Market NewsMatthew Gardner September 26, 2022

Are We in a Housing Recession?

This video is the latest in our Monday with Matthew series with Windermere Chief Economist Matthew Gardner. Each month, he analyzes the most up-to-date U.S. housing data to keep you well-informed about what’s going on in the real estate market.


 


Hello there, I’m Windermere’s Chief Economist Matthew Gardner and welcome to this month’s episode of Monday with Matthew. A little while ago, a housing analyst was being interviewed about the current state of the residential market and they suggested that the country is in a “housing recession.” Well, needless to say, this got a lot of attention from the media and the public at large—for obvious reasons.

Any time the word “recession” is mentioned we almost subliminally cast our minds back to 2007. And when the word “recession” is combined with the word “housing,” then panic starts to set in with flashbacks of headlines about burgeoning housing supply, plummeting home prices, and surging foreclosures.

As this is a topic being discussed by many across the country right now, I wanted to share with you my opinion as to whether the phrase “housing recession” is an appropriate one when describing today’s market.

So, what is a recession? To answer this, I will turn to my trusted Oxford English Dictionary, and this is how they describe that word.

Definition of a Recession

A slide showing two definitions of the word "recession" from the Oxford English Dictionary. The first definition is for both countable and uncountable contexts, which defines a recession as quote a difficult time for the economy of a country, when there is less trade and industrial activity than usual and more people are unemployed end quote. The second definition is the more formal of the two, applicable in uncountable contexts. The definition reads quote the movement backward of something from a previous position end quote.

Image Source: Matthew Gardner

 

Recession:

  • a difficult time for the economy of a country, when there is less trade and industrial activity than usual, and more people are unemployed
  • the movement backward of something from a previous position

Well, how do we use these definitions when it comes to the ownership housing market?

I guess that “less trade” could mean lower sales and we have certainly seen sales pull back. “Movement backward” could be how someone might describe the fact that sale prices have been pulling back in many markets across the country.

But although some may say that we really are in a housing recession given the definition of the word, is it really accurate? Are we are inextricably headed down a road that leads to the bursting of some sort of bubble as we all remember from 2007? I don’t believe we are. To explain my thinking let’s start out by looking at housing supply.

Inventory of Homes for Sale

A line graph titled "Inventory of Homes for Sale," showing the months January 2021 through July 2022 on the x-axis and numbers in millions on the y-axis ranging from 0.8 to 1.3. The graph shows that listing activity has risen from an all-time low of 900,000 during February 2022 to over 1.2 million units in July 2022—a 35.6% increase. Between January 2021 and October 2021, inventory ranged between 1.1 and 1.2 million before plummeting steadily toward the all-time low of 900,000 in February. Since then, inventory has rebounded to over 1.2 million again almost as quickly as it dropped.

Image Source: Matthew Gardner

 

Yes, listing activity is up—can’t argue with that—with the number of resale homes for sale jumping by more than a third from the start of this year. But there’s more to it than that. You see, we have to look a little further back to better understand what’s really going on.

And to do this, let’s check out the number of homes for sale during the first seven months of this year and compare those numbers to the same periods in 2018 through 2021.

Active Listings By Month

A multi-line graph titled "Active Listings by Month" showing the number of active listings for the years 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021, and 2022. The x-axis contains the months January through July, and the y-axis shows the number of listings ranging from 600,000 to two million. Overall, the graph indicates that listings remain well below the long-term average, and that the number of homes for sale in July 2022 exactly matches that of July 2021. 2022's January value is the lowest of the selected years, followed in order by 2021, 2020, 2018, and 2019. 2019 began the year with around 1.6 million active listings. In short, the July numbers show that there were hundreds of thousands more active listings in 2018 and 2019 than 2020 through 2022.

Image Source: Matthew Gardner

 

I don’t know about you, but this doesn’t look like a chart showing a massively oversupplied market! The number of homes for sale in July of this year was almost exactly the same as we saw last July and is still well below the levels seen in 2018, 2019, or 2020.

Sure, listings are up. But are we at levels that will cause prices to tumble? Remember that it was a massive increase in the number of homes for sale that led to the housing bubble bursting back in 2007. Listings peaked at almost 3.9 million units in 2006; but today there are 2.6 million fewer units on the market than we saw back then. Now that we’ve seen that supply isn’t at concerning levels, let’s look at demand.

Existing Home Sales

A line graph titled "Existing Home Sales." The x-axis shows every other month from January 2020 to July 2022, and the y-axis shows numbers in millions ranging from 0 to 7.0. Overall, the graph shows that, although they remain higher than the levels we saw at the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, home sales have been falling since January 2022. Home sales dipped sharply in March 2020 due to the onset of the pandemic, going from above 5 million to 4 million. By September 2020, existing home sales rose above 6 million, and hovered around that mark until January 2022. In July 2022, existing home sales dipped below 5 million again.

Image Source: Matthew Gardner

 

This chart doesn’t look too good. On an annualized basis, sales have been pulling back since the start of the year but that’s not the full story. Let’s look at this in a slightly different way.

Year-to-Date Sales

A multi-bar chart titled "Year-to-Date Sales" showing non-seasonally adjusted and seasonally adjusted sales for the past five years. The years 2018 through 2022 are represented on the x-axis, while the y-axis shows numbers in millions ranging from 0 to 4.0. 2022 year-to-date sales are lower than they were last year, but unadjusted for seasonality, year-to-date sales are higher than 2019 or 2020. And when adjusted for seasonal shifts, 2022's year-to-date sales are higher than 2018, 2019, and 2020. 2021 has the highest year-to-date sales totals, with both non- and seasonally adjusted sales figures right around 3.5 million.

Image Source: Matthew Gardner

 

The bars here show year-to-date sales through July—both adjusted and unadjusted for seasonality—and although unadjusted sales so far this year are lower than we saw during the first seven months of 2021, they are at about the same level as we saw in 2018 and are higher than in 2019 or 2020.

But when we adjust the monthly sales data for seasonality, year-to-date sales in 2022 were higher than all years shown here other than 2021.

So, although sales have fallen, it appears to me that we are heading back to a more realistic market rather than one that is hemorrhaging. Yet another indicator we need to consider when examining the market for evidence of some sort of recession are months of inventory , which shows how long it would take to sell every home for sale using the current monthly sales pace.

Months of Inventory

A line graph titled "Months of Inventory," which reflects how long it would take every home on the market to sell given the current housing market conditions. The x-axis displays the months January 2021 through July 2022, and the y-axis shows the number of months ranging from 0 to 3.5. The chart shows a figure of 3.3 months of inventory for July, indicating a seller's market. A balanced market is 4 to 6 months of inventory. From January 2021 to August 2021, months of inventory rose from below 2.0 to above 2.5, then dipped to just above 1.5 in January 2022. Since then, months of inventory has steadily risen to the 3.3-month figure in July 2022.

Image Source: Matthew Gardner

 

This graph shows that it would take three months to sell every home on the market given the sales we saw in July. That is quite a jump from the January pace but, again, perspective is everything.

Months of Inventory: Seller’s Market

A line graph titled "Months of Inventory," which presents an expanded view of inventory dating back to the year 2000. The x-axis shows the years 2000 through 2022, and the y-axis shows the months of inventory ranging from 0 to 13. The graph shows that as of 2022, we are still in a seller's market, even though listings have risen and sales have slowed. A balanced market—marked by 4-6 months inventory—is still not present. From 2000 to early 2006, the housing market stayed below 6, then leapt up to roughly 10 months by 2008. The highest months of inventory displayed is 13 between 2010 and 2011. Since then, the overall direction of the chart has trended downwards, with the lowest figure—below 2 months of inventory—appearing in late 2021/early 2022.

Image Source: Matthew Gardner

 

At three months, it is still a seller’s market. It’s generally accepted that the definition of a seller’s market is any number below four months; a balanced market is four to six months of inventory, and a buyer’s market is when the month of inventory is above six.

And a simple bit of math shows us that, for the market to shift from favoring sellers to favoring buyers, the number of homes for sale must break above two million—which we haven’t seen since 2015—and monthly sales would have to drop to below 300,000. We’ve only seen that happen three times in history: November 2008, and again in July and August of 2010.

Yes, listings are up, and sales are down. There’s no denying it. But, again, does the data justify the term recession? My answer would be no. But, if you’re still not convinced, let’s turn our attention to sale prices. I think that might help make things even clearer.

Median U.S. Existing Home Price

A line graph titled "Median U.S. Existing Home Price." It shows home sale price figures (displayed on the y-axis from $100,000 to $450,000) for the months January and July from 2012 through 2022 (displayed on the x-axis). a solid line tracks the median home price, showing a gradual increase over time from roughly $150,000 in January 2012 to over $400,000 in July 2022. A dotted line runs through the middle of the undulations in the solid line, following the same upward trend from 2012 through the end of 2020. But during early 2021, the solid line breaks away from the trend line, which reflects the historically low levels of mortgage rates at that time. Sale prices are starting to pull back, given the affordability constraints and high financing costs in the housing market status quo. Windermere Chief Economist Matthew Gardner expects this pull-back of prices to continue.

Image Source: Matthew Gardner

 

The solid line represents the median sale prices of homes over time and the dotted line shows the trend. You can clearly see that we started breaking away from the trend line in early 2021 and that’s not at all surprising as it started the month after mortgage rates hit their historic all-time low.

But today’s financing costs are significantly higher, and prices have started to slide. Although I certainly expect that we will see sale prices fall further, it appears to me as if they are simply moving back to the long-term trend, and not collapsing.

Mortgage Rate Forecasts

A multi-bar chart titled "Mortgage Rate Forecasts" showing how several institutions foresee mortgage rates in 2023. The chart shows Fannie Mae's 2023 prediction of 4.5%, followed by Freddie Mac's 5.1%, Mortgage Bankers Association's (MBA) 4.9%, 6.0% for the National Association of REALTORS® (NAR), 5.3% for Wells Fargo, and Matthew's forecast of 5.3%. Overall, rates remain higher than buyers are used to, but will not get close to the long-term average of 7.5%. It is generally accepted that mortgage rates are likely to start pulling back modestly in 2023.

Image Source: Matthew Gardner

 

With mortgage rates doubling from their 2021 lows, downward pressure on sale price was to be expected. But will they—as some think—rise to a level that will cause home prices to plummet? To answer that, here are the forecasts of several associations. You’ll see that all, bar the National Association of Realtors and Freddie Mac, see rates pulling back—albeit modestly—in 2023.

Of course, all these are annual averages and today’s rates are higher with the latest Freddie Mac data showing the average 30-year fixed rate above 6%—a level we haven’t seen since 2008.

However, economists including myself find it unlikely that rates will continue rising significantly from where they are today. The mortgage market is certainly in a bit of disarray right now with the yield curve inverting, but that should correct itself by early next year and that’s why we generally expect rates to start pulling back from their current levels by the start of 2023.

But if rising rates are triggering memories of 2008, you wouldn’t be alone. There are some expecting that the spike in rates will trigger a surge in foreclosures and that will doom the market. But as you see here, although foreclosure filings have certainly risen, they are still remarkably low compared to historic standards.

U.S. Foreclosure Filings

A bar graph titled "U.S. Foreclosure Filings" showing the number of home foreclosures (displayed on the y-axis from 0 to 250,000) in the U.S. from Q1 2017 to Q2 2022 (displayed on the y-axis). From Q1 2017 to Q2 2019, U.S. foreclosures remained above 150,000. Between Q1 and Q2 2020, foreclosures dropped from just below 150,000 to well below 50,000. This figure dropped further in Q3 2020 but has increased every quarter since. Windermere Chief Economist Matthew Gardner opines that this increasing trend of foreclosures is not concerning, since it does not yet represent a level of foreclosures sufficient to create an oversupply in the market.

Image Source: Matthew Gardner

 

In the second quarter, newly delinquent mortgages represented just 1.9% of all mortgages outstanding1 and that’s the lowest share the market has seen since 2006. Although I do expect the number of homes being foreclosed on will rise as we move into 2023, I just don’t see it getting to the levels necessary to materially impact the market. And a big part of the reasoning behind my thinking is this:

Equity Rich Households (Q2 2022)

A slide titled "Equity Rich Households (Q2 2022)" showing a map of the United States where each state's equity rich household percentage is displayed. "Equity rich" in this context signifies people with a mortgage that are sitting on more than 50% equity. The highest equity-rich state in the country is Vermont at 71.4%, followed by Idaho at 69.5%, and Arizona at 64.8%. The least equity rich state in the country is Louisiana at 23.4%, followed by Illinois at 25.4%, and Alaska at 26.7%.

Image Source: Matthew Gardner

 

In the second quarter of 2022, over 48% of homeowners with a mortgage were sitting on more than 50% equity.

Simply put, for enough homeowners to be put in a negative equity situation that would lead them to enter foreclosure and materially damage the market, home prices across the country would have to fall by a percentage greater than we saw during the market crash. And I just don’t see this happening.

The word “recession” has many connotations, and when it’s used to describe the housing market, it can engender a significant level of panic. So, I will ask you all. Given the data I have showed you today, do you think that we are in a housing recession?

Yes, supply levels have risen. But they are still relatively low when compared to historic averages and with builders slowing construction activity to a crawl, it’s unlikely that housing supply will grow much organically. Over the longer term, I believe that the supply of resale homes for sale will remain below historic averages. I say this for one simple reason: mortgage rates.

In 2020, a record number of households refinanced their homes to take advantage of the mortgage rates that had been plummeting. And in 2021, over six million home buyers got mortgages with rates averaging below 3%.

I would suggest to you that we will not see the number of homes for sale even get back to normalized levels in the mid-term, as many potential sellers will decide not to sell, because if they did, they would lose the never seen before and likely never to be seen again mortgage rate that they currently have.

Of course, there will be sellers who have to move because of factors such as job relocation, death, or divorce, but I would contend that listing activity may well be tight for a long time. And if supply remains below the level of demand, the market is further protected.

And as far as demand goes, let’s not forget that the age makeup of the country suggests that we will see a lot more potential buyers as Millennials and Generation Z mature, with current numbers suggesting significant buyer demand for the next two decades.

As for sale prices, I still believe (as do almost all economists) that the median home price next year will be higher than we will see this year, but a very significant drop in the pace of sales growth is likely as we trend down to historic averages.

Of course, all real estate is local and there are markets across the country that will see prices drop in absolute terms. But even in the most highly susceptible markets, it will be a temporary phenomenon. By 2024, homeowners in these markets will see the value of their homes start to rise again.

I’m going to leave you with my quote to describe today’s market today and it’s that we are in a “housing reversion,” NOT a housing recession.

As always, I’d love to hear your comments on my thoughts so feel free to reach out. In the meantime, stay safe out there and I’ll see you all again next month.

 

1: New York Fed Quarterly Report on Household Debt and Credit


About Matthew Gardner

As Chief Economist for Windermere Real Estate, Matthew Gardner is responsible for analyzing and interpreting economic data and its impact on the real estate market on both a local and national level. Matthew has over 30 years of professional experience both in the U.S. and U.K.

In addition to his day-to-day responsibilities, Matthew sits on the Washington State Governors Council of Economic Advisors; chairs the Board of Trustees at the Washington Center for Real Estate Research at the University of Washington; and is an Advisory Board Member at the Runstad Center for Real Estate Studies at the University of Washington where he also lectures in real estate economics.

Windermere Community September 12, 2022

Windermere Partners with Seattle Seahawks for 7th Season of #TackleHomelessness

With the dawn of a new football season comes the opportunity to give back to our community. As the “Official Real Estate Company of the Seattle Seahawks,” all of us at Windermere look forward to partnering with the team for the seventh season of #TackleHomelessness. For every defensive tackle made in a home game this season, we’ll donate $100 to Mary’s Place, a Seattle-based non-profit dedicated to helping local children and families on their journey out of homelessness.

The Windermere Foundation and Mary’s Place share a common mission to end homelessness, and it’s partnerships like #TackleHomelessness that help to further that mission in our communities. Last year, the Seahawks’ defensive efforts raised $35,800 for Mary’s Place, pushing the #TackleHomelessness six-season total to $196,100.

Since 1989, the Windermere Foundation has raised over $47 million for homeless children and families in our communities. We’ve set our sights on reaching $50 million in total donations this year in honor of our company’s 50th anniversary, and we look forward to cheering on the Seahawks this year as we work toward our goal. Keep up with our progress this season by following us on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, and Instagram.

 

A graphic of the Seattle Seahawks 2022-2023 schedule

Image Source: Windermere Services Company

 

To learn more about the Windermere Foundation or to make a donation, please visit windermerefoundation.com.

Seller September 6, 2022

Moving Checklist: A Step-by-Step Guide to the Moving Process

Once you and your agent work through the process of selling your home, there comes a point when it’s time to switch gears and get ready to move. It can be difficult to juggle the various steps of the moving process, especially if you’re Buying and Selling a Home at the Same Time. Using a moving checklist will help you stay organized and on schedule throughout your moving timeline.

Moving Checklist: A Step-by-Step Guide to the Moving Process

We’ve included a comprehensive checklist below of all the steps you’ll need to complete to ensure a smooth, successful move. This list is also available as an interactive web page and downloadable PDF here: Moving Checklist

Twelve Weeks Before:

  • Get estimates from professional movers or truck rental companies if needed.
  • Once you’ve selected a mover, discuss insurance, packing, loading and delivery, and the claims procedure.

Six to Eight Weeks Before:

  • Use up things that may be difficult to move, such as frozen food.
  • Sort through your possessions. Decide what you want to keep, what you want to sell, and what you wish to donate to charity.
  • Record serial numbers on electronic equipment, take photos (or video) of all your belongings and create an inventory list.
  • If you are moving yourself, use your inventory list to determine how many boxes you will need. Stock up on the items you’ll need from our “Moving Essentials” list.
  • Obtain a change of address packet from the post office and send it to creditors, magazine subscription offices, and catalog vendors.
  • Discuss tax-deductible moving expenses with your accountant and begin keeping accurate records.
  • If you’re moving to a new community, contact the Chamber of Commerce and school district and request information about services.
  • Make reservations with airlines, hotels, and car rental agencies, if needed.
  • Begin packing nonessential items.

Two to Four Weeks Before:

  • Arrange for storage, if needed.
  • If you have items you don’t want to pack and move, hold a yard sale.
  • Update the address listed on your car registration, license, and insurance.
  • Transfer your bank accounts and safe-deposit box items to new branch locations if needed. Cancel or redirect any direct deposit or automatic payments from your accounts.
  • Make special arrangements to move your pets and consult your veterinarian about ways to make travel comfortable for them.
  • Have your car checked and serviced if you’ll need to drive it a long distance.
  • Change your utilities, including phone, power, and water, from your old address to your new address.

Week of Moving Day:

  • Defrost your refrigerator and freezer.
  • Have movers pack your belongings.
  • Label each box with the contents and the room where you want it to be delivered.
  • If you’re using a moving company, arrange to pay for their services in full, or the remainder of what you owe, upon delivery.
  • Set aside legal documents and valuables that you do not want packed.
  • Pack clothing and toiletries, along with extra clothes in case the moving company is delayed.
  • Give your travel itinerary to a close friend or relative so they can reach you as needed.
  • Pack a first-day box with items that you’ll want accessible before other boxes are unpacked. See our list of suggested items on the right and add any others you’ll want to include.

Moving Day: 

Old Home

  • Pick up the truck as early as possible if you are moving yourself.
  • Make a list of every item and box loaded on the truck.
  • Let the mover know how to reach you.
  • Double-check your closets, cupboards, attic, basement, yard, and garage for any left-behind items.

New Home

  • Be on hand at the new home to answer questions and give instructions to the mover.
  • Check off boxes and items as they come off the truck.
  • Install new locks.
  • Confirm that the utilities have been turned on and are ready for use.
  • Unpack your first-day box.
  • Unpack your children’s toys and find a safe place for them to play.
  • Examine your goods for damage.

 

Our Moving Checklist page has all the information above, plus helpful lists for Moving Essentials and which items to pack in your First-Day Box available as a downloadable PDF.

Market NewsMatthew Gardner August 29, 2022

The Continued Decline of the Housing Market Index

This video is the latest in our Monday with Matthew series with Windermere Chief Economist Matthew Gardner. Each month, he analyzes the most up-to-date U.S. housing data to keep you well-informed about what’s going on in the real estate market.


 

 


Hello there, I’m Windermere’s Chief Economist Matthew Gardner and welcome to this month’s episode of Monday with Matthew. Today we are going to take a look at the new home market where headwinds are certainly growing. And the reason this particular subject piqued my interest was that the National Association of Home Builders just released their Housing Market Index for August, and the numbers were certainly eye-opening.

Now, for those of you who may not be particularly familiar with this index, it is based on a survey of home builders which asks them to give their opinions on the single-family home market and asks them to rate current market conditions for the sale of homes today as well as in six months’ time. It also asks their opinion regarding foot traffic of prospective buyers to their new home communities.

NAHB Housing Market Index

A line graph titled "NAHB Housing Market Index." It shows the falling confidence of U.S. home builder in the Housing Market Index, which measures their perspective of current market conditions for the sale of new homes. The x-axis spans from January 2020 to August 2022. August's figure of 49 represents the eight consecutive drop in the index, and is the first time we've seen a number below 50 since May of 2020.

 

And as you can see, the headline index level fell six points to 49. The drop in August marked the eighth consecutive monthly decline for the Housing Market Index. It was also notable because it was the first time since May of 2020 that the index has dropped below the key 50 breakeven level. This is significant, as it tells us that today more home builders currently rate sales conditions as poor than good.

Now, while the August number was certainly lower than some economists had forecast, I was actually not too surprised as builders have been reporting a spike in cancelled contracts recently. In fact, a report I just read that was put out by John Burns Consulting suggested that the cancellations have more than doubled since April with 17.6% of buyers pulling out of their purchases in July. That compares to 8% in April and 7 ½% a year ago.

Housing Market Index Components

A multi-line graph titled "HMI Components." This chart shows the components behind home builder's falling confidence in the current market, displayed in the Housing Market Index. The three components displayed here are present single-family home sales, expectations (future sales), and traffic. All three are at their lowest levels since May 2020. Of the chart, Matthew Gardner says, "the present sales index fell seven points to 57 but is still above the breakeven point. The future sales series fell two points to 47, while prospective buyer traffic fell five points to 32 which, if we exclude the pandemic, represents the lowest index level since April of 2014."

 

This chart shows a breakdown of three components of the Housing Market Index which are all at their lowest levels since May of 2020, which was just before housing activity rebounded following the lockdown due to COVID-19.

  • The present sales index fell seven points to 57 but is still above the breakeven point
  • The future sales series fell two points to 47
  • Prospective buyer traffic fell five points to 32 which, if we exclude the pandemic, represents the lowest index level since April of 2014

I find this index has a very strong correlation with new home sales, but I also use it as a pretty reliable leading indicator when it comes to single-family housing starts. I’ll get to that shortly. The survey also stated that one in five builders had reduced prices in August. That might help to explain the 10-point spread between builders’ perception of current versus future sales. But there are limits on home builders’ ability to keep cutting prices in order to support sales. This has become a significant issue because many of them are currently holding a large stock of inventory.

New Homes for Sale

A bar graph titled "New Homes for Sale." It shows inventory levels for the period January 2020 through June 2022. Listings have risen 32.1% year over year, and are up 16% since the start of the year. Of the homes currently for sale, 67% are under construction, 24% have yet to break ground, and 95 are ready to occupy. The y-axis displays the number of new homes for sale in the thousands. June 2022 has the highest value on the chart, with an inventory level just above 450,000.

 

Here is what current inventory levels look like. Although you might think that it’s not that bad given that only 9% of available homes are finished are ready to move into, I would tell you that builders incur costs every day that a home is not sold, even if that home has yet to be built. And with inventory at a level not seen since 2008, I’m sure there are a lot of builders not sleeping too well right now.

I would add that by the time the above video is released, the July new home sales report will have been published. I can almost guarantee that the number of homes for sale will have grown further.

New Home Sales

A bar graph titled "New Home Sales." When taken in context of the "New Homes for Sale" chart mentioned earlier in this month's episode, Matthew Gardner is showing a decline in the pace of sales activity. Sales fell by over 8% month over month in June 2022, and are 17.4% lower than a year ago. On an adjusted basis, monthly sales were the lowest seen since before the pandemic.

 

Higher inventory levels are due to slower sales activity, which is continuing to decline. Sales are 17% lower than a year ago. With more homes for sale and lower transactions, it would now take more than nine months to absorb all available homes using the current sales pace. I would also tell you that the last time months of supply broke above nine was all the way back in 2010.

  • It’s my forecast that sales in July will have dropped from the annualized rate of 590,000 shown in the chart above to somewhere between 570,000 and 580,000.

U.S. Single-Family Housing Starts

A chart titled "U.S. Single Family Housing Starts." It shows the number of new home starts from January 2019 to July 2022. The most recent figures show starts have fallen 18.5% year over year. As Matthew Gardner explains, "With fewer buyers and rising inventory levels, builders have pulled back significantly. The number of building permits issues is 11.7% lower than a year ago."

 

With high supply levels and lower sales, it’s not at all surprising to see builders hitting the brakes, with new home starts falling by 10.1% between June and July of this year. Starts are down by 18 ½% from a year ago. Starts have dropped on a sequential basis for five consecutive months now, and I am afraid that they will drop further before finding a bottom.

So, what’s the bottom line here? Well, there are several issues I see, the first of which is affordability. Home prices have been spiraling upward since the start of the pandemic not only because mortgage rates dropped, but construction costs started jumping and builders had to charge more for a home.

Builders saw prices rise by almost 18% last year. This had already taken a significant toll on affordability even before the mortgage rates spike we saw earlier this year. The upshot, as I see it, is that tighter monetary policy from the Fed, in concert with construction costs that remain well above normal levels, has hit builders and hit them hard. Of course, they are doing their best to address the situation by slowing construction activity significantly, but I think that they are going to have a pretty rough time for the next several months.

Ultimately, I see little option for home builders other than lowering prices further, especially now that they are competing with rising inventories in the resale market. I also believe that there are buyers out there waiting patiently on the sidelines for prices to drop in the coming months as they know that builders at some point have to solve the current supply demand imbalance and lowering prices is the easiest way of doing this. Last month the average price drop was 5%, but this is very likely to increase as we move toward the fall.

Will builders get through the situation they find themselves in? I believe that they will. And there are some glimmers of light out there with inflation appearing to be peaking, interest rates are, if not dropping, then certainly stabilizing, and this will help.

Builders also understand that the country has a significant housing shortage. In fact, a recent report published by “Up For Growth” suggested that we have a housing shortage today of around 3.8 million homes. Although this includes rental and ownership housing, some basic math tells me that there is a need today for around 2.5 million new owner-occupied homes. So, light is definitely at the end of the tunnel, but there is a way to go before they get out of it.

And there you have it. I hope that you’ve found my thoughts on this topic of interest. As always, if you have any questions or comments about the current new home environment, please do reach out to me. In the meantime, stay safe out there and I look forward to visiting with you all again next month.

Bye now.


About Matthew Gardner

As Chief Economist for Windermere Real Estate, Matthew Gardner is responsible for analyzing and interpreting economic data and its impact on the real estate market on both a local and national level. Matthew has over 30 years of professional experience both in the U.S. and U.K.

In addition to his day-to-day responsibilities, Matthew sits on the Washington State Governors Council of Economic Advisors; chairs the Board of Trustees at the Washington Center for Real Estate Research at the University of Washington; and is an Advisory Board Member at the Runstad Center for Real Estate Studies at the University of Washington where he also lectures in real estate economics.

Design August 14, 2022

What is Mid-Century Modern Architecture?

The mid-century modern movement’s impact on design reaches far and wide. Whether it’s graphic design, architecture, interior design, product development or elsewhere, we see traces of its influence in countless aspects of everyday life today. Mid-century modern homes are known for their signature look and stylistic appeal. Here’s a short guide to understanding the characteristics behind mid-century modern architecture.

Mid-Century Modern Design

Yes, mid-century modern interior design and mid-century modern architecture are two separate things. The interior design style emphasizes clean lines and minimal decoration, the use of natural elements as accents, and a base of neutral colors for decorating. MCM interior design can exist in any type of home regardless of its architectural style, and is often a popular source of inspiration for decorators fond of vintage elements and popular mid-century furniture pieces such as credenzas, teak desks, Eames chairs, etc.

What is Mid-Century Modern Architecture?

Mid-century modern architecture is the exterior counterpart of its interior design branch. Fueled by a massive need for suburban homes throughout the Unites States in the post-World War II era, the stage was set for mid-century modern’s introduction to the masses. Some of the greatest minds in modern architectural history helped develop and proliferate its presence in society, including Ludwig Mies van der Rohe and Frank Lloyd Wright. Though you’ll find unique variations within mid-century modern, there are certain tenets of the architectural style.

  • Mid-century modern homes have flat roofs with straight lines. This clean geometric approach in roof design is part of a larger philosophical ideal that these homes should blend in with their outdoor environments, thereby working in harmony with nature.
  • Glass is used heavily, and floor-to-ceiling windows are a common feature, especially in the living room.
  • The minimalist approach to exterior design is showcased in the easy access to outdoor spaces and the fact that mid-century modern homes are often one-story buildings.
  • The open spaces created by this architectural style allow for intentional decorating and the use of color splashes to bring energy into them. Mid-century modern interiors often incorporate vibrant, warm colors on top of a calmer, neutral foundation.
Windermere Community July 31, 2022

Windermere Foundation Surpasses $1.5 Million Raised in 2022

After setting a goal to reach $50 million in total donations in honor of Windermere’s 50th anniversary, the Windermere Foundation is getting closer to reaching that goal thanks to the $1.5 million that has been raised so far this year. After ending last year with a grand total of over $46 million in donations, that leaves roughly $2.5 million to hit our goal by the end of 2022. Here are some recent examples of how our offices have been raising money and helping low-income and homeless families in their communities via the Windermere Foundation.

Windermere Wedgwood

The Windermere Wedgwood office was inspired to support Lutheran Community Services—a local response organization helping refugees to find stability in the Pacific Northwest—after learning that they needed help raising money to support incoming families of Afghan refugees. After discussing the situation with Windermere Foundation Representatives from the Northgate, Sand Point, Madison Park, Eastlake, and Ballard offices, they got to work spreading the news and gathering donations. Support poured in, and when a check for $15,125 was presented to LCS, there were tears of joy.

Windermere Coast Offices

For the past ten years, the Windermere Coast offices of Gearhart and Cannon Beach, Oregon have participated in the Autism Society of Oregon – Clatsop Chapter’s 5k race/fundraising event “Color the Coast for Autism” as a way to support families with children on the autism spectrum. This year not only did the offices participate and donate $1,000, but they placed well in the race, too! Agent Katy Walstra Smith came in first place for the 5k relay, with two other agents placing inside the top 20.

 

Agents from the Windermere Oregon Coast Offices and reps from the Autism Society of Oregon Clatsop County Chapter hold up a donation check for one thousand dollars

Pictured L to R: Dennis O’Reilly, Cynthia O’Reilly, Katy Walstra Smith, Pam Ackley, Tobi Rates, and Brandi Lindstrom – Image Source: Pam Ackley

 

Windermere West Campus

Observed in April, Sexual Assault Awareness Month (SAAM) is an annual campaign to raise public awareness about sexual assault and educate communities and individuals on how to prevent sexual violence. Windermere West Campus of Federal Way, Washington directed their recent Windermere Foundation efforts toward supporting the King County Sexual Assault Resource Center by donating $1,500 to support the center’s family service programs.

Windermere Bozeman-Downtown

The Windermere Bozeman-Downtown office continues to support and spread goodwill throughout the Bozeman community. In April, they hosted a Windermere Week of Giving for five local organizations that resulted in $1,000 donations to each.

Their donation to Thrive will go toward hiring mentors for two children for an entire school year. The funds allocated to Eagle Mount paid for some of the production costs for their largest annual fundraiser, which the Bozeman staff helped put on during Community Service Day 2022. Their donation to Haven will be used to provide resources to victims of domestic and/or sexual abuse. Family Promise plans to use the funds to support families experiencing homelessness in Gallatin County. And the donations to HRDC will go toward the establishment of a new facility to provide resources and solutions to people experiencing poverty in the area.

 

Three agents from Windermere Bozeman and two reps from Eagle Mount hold up a donation check for one thousand dollars

Pictured L to R: Aidan Young, Kelly Martin, Mike Stem, Andrew Flakker, Natalie McDonald – Image Source: Natalie McDonald

 

Three agents from Windermere Bozeman and a rep from Haven hold up a donation check for one thousand dollars

Pictured L to R: Kim Stevens, Erica Coyle, Kevin Schwartz, Bobby Goodman

 

Windermere Mercer Island 

Every year, the Windermere Mercer Island office hosts a shredding event which draws crowds of clients and community members alike. This year, they hired a local shredding company to bring a truck to the office parking lot and invited the community to safely and securely shred their old documents while getting a chance to meet some of their fellow community members. The event also served as a platform to collect donations for and raise awareness about the Windermere Foundation’s 50 in 50 campaign.

Windermere Walla Walla

In May, Windermere Walla Walla held a cartoon-themed bowling night to raise money for the local YWCA, the Christian Aid Center, and Children’s Home Society. Agents, staff, and community members came dressed as cartoon characters of all kinds, which made for a colorful and lively scene at the local bowling alley. All in all, Walla Walla collected a whopping $10,000 to support the YWCA’s resources for local women in need, the Children’s Home Society’s child and family counseling, and the Christian Aid Center’s efforts to provide emergency shelter for the Walla Walla homeless population.

 

Two adult men dressed as cartoon characters for a bowling fundraiser event

From left: Casey Waddell & Toby Swank

 

To learn more about the Windermere Foundation, visit windermerefoundation.com.

Market NewsMatthew GardnerRegional Market Report July 28, 2022

Q2 2022 Western Washington Real Estate Market Update

The following analysis of select counties of the Western Washington real estate market is provided by Windermere Real Estate Chief Economist Matthew Gardner. We hope that this information may assist you with making better-informed real estate decisions. For further information about the housing market in your area, please don’t hesitate to contact your Windermere Real Estate agent.

 

Regional Economic Overview

The most recent employment data (from May) showed that all but 2,800 of the jobs lost during the pandemic have been recovered. More than eight of the counties contained in this report show employment levels higher than they were before COVID-19 hit. The regional unemployment rate fell to 4.5% from 5.2% in March, with total unemployment back to pre-pandemic levels. For the time being, the local economy appears to be in pretty good shape. Though some are suggesting we are about to enter a recession, I am not seeing it in the numbers given rising employment and solid income growth.

Western Washington Home Sales

❱ In the second quarter of 2022, 23,005 homes sold, representing a drop of 11% from the same period a year ago, but up by a significant 52% from the first quarter of this year.

❱ Sales rose in Grays Harbor County compared to a year ago but fell across the balance of the region. The spring market, however, was very robust, likely due to growing inventory levels and buyers trying to get ahead of rising mortgage rates.

❱ Second quarter growth in listing activity was palpable: 175% more homes were listed than during the first quarter and 61.98% more than a year ago.

❱ Pending sales outpaced listings by a factor of 3:1. This is down from the prior year but only because of the additional supply that came to market.

A bar graph showing the annual change in home sales for various counties in Western Washington from Q2 2021 to Q2 2022. The only county with a positive percentage year-over-year change is Gray Harbor County at 4.9%. All other counties show a negative year-over-year change Here are the totals: Skagit -0.6%, Lewis -1.1%, Kitsap -1.3%, Cowlitz -5.4%, Clallam -5.8%, Jefferson -6.6%, Whatcom -6.7%, Thurston -7.3%, Snohomish -8.4%, Pierce -10.2%, Island -11.3%, Mason -11.7%, King -15.8%, and San Juan -38.2%.

Western Washington Home Prices

❱ Even in the face of rising mortgage rates, home prices continue to rise at a well-above-average pace, with average prices up 13.3% year over year to $830,941.

❱ I have been watching list prices as they are a leading indicator of the health of the housing market. Thus far, despite rising mortgage rates and inventory levels, sellers remain confident. This is reflected in rising median list prices in all but three counties compared to the previous quarter. They were lower in San Juan, Island, and Jefferson counties.

❱ Prices rose by double digits in all but four counties. Snohomish, Grays Harbor, Mason, and Thurston counties saw significant growth.

❱ List prices and supply are both trending higher, but this has yet to slow price growth significantly. I believe we will see the pace of appreciation start to slow, but not yet.

A map showing the real estate home prices percentage changes for various counties in Western Washington. Different colors correspond to different tiers of percentage change. San Juan County is the only county with a percentage change in the 5% to 7.9% range, Skagit, Lewis, and Cowlitz counties are in the 8% to 10.9% change range, Clallam, Jefferson, Kitsap, and Pierce are in the 11% to 13.9 % change range, King and Whatcom counties are in the 14% to 16.9% change range, and Grays Harbor, Mason, Thurston, and Snohomish counties are in the 17% + range.

A bar graph showing the annual change in home sale prices for various counties in Western Washington from Q2 2021 to Q2 2022. Snohomish county tops the list at 20.6%, followed by Grays Harbor at 18.9%, Mason at 18.4%, Thurston at 17.4%, Whatcom at 16.3%, King at 14.3%, Kitsap at 13.8%, Jefferson at 13.6%, Pierce at 13%, Clallam at 12.7%, Skagit at 10.8%, Lewis at 9.1%, Cowlitz at 8.9%, Island at 8.6%, and finally San Juan at 5.6%.

Mortgage Rates

Although mortgage rates did drop in June, the quarterly trend was still moving higher. Inflation—the bane of bonds and, therefore, mortgage rates—has yet to slow, which is putting upward pressure on financing costs.

That said, there are some signs that inflation is starting to soften and if this starts to show in upcoming Consumer Price Index numbers then rates will likely find a ceiling. I am hopeful this will be the case at some point in the third quarter, which is reflected in my forecast.

A bar graph showing the mortgage rates from 2020 to the present, as well as Matthew Gardner's forecasted mortgage rates through Q2 2023. He forecasts mortgage rates continuing to climb to 5.9% in Q4 2022, then tapering off to 5.58% in Q1 2023 and 5.53% in Q2 2023.

Western Washington Days on Market

❱ It took an average of 16 days for a home to go pending in the second quarter of the year. This was 2 fewer days than in the same quarter of 2021, and 9 fewer days than in the first quarter.

❱ Snohomish, King, and Pierce counties were, again, the tightest markets in Western Washington, with homes taking an average of between 8 and 10 days to sell. Compared to a year ago, average market time dropped the most in San Juan County, where it took 26 fewer days for a seller to find a buyer.

❱ All but six counties saw average time on market drop from the same period a year ago. The markets where it took longer to sell a home saw the length of time increase only marginally.

❱ Compared to the first quarter of this year, average market time fell across the board. Demand remains very strong.

A bar graph showing the average days on market for homes in various counties in Western Washington for Q2 2022. Snohomish and King counties have the lowest DOM at 8, followed by Thurston and Kitsap at 9, Pierce at 10, Island and Skagit at 12, Whatcom at 14, Mason at 16, Cowlitz at 17, Lewis at 20, Jefferson at 21, Clallam at 24, Grays Harbor at 25, and San Juan at 35.

Conclusions

This speedometer reflects the state of the region’s real estate market using housing inventory, price gains, home sales, interest rates, and larger economic factors.

The economy remains buoyant, which is an important factor when it comes to the regional housing market, particularly as it affects buyers. Even though the number of homes that came to market has jumped significantly, which should favor those looking for a new home, demand is still robust, and the market remains competitive.

A speedometer graph indicating a strong seller's market in Western Washington for Q2 2022.

Much to the disappointment of buyers, rising listing prices suggest that sellers are clearly still confident even as financing costs continue to increase. While the pace of price growth is slowing, sellers are still generally in control. As such, I have moved the needle a little more in the direction of sellers. Until we see list-price growth and home sales slow significantly, we will not reach a balanced market.

About Matthew Gardner

Matthew Gardner - Chief Economist for Windermere Real Estate

As Chief Economist for Windermere Real Estate, Matthew Gardner is responsible for analyzing and interpreting economic data and its impact on the real estate market on both a local and national level. Matthew has over 30 years of professional experience both in the U.S. and U.K.

In addition to his day-to-day responsibilities, Matthew sits on the Washington State Governors Council of Economic Advisors; chairs the Board of Trustees at the Washington Center for Real Estate Research at the University of Washington; and is an Advisory Board Member at the Runstad Center for Real Estate Studies at the University of Washington where he also lectures in real estate economics.

Market NewsMatthew Gardner July 25, 2022

The Landscape for Mortgage Rates and Inflation in 2022


This video is the latest in our Monday with Matthew series with Windermere Chief Economist Matthew Gardner. Each month, he analyzes the most up-to-date U.S. housing data to keep you well-informed about what’s going on in the real estate market. 


 

 


Hello there, I’m Windermere’s Chief Economist Matthew Gardner and welcome to this month’s episode of Monday with Matthew. You know, one of the many things I love about being an economist is that it is a remarkably humbling profession. You see, just when we start to believe that our models are close to perfection, something comes along to remind us that forecasting isn’t an exact science.

And if you’re wondering what I am talking about, I recently took a look at the 2022 mortgage rate forecast I put out at the start of the year and…well, let’s say that rates rose at a far faster pace than I had anticipated. I thought that now would be a good time to take another look at rates and share my thoughts on the direction that they will likely take during the rest of the year and my reasoning behind it. And that means we need to talk about inflation.

30-Year Conventional Mortgage Rates: 2018 – 2022

A graph showing the 30-year conventional mortgage rates for the years 2018-2022. The curve of the graph creates a sine wave, increasing from roughly 4% to 5% in 2018, dropping to roughly 3.5% by the end of 2019, decreasing further to roughly 2.5% by the end of 2020, coming back up to roughly 3.0% by the end of 2021, and spiking up to over 5.8% in 2022 before dipping slightly.

 

So, a quick look back. As you can see, there wasn’t much to celebrate in 2018, with rates rising from 3.95% to 4.94% before pulling back and ending the year at around 4.5%. In 2019, rates fell following the Feds’ announcement that they were likely done with raising the Fed Funds Rate, and the mortgage market also reacted positively to the announcement from the White House that they were going to impose tariffs on select Chinese imported goods. We saw an uptick in late summer, but that was mainly due to news related to BREXIT.

In 2020, rates were dropping but spiked very briefly when COVID-19 shut the country down and bond markets panicked. But with the Fed jumping in with an emergency rate cut and announcing that they would start buying a significant number of treasuries and mortgage-backed securities, rates tumbled to an all-time low of just 2.66%. In 2021, rates rose as new COVID infections plummeted, but then dropped again as the Delta variant took hold, but ultimately trended modestly higher in the second half of the year.

And then we get to 2022. Rates started the year at just over 3.1% but have since skyrocketed to over 5.8% before a small pullback that started a few weeks ago. In as much as economists expected rates to rise this year, nobody anticipated how fast they would rise. So, what went wrong? Well, there’s actually a rather simple answer.

Even though we expected rates to trend higher in 2022, there were two things we hadn’t built into our forecast models.

  1. Russia’s invasion of the Ukraine
  2. Inflation continued to climb for far longer than we expected

So, how do things look for the rest of the year? To explain my thinking, it’s important to remember that the bond market and, by implication, mortgage rates hate nothing more than high inflation because when inflation is running hot, it limits demand for bonds which, in turn, forces the interest rate payable on bonds to rise and this pushes mortgage rates higher.

But what’s been fascinating to watch is that over the past couple of weeks, rates have actually been dropping which is certainly counterintuitive given where inflation is today. And the only reason I can see for this is that bond traders were thinking that inflation might be topping out.

But then we got the June CPI numbers, and it certainly didn’t suggest that inflation was slowing, in fact it showed the opposite. But even though the total inflation rate hasn’t yet peaked, I believe that a shift has actually started and that we are closer to a peak in inflation than you may think.

Indicators of Inflation: Consumer Spending

Three line graphs titled "Consumer Price Index," "Inflation Adjusted Consumer Spending," and PCE Price Index. The Consumer Price Index shows year-over-year percentage changes from present day back to January 2021, with two lines showing all items and all items less food and energy. The all items line starts around 1.5% in January 2021, gradually increasing to 9.1% in June 2022, while the all items less food and energy line also starts around 1.5% in January 2021 and undulates to 5.9% in June 2022. The "Inflation Adjusted Consumer Spending" chart shows month-over-month percentage changes from January 2021 to May 2022. The line spikes up and down throughout the first half of 2021, going as high as roughly 4.5% around March 2021 and as low as roughly negative 1.5% in February 2021. The line stabilizes for the remainder of the x-axis, ending at 0.4% in May 2022. The "PCE Price Index" graph shows year-over-year percentage changes from January 2021 to May 2022. The line starts around 1.5% in January 2021, gradually increasing through February 2022 around 5% before tapering to 4.7% in May 2022.

 

The June CPI report showed the headline inflation rate still trending higher but look at the core rate which excludes the volatile food & energy sectors. That has actually been pulling back for the past three months. And consumer spending when adjusted for inflation fell 0.4% in May. That’s the first monthly drop since last December, and I expect the June number when it comes out at the end of the month to show spending dropping even further.

This is a very important dataset that often gets overlooked but it is starting to tell me that the economy is slowing because of inflation and slower spending acts as a headwind to further price increases.

The core PCE price index is up 4.7% year-over-year, but this was the smallest annual increase since last November and you can see that it is also starting to roll over. This index is actually the Fed’s favored measure of inflation as it’s more comprehensive that the CPI number as it measures the change in spending for all consumers, not just urban households.

Indicators of Inflation: 5-Year Breakevens and Producer Price Index

Two line graphs titled "5-Year Inflation Breakevens" and "Producer Price Index." The breakevens graph shows percentage changes from January 2022 to July 2022, starting at 3.0% in January 2022, increasing to 3.59% in March 2022, before gradually decreasing to 2.50% in July 2022. The "Producer Price Index" graph shows year-over-year percentage changes from January 2020 to May 2022, with two lines showing Total PPI and Core PPI. Both lines gradually increase along the x-axis, peaking around March 2022. Total PPI increases from 2.0% from 10.8 in May 2022, while core PPI increases from 1.6% to 8.3% over the same time period.

 

The five-year “inflation breakeven” has plunged more than a full percentage point since peaking at just under 3.6% in late March. And this number is important as it lets us know where bond traders expect the average inflation rate to be over the next five years.

The Producer Price Index measures inflation at the wholesale, not retail, level and even though the total rate rose as energy costs continue to impact the manufacturing sector, the core rate has been pulling back for the past three months. Now let’s look at some commodity prices and see what’s going on there.

Selected Commodity Prices: Natural Gas, Copper, Soybeans, Wheat

Four line graphs titled "Natural Gas Prices," "Copper Prices," "Soybean Prices," and "Wheat Prices." Natural Gas, Soybean, and Wheat prices all share a similar trend in that they gradually increase from January 2022 to June 2022 before dropping from June to July 2022. Natural gas prices fell by 34% from June to July 2022, while soybean prices fell 10% and wheat prices fell 27% over that same time period. Copper prices are steady from January 2022 to April 2022, before gradually dropping through April and May, then drastically falling 26% from June to July 2022. In summary, prices of all commodities are falling a significant amount over the past month (June to July 2022).

 

  • The price for natural gas is down over 34% from its recent high
  • Copper prices are down 26% from the recent June peak and down substantially from March
  • Soybean prices are down 10%
  • Despite the war in Ukraine, wheat prices are down 27% from June

Retail Gas Prices: West Coast, West Coast Excluding CA, U.S.

A line graph titled "Retail Gas Prices" with three lines: U.S., West Coast, and West Coast excluding California. All three lines show increases in price per gallon from January 2021 to July 2022. All three lines peak in June 2022. The West Coast gas prices went from roughly three dollars per gallon to $5.68 per gallon in July 2022, the West Coast excluding California line goes from roughly $2.50 per gallon in January 2021 to $5.28 in July 2022, and the U.S. line goes from just below $2.50 per gallon in January 2021 to $4.75 per gallon in July 2022.

 

It appears as if gas prices have also rolled over. Of course, here on the West Coast it’s more expensive than the nation even when you take California out of the equation.

U.S. Treasury Yields: 10-Year and 2-Year Constant

A line graph with two lines showing the U.S. Treasury Yields 10-year constant and 2-year constant from January 2022 to July 2022. The 10-year constant gradually increases over this period of time from 1.5% in January 2022 to 2.99% in July 2022. The 2-year constant gradually increases as well, from roughly 0.75% in January 2022 to 3.07% in July 2022.

 

And finally, to cap things off, traders must also be pondering the same numbers as I am because bond yields themselves have been tumbling at both the long and short ends of the yield curve with the 10-year note still yielding less than 3% even after the CPI report and two-year yields, while still elevated, are still down from 2.42% just two weeks ago.

So, given all the charts we have looked at, I hope that you too are seeing some light at the end of the tunnel when it comes to the likelihood that inflation is about to start easing.

No doubt, the headline inflation number for June wasn’t one that anyone wanted to see but, if the trends we have looked at continue, I still expect inflation to start slowly creeping lower, which will push bond prices higher, yields will start to pause—if not drop—and that will allow mortgage rates to hold at or close to their current levels for the time being. Although we could see rates coming down, though they will still start with a five for the foreseeable future. I hope that you have found my thoughts of interest.


About Matthew Gardner

As Chief Economist for Windermere Real Estate, Matthew Gardner is responsible for analyzing and interpreting economic data and its impact on the real estate market on both a local and national level. Matthew has over 30 years of professional experience both in the U.S. and U.K.

In addition to his day-to-day responsibilities, Matthew sits on the Washington State Governors Council of Economic Advisors; chairs the Board of Trustees at the Washington Center for Real Estate Research at the University of Washington; and is an Advisory Board Member at the Runstad Center for Real Estate Studies at the University of Washington where he also lectures in real estate economics.

Seller July 18, 2022

High ROI Remodeling Projects to Increase Home Value


This blog post contains excerpts of the “Remodeling 2022 Cost vs. Value Report” (costvsvalue.com).1


As you prepare to sell your home, one of the major considerations you may face is whether to remodel, and if so, how to allocate your remodeling budget. Remodeling can help differentiate your home from competing listings in your area, but this competitive advantage comes at a price.

The following information provides insight on which remodeling projects deliver high ROI. To maximize the value of your remodel, talk to your agent about what buyers in your area are looking for and align your efforts accordingly.

High ROI Remodeling Projects to Increase Home Value

It’s no secret that buyers want to see a home with curb appeal and attractive interior spaces. But as a seller, you’ll only have so much budget to work with and you want to get the most return on your investment. As laid out below, here are the five highest ROI remodeling projects nationwide as found in the Remodeling 2022 Cost vs. Value Report (www.costvsvalue.com).1


 

Remodeling Project Cost of Remodeling Project (2022) Resale Value of Remodeling Project (2022) ROI
Garage Door Replacement $4,041 $3,769 93.3%
Manufactured Stone Veneer $11,066 $10,109 91.4%
Minor Kitchen Remodel (Midrange) $28,279 $20,125 71.2%
Siding Replacement (Fiber – Cement) $22,093 $15,090 68.3%
Window Replacement (Vinyl) $20,482 $13,822 67.5%

 


This data shows that for a given remodeling project a higher expenditure doesn’t necessarily equate to higher ROI. It’s interesting to note that only one indoor project—the minor kitchen remodel—placed in the Cost vs. Value Report’s top five.

Four of the Cost vs. Value Report’s bottom six entries are upscale remodeling projects, all with roughly a 50% average return on investment. The conclusion to be drawn here is that remodels of this magnitude are expensive and should be considered carefully before you greenlight them. The upside to these projects, though, is that they have a much higher resale value than a simple fresh coat of paint or a change in décor. If you and your agent identify a logical upscale remodel with serious resale potential whose costs you can handle, it can help you get the best price for your home.

So, does this mean you should replace your garage door before selling your home bar none? Not necessarily. Again, your remodeling priority list should target the areas of your home that need attention while aligning with local buyer interest. Your agent can provide guidance on what competing listings in your area are offering and refer you to trusted remodeling contractors in your area.

 

Remodeled contemporary kitchen with white cabinets and hardwood floors

Image Source: Getty Images – Image Credit: YinYang

 

Budget-Friendly ROI Home Projects

Though smaller scale home makeovers don’t have the value-adding power of larger remodeling projects, they can still make a difference when selling your home.

Instead of an upscale kitchen remodel, you can focus more on making minor improvements in several areas. For example, repainting or refinishing your cabinets, swapping out your drawer pulls and hardware, and installing new appliances can make your kitchen feel brand new with a smaller budget. When remodeling your bathroom, tasks like refinishing your tub, installing new lighting, and a new backsplash can make a strong impression on buyers.

  1 © 2022 Zonda Media, a Delaware Corporation. Complete data from the Remodeling 2022 Cost vs. Value Report can be downloaded free at costvsvalue.com.

Buyer July 3, 2022

Managing Expectations as a First-Time Home Buyer

There’s a first time for everything. As a first-time home buyer, navigating the uncharted territory of the home buying process can be challenging to say the least. Although every home purchase is unique, there are certain knowns that can help you manage your expectations. Once you’re ready to buy, knowing a bit more about how to approach the market will have you well on your way to getting the keys to your first home.

Managing Expectations as a First-Time Home Buyer

Local Market Conditions

Your local housing market conditions will loom large in the buying process. In a competitive market (i.e. a seller’s market), prices are being driven up by demand, sellers have the leverage during negotiations, and it may take a long time to find the right home. In such a market, you can expect to compete against multiple buyers where everyone is trying to sweeten their offer to make it stand out. This usually takes the form of waived contingencies, escalation clauses, and all-cash offers. Buying in a competitive market is challenging for any buyer, let alone a first-time home buyer. Having greater buying power and getting pre-approved for a mortgage are two key paths to bolstering your financial standing and improving your chances of submitting a winning offer.

Though finding the right home is never a cakewalk, the conditions of a buyer’s market will be in your favor. In such market conditions, sellers are competing for the attention of a limited pool of buyers and are more flexible during negotiations. With less competition around you, you can afford to be more patient and selective when pursuing available listings.

Which homes can you afford?

It’s easy to fall in love with a home based on its listing photos, but one look at the price tag can break the spell. By knowing which homes are in your budget, you’ll be able to focus your time and effort on listings that are financially feasible. And remember, there are a myriad of costs to buying a home beyond the listing price to include in your budget.

To get an idea of what you can afford, use our free Home Monthly Payment Calculator by clicking the button below. With current rates based on national averages and customizable mortgage terms, you can experiment with different values to get an estimate of your monthly payment for any home price. By using the Home Monthly Payment Calculator, you can make a well-informed estimation of whether it’s the right time to buy.

Working with Your Agent

Fortunately, you don’t have to take on the home buying process on your own. A buyer’s agent will help to manage your expectations from start to finish by helping you look for homes, make an offer, negotiate with the seller and their agent on your behalf, and provide clarity on the closing process. Beyond their ability to get down to brass tacks and help you purchase a home, your agent will be there to answer your questions, validate your emotions, and connect you to their network of helpful resources.