Lisa Mailhot | August 30, 2023
Buyers
Concerned about selling your home due to apprehensions about buyer activity amidst fluctuating mortgage rates? Rest assured, the most recent data indicates a robust presence of eager buyers in the market, actively making home purchases. Here's the compelling evidence supporting this trend.
The ShowingTime Showing Index serves as a gauge for gauging buyer engagement with property viewings. The chart below employs the latest available figures, contrasting them with data from corresponding months in previous standard years. This comparison vividly illustrates the remarkable and ongoing engagement of present-day buyers:
Upon scrutiny of the data, it becomes evident that the figures for June 2023, when juxtaposed with the historically expected activity in the real estate market during this period, unequivocally demonstrate the sustained vitality of buyer participation. Notably, this participation surpasses the established norms by a significant margin.
If you're contemplating the plausibility of this scenario, it's essential to acknowledge that buyers have gradually adapted to elevated mortgage rates, embracing them as the new normal. As articulated by Danielle Hale, Chief Economist at Realtor.com:
“Interest rate hikes continue to further cut into buyers' purchasing power, although they appear to have adapted to the higher mortgage rate environment . . .”
In essence, the fundamental need for buyers to secure homes remains constant, and those who possess the means to proceed within the current rate framework are decisively acting upon this opportunity.
Though the fervor witnessed over the past few years may have subsided, it is vital to comprehend that the present real estate landscape is far from dormant. The fact is: that buyer interest remains robust. Despite prevailing mortgage rates, a considerable number of buyers continue to execute their property acquisitions. With this understanding, why postpone your own property transaction when the market evidently welcomes your listing?
Dismiss any reservations about delaying your plans due to apprehensions about your home's marketability. The reality contradicts such concerns, as the current environment showcases heightened buyer engagement beyond the anticipated norm. Let's initiate a connection to prepare your property for sale, ensuring it leaves an impeccable initial impression on these enthusiastic prospective buyers.
New construction homes declining, builder incentives rising
Discover the best neighborhoods to buy a home in Orange County in 2025. Expert insights on top areas, pricing trends, and investment opportunities.
Mortgage rates drop near a three-year low, improving affordability and boosting buyer power, but pending sales and demand remain sluggish as uncertainty tempers activi… Read more
A new CNBC Housing Market Survey reveals that most potential homebuyers expect mortgage rates to keep falling — and that’s why they’re waiting to buy. With affordabili… Read more
Homebuyers across the U.S.—and right here in Orange County—are scoring the biggest fall discounts since 2019. With homes spending more time on the market and sellers g… Read more
Homebuilder confidence is ticking upward as the Federal Reserve’s recent rate cuts offer a glimmer of hope for the housing market. Despite lingering challenges like ma… Read more
President Trump’s new tariffs on imported lumber, cabinets, and furniture are expected to raise homebuilding and renovation costs nationwide. This blog explores how th… Read more
Across the U.S., new listings are on the rise, yet many buyers remain cautious as mortgage rates hover above 6%. In Orange County, this national slowdown echoes local … Read more
Home-purchase cancellations hit a record high this August, revealing a shift in buyer confidence and seller expectations. From inspection issues to changing financial … Read more
Let's find a time that suits you best to chat about your goals, show you how we work, and figure out how we can help you the most