job openings also shrank. Both of these are statistics the FED will continue to watch as they move forward. August also saw the 10-year yield stay elevated. That translated to higher mortgage rates and the lowest demand for mortgages since 1996. We are now in the most unaffordable housing market since 1984. 

 “As we move into September you can feel a fall in the air for housing. As leaves begin to fall, homes are sitting on the market longer and sellers are dropping prices. Interest rate buy-downs are being offered by builders struggling to move inventory. And despite low inventory, average days on the market continue to increase. Buyer demand is quite weak and many buyers are now saving money by renting vs. buying. In many areas, people can save $500-$1000 a month by renting instead of buying a similar house on the same street. It is hard to argue that kind of savings in an economy that also saw credit card delinquencies rise, consumer savings drop, and automobile payment delinquencies rise. Add to that student loans begin again in October with an average payment of $200 per month. Winter could prove to be a struggle if rates stay elevated. The banking industry also continues to struggle with deposit flight, and elevated corporate bankruptcies. We will watch the data as we move from fall to winter and see where it takes us,” said Colorado Springs-area REALTOR® Patrick Muldoon.

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Patrick Muldoon

I have many interests and hobbies to supplement my busy career in real estate. Although I enjoy my work I also enjoy finding free time to enjoy the most important things in life. This includes being w....

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