So, How’s the Market, September 2018

Inventory Still Low, Prices Still on the Rise!

Listing Inventory is 10.4% higher today than 12 months ago. Normally we would see an increase of inventory as the housing market heads through the summer and a typical number is 6% growth in inventory from July to August
The number of properties sold YTD is 2.3% lower than this time in 2017.
The average price of a home in August of 2018 has increased 9.5% over August of 2017. This pace of appreciation is now unsustainable and you will see prices flattening out.
Average Days on the Market is the same as one year ago of 22 days on the market creating a significant benefit to sellers entering the market. This stat is very price sensitive as $400,000 homes are moving significant faster than $1.5M dollar homes. Know your price range to better predict the time on the market.
The number of homes under contract has decreased five months in a row down 2.2% from one year ago.

The slow increase of the housing inventory is a result of three factors:
- Many homeowners have obtained 4% or lower interest rates on their homes and are comfortable with the payments they are currently eliminating themselves from adding their home to the market, hence not as many home entering the market.
- Financing is still a magic act for some, who do not want the hassle.
- The appreciation of prices over the last 24 months causes current homeowners to hold off from selling as they may not be able to replace their existing home with what they want.
The number of sales for 2018 will be less than 2017 as we close out the year. Fewer buyers are entering the market today.
Fewer Buyers entering the buyer pool will cause pricing to slow down to a 2-4% appreciation rate over the next 12-24 months.
Buyers can be less committed to close the transaction they have entered for fear of inspection items, paying too much or future job concerns. This causes a more fall out of contracts and when this occurs in a declining buyer pool market there isn’t another buyer waiting in the wings, causing days on the market to increase.
Different Price Points and Different Locations react differently in the Denver market. Understanding your neighborhood with accurate supply and demand sales will give homeowners a better picture for your specific home.

Condition, Condition, Condition. As prices have risen, the buyer pool is expecting upgrades and better conditioned homes for décor and mechanicals. Before entering the marketplace, improve the basic areas of kitchen, baths and service mechanicals of the home.
Do not get overly aggressive with your price as the home will still need to appraise. It’s better to get a fair market value price quickly than try to wait on the market and negotiate to a lower target. This will reduce buyers to your home.
Remove any barriers to sale, by getting pre-approved for you next home before you put your home on the market. The mental security in knowing you can purchase your next home, gives you a better negotiating position when selling.

What Should Buyers Be Doing to Take Advantage of the Market?

Absolutely, Positively, be Pre-Approved for Purchasing. Do not change your financial position during the buying process as loan approval is really checked and re-checked right up to closing on your new home. In other words, do not quit your job or go out and buyer a big ticket item before closing.
With the prediction of less appreciation in price over the next 2 years, try to gather enough money for 20% down payment if possible. This will reduce your payments as to eliminate the use of mortgage insurance and will insulate your purchase price in the event you choose to sell in the next 3 years.
Consider pre-paying your principle or going to a 15-year mortgage. Creating a scenario of more equity will give you more flexibility down the road.