housing market

January 2022 Market Update

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Happy New Year to you and yours! We are kicking off the new year with a serious demand for housing in the Northern Virginia real estate market. The weekend before Christmas, I wrote a contract for clients on a house in South Riding – it was the only house for sale in all South Riding at the time. In three days, there were over 150 showings and 34 contracts submitted. The house was only 2,500 square feet, had an unfinished basement, and was priced at $750,000 – crazy! The Monday after Christmas, I put a home on the market in Virginia Run. The sellers positioned the house in great condition to maximize their price. In the end, we decided to price it at $800,000. It was one of only two homes in all of Virginia Run for sale at that time. In two days, we had over 30 showings and multiple contracts resulting in a sale in which the buyers waived all contingencies, paid way over the list price, and offered settlement in just two weeks.

I believe we are entering yet another frenzied market as we head into 2022. On New Year’s Eve, I ran the numbers for our market once again, and we are now at another all-time low for inventory of resale homes in Northern Virginia. In the counties of Fairfax, Arlington, Alexandria, Loudoun, Prince William, and Fauquier, there are only 1,119 properties for sale. People say, “oh, it is just that time of year; inventory is always low now.” Looking back over the last five years, we have averaged 2,901 houses for sale this week – a huge difference, especially with all of the demand. I believe we will be in for quite a ride in real estate in 2022.

Here are my predictions for 2022 in real estate:

· Inventory will remain low –  if you have nothing to buy, you won’t sell, so inventory will stay low

· Homeowners will continue to renovate/remodel as a result of low inventory

· Demand will remain strong – 45 million Millennials between the ages of 26 and 35, which are prime home-buying years

· New home sales will be flat as construction costs, and labor constraints will hold sales down

· Prices will increase once again – it was 9.5% in 2021; I think we will be in the 6% range in 2022

· Interest rates will increase but only slightly – 3.11% at year-end 2021; I think they will go to 3.75%, which is still below pre-pandemic levels

· iBuyers will continue to increase their market share in all areas of the country

· Inflation will remain high…I think in the 6-7% range in 2022 – hopefully no higher

· Demand for rentals will remain strong, and prices for rentals will continue to rise

· Covid will continue to be an issue as well as a threat and continue to impact supply chain, which will impact the overall US economy. This, in turn, will influence people’s home buying and selling decisions.

So, there you have it – let’s check back in January of 2023 to see how I did on my predictions.

Happy New Year!

December 2021 Market Update

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It’s the Most Wonderful Time of the Year….

Wow, it is the holiday season already! This year has gone by so fast. I hope you had a great time with your family over Thanksgiving and continue to enjoy this month full of fun for the upcoming holidays and into the New Year.

As I run into family and friends at neighborhood events and gatherings, the conversation frequently turns to the real estate market. The most common question I am asked is, “how is the market today?” My latest response is a good one; from a historical perspective, it’s insane (in my opinion)! Inventory of homes for sale in our area has dropped to only 1,886 homes for sale for the first time during this time of year. Additionally, new sales contracts written the previous seven days were the second-highest ever; only 2020 had more contracts written.

Typically, approximately 415-460 contracts are written during Thanksgiving week; we had 653 this year! Demand continues to outpace the supply by a wide margin. So, this leads me to the next question I usually get asked, “should I sell my house during the holidays?” My answer remains; it depends. If you really need to sell, now is a great time as inventory levels are low and demand is high. Houses typically “look” festive this time of year which is an added staging bonus.

The important aspect to keep in mind is that pricing still needs to be on point for a house to sell, even in the environment we are currently experiencing. If you are looking to “cash-out” and take advantage of the market, now is not the best time to sell as buyers are still being very selective when choosing a home, and price is always high on the list along with condition. This is not the time of year to push prices. If you want people coming through during the holidays, it is 100% up to you. So, if you are considering a move now or in the future, please call me.  We can get you positioned for success.

Have a great holiday season with your family and friends!

November 2021 Market Update

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Groundhog day in November?? It seems that way to me in the day-to-day operations of running a real estate business. What we continue to hear over and over is – “wow, the market sure has slowed down,” but I am here to tell you that it hasn’t. The number of sales is higher today than at any other time in Northern Virginia during this same time in previous years. The pace is not as frenetic as it was early in the year, but the numbers are still strong (versus any other year since I started keeping track of the numbers in 2005). Houses are staying on the market for an average of 18 days now versus 14 days previously. Does this mean the market is slow? Not at all.

In 2008, we had an 11-month supply of houses – nearly 330 days on market. That was a slow market; this one is not. It is important to keep everything in perspective and have the right expectations when selling your house. If the house is in the right condition and priced properly, your house will sell. It may not have double-digit contracts, it may only have one, and it may take a couple of weeks, but it will sell as we continue to have a high demand for housing. 

So, what does this mean from the buyer’s perspective? With low inventory levels, some buyers are still facing challenges. As I mentioned, we are not seeing many double-digit contracts on listings. However, we still see some homes receive multiple offers, so it is essential to put your best foot forward when making a strong offer. We can give you the right advice to make your offer stand out, so call me to discuss your plans for moving. 

Interest rates are creeping up, and prices are creeping up, so the cost of ownership is increasing. If you are considering a move, don’t delay. Instead of waiting a few months, buying now could make a few hundred-dollar difference in your mortgage payment. It’s time to get off the fence.

I hope you have a wonderful Thanksgiving and enjoy the start of this holiday season.

October 2021 Market Update

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Wow, I blinked, and September has ended. Time seems to go by faster and faster these days; it is just crazy to me. As I mentioned last month, we are still busy helping buyers and sellers with their real estate needs. The market is still outperforming other recent, non-pandemic years as far as sales and prices are concerned by wide margins. Call me if you want to know the exact numbers. 

The overall pace of sales is very close to last year’s pace for this same timeframe.  However, the number of sales year-to-date in Northern Virginia is up over 24% versus 2020. In addition, sales prices are up over 11%. It is not as frenetic as earlier this year, but the numbers prove we still have a robust real estate market here locally. I recently read that the average Virginian has gained $50,000 in equity since last September. I am sure that number is higher here in Northern Virginia, as our prices far exceed the rest of the state. Real estate is truly a great way to build wealth, so spread the word if you know of anyone looking to become a homeowner – we can help.

More good news – we are not seeing evictions, foreclosures, or prices tumbling as had been predicted by many in the media. People are taking advantage of rental programs to stay in their homes.  The number of individuals in forbearance has dropped again – only 1.5 million people remain in the program. Loan modifications reached a 15-month high in September, which means people will stay in their homes after forbearance timelines end, and as I previously mentioned, prices are up.  Now, prices won’t skyrocket like they did earlier this year, but home prices will experience a more moderate escalation, as will home values. The reason is, although we have more inventory than last year, we still have historically very low levels of inventory. Couple this with strong demand, and we will see values increase; all good news and a more healthy market.  If you have any questions relating to buying or selling, please feel free to call me.

Have a great season and enjoy these comfortable Fall temperatures! Happy Halloween!

August 2021 Market Update

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There is a lot of news swirling around about the real estate market today. You are probably hearing, reading, or seeing that the market has slowed, inventory has increased, buyers are taking a break, and prices will crash once forbearances end. Well, the question is – what is real news and what is not? In my opinion, we are back to a more “normal” market based upon seasonality, and the market is not going to crash – at least not in Northern Virginia. The months of July and August are typically slower times of the year for real estate, and this year is no different (other than more people are vacationing due to the pandemic and travel restrictions last year). So, this is having a slight impact on the market. Couple this with the frenetic pace of the spring market, and the media would have you think the real estate market is coming to an end. In my opinion, It is not, so you can sleep at night now.

Let’s address each issue:

  • The market has slowed. Yes, it has slowed down slightly in relation to the overheated market we discussed previously and the time of year. This being said, houses are still selling, and some have multiple offers on them. If you are selling, make sure you prepare your home in the proper condition and price it right. Now is not a time to overprice properties. Call me to discuss your situation in more detail.
  • Inventory has increased. Yes, it has. We were at near all-time lows for houses for sale in Northern Virginia, and previously, there were not enough homes for the buyer demand we were experiencing. Additionally, we are still well below what is known as a “typical” market for the number of houses for sale.
  • Buyers are taking a break. Houses are still selling, so they have not taken a break. Buyers are not competing as much in multiple contract situations, so the number of multiple offers has decreased. This does not mean the buyers are taking a break. Buyers are more discerning, and with increasing inventory, they can be. This is an excellent opportunity for buyers – more inventory and less competition. If you are considering buying, give me a call to discuss your situation in more detail.
  • Prices will crash once forbearances end. Prices will not crash… inventory is low, demand is high, mortgage rates are still fantastic, and just because an event like this occurs does not mean prices will crash. There will not be a flood of foreclosures like there were before. Too many reasons to list why, but feel free to call if you are interested in learning more.

There is lots of information out there about real estate. To make sure you are well informed, call on your trusted professional 😊 As summer comes to an end, I wish you all good luck sending kids back to school this year!

June 2021 Market Update

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Here is the update on the crazy Northern Virginia real estate market…round and round and round it goes, where it stops, no one knows. The interesting thing is the market has shifted, and it happened quickly. Was it mortgage interest rates rising so high it stopped people from buying? No. Was it a flood of foreclosures and short sales hitting the market? No. Was it a pricing bubble that popped and collapsed home prices? No. Was it regular sales coming on the market giving buyers more choices? No.

So, what has caused the shift in the market?  First, the frenzied market we experienced from mid-January through early May could not be sustained. We were experiencing 50-70 showings in only one or two days and contract numbers in the high teens to low twenties on houses we put on the market.  Additionally, we saw prices escalate tens of thousands to hundreds of thousands above list price, with buyers waiving everything to “get” a home. It was a stressful time for everyone involved – buyers, sellers, and Realtors alike.

Now, we are seeing 5-15 showings in an entire weekend, and we are receiving between one and five offers. Still excellent numbers historically, but it is, in a different way, causing stress on sellers. The expectations of sellers are what they “heard,” “saw,” or “read” about the market two months ago or more – not recent facts. Well, the market shifts on a dime with no real rhyme or reason. The one thing I feel has put a damper on the market is “buyer fatigue.” Buyers had gone out, written contracts, and lost out on many houses. They wrote what they perceived to be the perfect contract and were beat out by someone who had to have the home and irrationally made an offer the seller couldn’t refuse. The conversations I am having now with buyers and agents are – oh, they have three offers? Someone will pay too much; I don’t want to waste my time. Therefore, we are now seeing fewer offers; still, great offers – above list price and waiving contingencies, but the number of contracts and showings are just down. So, if you are a seller or considering selling, your house will sell; just realize the market is different today, not bad, simply different. On the other hand, if you are a buyer, don’t give up; fewer people competing for homes mean you have a better shot at getting one now than a few short months ago. We can help you determine your best course of action, whether buying or selling, so call us to learn more!

Have a great summer!

May 2021 Market Update

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The real estate market reminds me of the great Bill Murray movie Groundhog Day. It seems like every month I am conveying the same story. Housing inventory levels are still low, we continue to have multiple offer situations, interest rates continue to stay modest, and prices are rising. Sorry, but that’s the story in Northern Virginia today, and I believe it will be for years to come. 

The good news is we continue to see additional inventory come on the market. The issue is, in most cases, we have more demand than the supply that is coming onto the market. This has some buyers experiencing “buyer fatigue” as they cannot waive all contingencies or go high enough in price to win in a multiple contract situation. In some instances, this has resulted in fewer contracts submitted in what could be a multiple contract situation and, in some rare cases, only one or two offers are received. For today’s buyers, patience is critical, but the speed of writing the offer is the key to success. If you are thinking of buying, let’s meet to discuss your plans in more detail.

If you are a seller, it is extremely important to be realistic and do the right things to get your house sold. We have seen some sellers trying to take advantage of the market by not completing the finishing touches typically done when preparing to sell their home. They are not painting, replacing carpets or flooring, making minor repairs such as caulking in bathrooms or repairing rotten trim, etc. and worst of all, overpricing their properties. Greed is not good; being sensible is as the market is not like it was in 2004-2006, where you could price properties for tens of thousands of dollars above the last sale. People who do the right things such as staging and proper pricing see the market take their sales prices higher because buyers are willing to pay premium prices for properties in the right condition. If you are considering selling, let’s get together and see what we can do to help you maximize the market.

Enjoy the spring weather and all that May has to offer.

April 2021 Market Update

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The Northern Virginia real estate market continues to amaze me. Inventory levels remain extremely low, demand remains extraordinarily high, and this is still occurring even though rates have increased slightly over the last few weeks. I do not believe this will change or slow down any time in the near future. The level of demand is just too high.

We continue to see multiple contract situations as the new normal throughout much of Northern Virginia. It is common to see all contingencies being removed and prices set way above the original list price in these situations. In early March, I wrote a contract on a house in North Arlington that was listed for $935,000. It was a 4-bedroom, 3-bath home, and just 1,280 square feet. The offer was cash, close in two weeks with no contingencies, and my buyer offered $1,026,000. According to the listing agent, we were not even close! One of the 23 received offers went up to $1,081,000. Insane! This leaves 22 other active buyers still looking to own in that price point in Arlington – so again, I don’t see this market slowing any time soon. All the being said, the condo market is the only anomaly as most condos are sitting on the market.

So, what is going to happen is what I am often asked. My belief is that inventory will remain low for the foreseeable future as people have purchased or refinanced at exceptionally low rates. As rates increase, there will be little, if any, motivation to move. If someone has a $500,000 mortgage with an interest rate of 2.75%, what will motivate them to move to a home with a $750,000 mortgage at 4% or even higher? I think this is what will stagnate inventory levels over the next few years. People will only move if there is a genuine need to do so – like marriage, kids, schools, job, divorce, death, etc.

Speaking about interest rates, they have inched above 3% for the first time in several months, but please keep this in mind, they are still below where they were this same time last year and are still below historical lows mortgages. Earlier I mentioned rates at 4% or higher; I don’t believe we will be there for some time, so no need to worry about this happening. I foresee we will be in the low to mid 3’s for the remainder of the year.

As always, I am more than happy to speak with you about your situation in more detail as each situation is unique and personal.

Happy Spring!

March 2021 Market Update

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It’s hard to believe that one year has passed since our world changed with the Pandemic. There have been so many changes in our daily routines, the way we interact with each other, how we conduct business, and so much more. The hardest part for many of us was that we lost loved ones or could not visit them due to restrictions. Let’s hope this all changes soon with the vaccine. 

As far as the real estate world goes, it has remained resilient and has even thrived. To some, it may be hard to believe, but true. Historically low-interest rates, crazy low inventory levels, and high demand resulted in a frenzied market over the last year. Housing gained over $3.1 Trillion in equity in 2020 as prices escalated in almost every market around the country. We are only a little over two months into 2021, and we continue to see a strong housing market. Inventory remains extremely low, rates have ticked up slightly but are still very attractive, and buyer demand remains very robust. The biggest concern remains the low inventory. We continue to see multiple offer situations in all price ranges throughout Northern Virginia. Many times, contracts are being submitted without the buyers even seeing the home! Crazy but true. Buyers are conducting pre-offer home inspections, waiving all contingencies, and are bidding 10-13% over the list price to get into a home. I believe we will be in this type of market for the next few years. Unfortunately for buyers, I don’t see a flood of houses coming on the market to cover the demand that is out there today.  Interest rates will remain low to help keep the market moving. We continue to have low unemployment relative to other parts of the country, so people are continuing to relocate to our area. Couple all of this with the Millennials entering the market as home buyers; it’s quite the tsunami.

If you are considering selling or buying a home, it is more critical today than ever to have a professional representing you. Expert negotiation skills and market knowledge are essential in this aggressive market. Please feel free to call me to review your situation in more detail or allow us to help someone you know. I am always happy to help.

I am looking forward to warmer weather and more hours of daylight, and I hope you are too.  Happy Spring!

February 2021 Market Update

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Again, I have said it before, and I will repeat it, inventory levels on homes for sale in Northern Virginia are critically low! We currently have just 1,701 homes for sale in all of the counties we serve in Northern Virginia. The amazing fact is the number of condos that are currently for sale – 792 – which represents just under 50% of the total inventory. Condos typically do not reflect nearly 50% of the inventory levels … more on this later. 

Continuing with the numbers; there are only 646 single family homes currently on the market. Are you kidding me? There are only 235 townhouses total, again, WOW! Do you know what this means? The chances of multiple contract situations are possible on virtually every home on the market. We have had as many as 30 contracts submitted on one house in Gainesville priced at $635,000. It escalated above $700,000. We had another home in Aldie that had 78 showings and 62 visitors at the open house. This one was priced at $772,000 that had 21 offers and escalated to $831,700. It is insane – I cannot think of another word to describe it. 

A question I am frequently asked is when will it end? I think it will be a long time, as I believe it will be rate driven, and rates will remain low for the foreseeable future. Once rates rise to the 4 or 5% range, we will see a slowdown in contracts/purchasers, but not an inventory increase. Another question is, when will buyer burnout take them out of the market? My answer: it depends as this is and has always been an individual question. I have heard about prospective buyers writing as many as 15 contracts (on different homes) and still in the fight, while others are not even entering the market because of these “bidding” war situations. Typically, buyers will write until they win a bid on a property.  Usually, in a market like this, it has been between 3-5 times in my experience. 

One more question I hear is how do I buy if I must sell my house first? This one is more complicated, but I can give you details if you are interested. We have nine ways to make this work!

If you or someone you know would like to discuss their situation with me in more detail, whether it is purchasing or selling a home, please feel free to call me.

Have a Happy Valentine’s Day!!