2017 surprised everyone in real estate. An unstable political climate and unbalanced real estate market meant many prospective homebuyers were left in the dust. While you begin researching what the 2018 housing market will entail, be sure to keep this in mind - the market isn’t likely to pick up soon, especially for first-time home buyers. Below we’ll be outlining a few key trends. Ultimatey harsh reality that things may not be looking up for first time home owners in 2018.
3 Harsh Truths that Sum Up 2018 Housing Market Forecasts
-
Slightly More Balanced Housing Market
Inventory is projected to increase moderately in 2018. However, economists have projected that new construction will not correct consistent inventory shortages. Builders cannot continue to build with the high cost of land, raw materials, and construction labor, according to Forbes. -
Rising Interest Rates
For the past few years, the real estate industry had predicted rising interest rates, however, this has yet to materialize. -
Rising Mortgage Rates
Realtor.com projects mortgage rates will increase steadily throughout the year and increase a total of 5% by the end of 2018.
Bottom Line - It’s Not Looking Good for First-Time Home Buyers
Rising mortgage and interest rates coupled inventory shortages mean it will be more difficult for first-time home buyers in 2018. Millennial homebuyers in competitive markets will hardly stand a chance with increasing property taxes and higher prices. While stable home buyers fare a better chance of purchasing in 2018.
Ensure you work with qualified buyer leads in 2018. Zurple utilizes search engine advertising to communicate with homebuyers in your local market. Our ads ensure your real estate website displays on the first page of Google for local home searches. Best of all we allow a maximum of two other Zurple agents to purchase ad space in each zip code. Ensure you reserve enough buyer leads in 2018, see if Zurple is still available in your zip codes, click the link below –