Redfin Corp - RDFN STOCK NEWS

Newly built homes represented 28% of single-family homes for sale nationwide in Q3, down from 30.5% year-over-year and a record 34.4% in early 2022. This decline is attributed to increased existing inventory (+22% YoY), easing of the lock-in effect, strong sales of new construction (+6.3% YoY in September), and slower building activity. Despite the recent decline, new construction's share remains significantly higher than pre-pandemic levels of 17% in 2019. Building permits for single-family homes decreased 2% YoY in September and are down 23% from their 15-year peak in early 2021.

Redfin reports that real estate buyer's agent commissions have remained stable since new industry rules were implemented in August 2023. The average buyer's agent commission was 2.34% in October, slightly down from 2.35% in August, and lower than 2.45% a year ago. For homes under $500,000, commissions increased from 2.41% to 2.43%, while homes above $1 million saw a decrease from 2.24% to 2.11%. Sellers are still typically covering buyer's agent commissions, though more are waiting to see what buyers request in their offers before setting commission rates.

Redfin reports surprising housing market resilience despite mortgage rates hitting 7% and the upcoming presidential election. Pending home sales rose 4.5% year-over-year during the four weeks ending October 27, marking the biggest increase in over three years. New listings increased by 3.4%. However, the typical U.S. homebuyer's monthly mortgage payment reached $2,593, near its highest level since July. While some buyers and sellers are pausing until after the election, with mortgage purchase applications down 8% from a month ago, overall market activity remains stronger than expected given the current conditions.

Redfin reports a historic low in affordable rentals, with only 32.1% of renter households paying under $1,000 monthly, down from 35.2% in 2022 and 50.4% in 2012. The majority (47.9%) pay between $1,000-$1,999, while 14.4% pay $2,000-$2,999. Currently, just 7.5% of available apartments are listed under $1,000, with most (63.7%) priced between $1,000-$1,999. Oklahoma City leads with 64.3% of renters paying under $1,000, while San Diego has the lowest at 7.1%. The median apartment asking rent is $1,634, approximately 20% higher than pre-pandemic levels.

Redfin's recent survey reveals a significant financial perception gap between young homeowners and renters. 68.7% of millennial/Gen Z homeowners report being better off financially compared to four years ago, versus 52.2% of their renting counterparts. This disparity is notably larger among younger generations than older ones, with Gen X showing only a slight difference (42.6% homeowners vs 38.8% renters). The advantage for young homeowners stems from the pandemic-era homebuying boom, which allowed many to build substantial equity during the 2021-2022 period of surging home values. Baby boomers emerged as the only generation where the majority reported being worse off, with approximately 40% of both homeowners and renters indicating financial decline.

Redfin (RDFN) reports that homebuyers have experienced a significant reduction in purchasing power as mortgage rates hit 7% on October 28. A buyer with a $3,000 monthly budget can now afford a $442,500 home, down from $475,750 in mid-September when rates were at 6.11% - representing a $33,250 decrease in purchasing power. The monthly payment on the median U.S. home price of $428,000 has increased by approximately $200 to $2,895. The rate increase is attributed to investor concerns about increased government spending and strong economic indicators affecting potential Fed rate cuts.

Property tax bills have surged dramatically in major U.S. metros since 2019, with Florida housing three of the five cities experiencing the largest increases. Indianapolis leads with a 66.7% increase to $205 monthly, followed by Atlanta (65.8% to $239), Jacksonville (59.6% to $228), Tampa (56.7% to $250), and Miami (48.1% to $367). The surge in Florida is attributed to skyrocketing home values, increasing natural disasters requiring climate-resiliency investments, and population growth demanding more government services. Nationwide, property taxes have increased nearly 30% since 2019 to a monthly median of $250.

Redfin (NASDAQ: RDFN) has scheduled its third-quarter 2024 financial results announcement for Thursday, November 7, 2024, after market close. The company will host a live webcast conference call to discuss the results at 1:30 p.m. Pacific Time / 4:30 p.m. Eastern Time. The webcast will be accessible through Redfin's Investor Relations website. Redfin operates as a technology-powered real estate company offering brokerage, rentals, lending, title insurance, and renovations services across more than 100 markets in the U.S. and Canada.

According to a new Redfin survey conducted by Ipsos in September 2024, 82% of U.S. residents support rent increase caps. The support spans across political affiliations, with 86% of Democrats and 79% of Republicans favoring such measures. The survey, which included 1,802 renters and homebuyers, shows strong support from both renters (86%) and homeowners (78%). Despite public support, Redfin economists warn that rent control could worsen long-term affordability by discouraging new housing development. In California, where statewide rent control already exists, 78% of respondents support caps on rent increases.