Home prices have appreciated considerably over the last five years. This has some concerned that we may be in for another dramatic correction. However, recent statistics suggest home values will not crash as they did a decade ago. Instead, this time they will come in for a soft landing.
The previous housing market was fueled by an artificial demand created by mortgage standards that were far too lenient. When this demand was shut off, a flood of inventory came to market. This included heavily discounted distressed properties (foreclosures and short sales).
Today’s market is totally different. Mortgage standards are tighter than they were prior to the last boom and bust. There is no fear that a rush of foreclosures will come to market. The Mortgage Bankers’ Association just announced that foreclosures are lower today than at any time since 1996.
Case Shiller looks at the percentage of appreciation as compared to the same month the year prior. Here is a graph of their findings over the last ten months:
As we can see, home price appreciation is softening as more inventory comes to market. This shows that real estate prices are not crashing, but merely returning toward historic appreciation numbers of 3.6% annually.
Bottom Line
Home prices are leveling off. Long term, that is a good thing for the housing market.
Author: Monica Foster
"Love your work and you'll never work a day in your life" . . . for me, that statement says it all. I love what I do, helping others achieve their real estate goals with honesty, integrity and responsiveness. I am not just a real estate agent, I am a BROKER Associate, Certified Residential Specialist, Accredited Buyer Representative, Certified Home Marketing Specialist, Certified New Homes Specialist, Certified Distressed Property Expert, and Certified Negotiation Expert with RE/MAX Space Center and a REALTOR® - a member of the National Association of Realtors (NAR). This means I work to a higher standard of education and professionalism that translates to an extra level of service for my clients. I closed over 100 transactions in 2013 and have received the Five Star Real Estate Agent award, a honor bestowed upon 7% of area realtors. Also, I have been featured in Forbes Magazine, Top Agent Magazine, Homes and Land Magazine, and I received the RE/MAX Hall of Fame award for career production. I also like to give back to the community and help others. I am a frequent contributor and sponsor for various charities including the Homes for Heroes Foundation, Communities in Schools Bay Area, March of Dimes, Children's Miracle Network, Kid's Wish Foundation, Susan G. Komen Foundation, Happy Hill Farm Academy, and the Make-A-Wish Foundation.
