With the current uncertainty about the economy triggered by a potential trade war, some people are waiting to purchase their first home or move-up to their dream house because they think or hope home prices will drop over the next few years. However, the experts disagree with this perspective.
Here is a table showing the predicted levels of appreciation from six major housing sources:
As we can see, every source believes home prices will continue to appreciate (albeit at lower levels than we have seen over the last several years). But, not one source is calling for residential real estate values to depreciate.
Additionally, ARCH Mortgage Insurance Company in their current Housing and Mortgage Market Review revealed their latest ARCH Risk Index, which estimates the probability of home prices being lower in two years. There was not one state that even had a moderate probability of home prices lowering. In fact, 34 of the 50 states had a minimal probability.
Bottom Line
Those waiting for prices to fall before purchasing a home should realize that the probability of that happening anytime soon is very low. With mortgage rates already at near historic lows, now may be the time to act.
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.
