There are plenty of reasons to be cool to the real estate market; this is not limited to looming shadow inventory, extended high-levels of unemployment and geopolitical instability. However, there are some reasons to be optimistic about the US housing market.
The anecdotal evidence I have received seems to indicate local South Florida real estate offices have seen a pick up in traffic during the past several months. The tide may be finally turning and here are some reasons why:
Jobs: the unemployment rate has shown some improvement during the past several months, with national unemployment finally reaching a level under 9%. Polls have shown that Americans believe the employment situation is improving.
Consumer Confidence: the job situation is giving people a better sense of job security. We have seen improving retail information, and this should further increase confidence. More optimism means more planning for the future, which typcially involves home buying.
Young Adults: planning for the future has been something that has been put on hold for many recent post-college graduates. The economic situation has caused many young adults to live at home-- this has caused pent up demand for this age-group.
Foreclosures: despite many foreclosures, lenders have been judicious at doling out the excess inventory in order to not destroy the value of their inventory. Foreclosures will continue to trickle out into the market-- no flood predicted here; should stabilize housing prices.
Inflation: with the current geopolitical sitution, increased food and fuel prices, inflation is again on the minds of consumers. Historically, real estate has been a good hedge against inflation. The expectation of higher prices should spur action for those who have been sitting on the sidelines.
Higher Rents, Low Rates: It has been a buyer's and landlord's market in recent years. As such, the price of renting has been increasing, especially as it has been more difficult to obtain financing. However, those who can afford to buy a home can take advantage of the historically low interest rates and being in the driver's seat for buying.
Investors Are Engaged: the slow trickle of distressed properties onto the market has allowed the investment community to raise funds and seek out deals. The deals remain and so do the investors. I recently put in an offer for an investor and during the same week had an investor customer call for information-- getting ready to make several offers.
If you are thinking of selling or buying a home, please feel free to contact me.
Michael Friedman
Realtor, Certified Distressed Property Expert (CDPE)
Lang Realty
561-247-3550
http://michaelfriedman.rmlsfl.mlxchange.com/?Page=7395217 <--property search link to cut and paste into your Web browser
Boca Raton FL real estate for sale and surrounding areas including real estate properties for sale in: Belle Glade, Boca Raton, Boynton Beach, Bryant, Canal Point, Dania, Deerfield Beach, Delray Beach, Fort Lauderdale, Hallandale, Hialeah, Hobe Sound, Hollywood, Indiantown, Jupiter, Key Biscayne, Lake Harbor, Lake Worth, Loxahatchee, Miami, Miami Beach, North Miami Beach, North Palm Beach, Opa Locka, Pahokee, Palm Beach, Palm Beach Gardens, Pembroke Pines, Pompano Beach, South Bay, West Palm Beach, Lang Realty
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