With stay-at-home orders starting to gradually lift throughout parts of the country, data indicates homebuyers are jumping back into the market. After many families put their plans on hold due to the COVID-19 pandemic, what we once called the busy spring real estate season is shifting into the summer. In 2020, summer is the new spring for real estate.
Joel Kan, Economist at The Mortgage Bankers Association (MBA) notes:
“Applications for home purchases continue to recover from April’s sizable drop and have now increased for five consecutive weeks…Government purchase applications, which include FHA, VA, and USDA loans, are now 5 percent higher than a year ago, which is an encouraging turnaround after the weakness seen over the past two months.”
Additionally, according to Google Trends, which scores search terms online, searches for real estate increased from 68 points the week of March 15th to 92 points last week. As we can see, more potential homebuyers are looking for homes virtually.
Let’s take a closer look at the residential market in the Hot Springs, Arkansas area. Below is an overview of this year’s residential sales in Garland County compared to this same time period year-over-year.
Average Days on Market
1/1/19 – 4/30/19: 125
1/1/20 – 4/30/20: 144
Number of Properties Sold
1/1/19 – 4/30/19: 559
1/1/20 – 4/30/20: 546
Average Price of Sold Listings
1/1/19 – 4/30/19: $170,242
1/1/20 – 4/30/20: $190,060
MLS Sold Volume
1/1/19 – 4/30/19: $ 95,165,305
1/1/20 – 4/30/20: $103,773,221
(data obtained from the Hot Springs Board of Realtors mls, and it does not include home sales by owner, or other sales not reported thru our local mls)
Click here to take a look at the next report that shows a more detailed overview of the current home sales in Garland County, AR. This report will give you a better look at the supply and demand of homes.
What’s the Opportunity for Buyers?
Another reason buyers are coming back to the market, even with forced unemployment and stay-at-home orders, is historically low mortgage rates. Sam Khater, Chief Economist at Freddie Mac indicates:
“For the fourth consecutive week, the 30-year fixed-rate mortgage has been below 3.30 percent, giving potential buyers a good reason to continue shopping even amid the pandemic…As states reopen, we’re seeing purchase demand improve remarkably fast, now essentially flat relative to a year ago.”
With mortgage rates at such low levels and states gradually beginning to reopen, there’s more incentive than ever to buy a home this summer.
What’s the Opportunity for Sellers?
Finding a home to buy, however, is still a challenge, as this spring sellers removed many listings from the market. Though more people are now putting their houses up for sale this month as compared to last month, current inventory is still well below last year’s level.
The housing Inventory showed continued tightening. Listings in the Hot Springs area declined 24% compared with a year ago, as sellers grappled with uncertainty and hesitated bringing homes to market.
If you’re thinking of selling your house this summer, now may be your best opportunity. With so few homes on the market for buyers to purchase, this season may be the time for your house to stand out from the crowd. Trusted real estate professionals can help you list safely and effectively, keeping your family’s needs top of mind. Buyers are looking, and your house may be at the top of their list.
Bottom Line
If you’re thinking of selling, many buyers may be eager to find a home just like yours. Let’s connect today to make sure you can get your house in on the action this summer.
