experts point to many factors: there are fewer distressed properties on the market; the demand for houses is growing faster than the number of homes on the market; and home prices are steadily increasing month after month. In fact in many markets, home prices are near their 2006 peak! Because of the market crash, many homeown- ers found themselves underwater, with mortgages worth more than the value of their homes. The last five to six years showed little light at the end of tunnel, and many simply stopped believing the market and their situa- tion could improve. However todays market has improved drastically, but many have yet to realize it. Today, there is hope for homeowners who found themselves stuck or struggling due to the market crash. If you know one of the millions of homeowners who were underwater on their mortgage, or if you have been waiting to sell your home until the market improved, now may be the time to sell! Home Prices Continue to Increase According to CoreLogics Home Price Index (HPI
), September 2013 was the 19th consecu-
tive month with year-over-year increase in home prices nationally. September 2013 was the 19th consecutive month with year-over-year home price increases This is tremendous news for homeowners! This nationwide increase in home prices speaks to the steady recovery of the real estate market over the last year. For homeowners underwater on their homes, it means their homes may reach the surface for the first time in years, and they may finally find equity back in their homes. For homeowners who have been waiting for the market to improve, it may mean they can now finally sell, whether to move or to upgrade to a bigger home. More and More States Near Peak Prices Nationwide, more and more markets are edging closer to their peak home sale prices. South Dakota, North Dakota, Vermont, and Nebraska all reported home prices that matched their peak 2006 levels. 22 other states reported that home prices are now within 10 percent of their peak prices. 22 States are within 10 percent of their peak prices The map above from CoreLogic shows the difference between peak home prices and current home prices for each state. As you can see, more and more states are returning to peak levels. 2014 Charfen Institute All Rights Reserved. The above brokerage assumes no responsibility nor guarantees the accuracy of this information and is not engaged in the practice of law nor gives legal advice. It is strongly recommended that you seek appropriate professional counsel regarding your rights as a homeowner.
And while some states still seem far off from
their peak prices, such as Nevada, California, Arizona, Michigan, these states are also show- ing some of the fastest appreciation rates, as shown in the table below. In many cases, the high appreciation in those markets is due to higher demand for homes, with few homes available. So even if you find yourself in one of these markets, you may still be able to get much more for your home than you think! Its a Sellers Market Home prices continue trending upwards for many reasons. Two of the core reasons, how- ever, make todays market a sellers market. 1. More and more people are looking to purchase homes as the market improves. However, the number of homes for sale is low. Today more people want to buy homes today than at any time in the past five or six years. However, housing inventory remains low. This simple law of supply and demand is allowing homeowners to ask more for their homes. 2. There number of distressed properties has dropped dramatically, lessening their impact on the market. When the economy crashed, many homeown- ers found themselves in financial hardship and unable to pay their mortgages. Facing foreclo- sure, they tried to sell only to find that the value of their home was less than what they owed. For the last five or six years, these properties have kept home prices low. Today, much of the distressed property inventory has been sold, so these properties dont affect the market as significantly. This means both distressed and non-distressed sellers find themselves in a much better posi- tion as they can ask more for their homes! If You Have Been Waiting to Sell Your Home, Now May Be the Time The market has dramatically improved, and looks to continue improving. So if you or some- one you know have been waiting to sell your home, especially if the home was underwa- ter, now is the time to start exploring options. Do you know what your home is worth? Do you know what other homes in your area are selling for? As youve seen from this report, the market has changed dramatically. Those who have been underwater may not be any longer. Those who have been waiting until home prices recovered may have gained that value back in their homes. As a real estate agent and Certified Distressed Property Expert, I have the most up-to-date information and training to help you under- stand exactly what your situation is. Contact me today for a free market analysis and let me help you determine your best options! 2014 Charfen Institute All Rights Reserved. The above brokerage assumes no responsibility nor guarantees the accuracy of this information and is not engaged in the practice of law nor gives legal advice. It is strongly recommended that you seek appropriate professional counsel regarding your rights as a homeowner.