Redfin Corporation - RDFN STOCK NEWS

In 2023, 39.7% of new U.S. mortgages were taken out by homebuyers under 35, and 26.5% by those aged 35-44, according to Redfin's analysis of HMDA data. The share of mortgages decreases with age, with only 5.4% of new mortgages going to buyers aged 65-74. Young buyers prefer taking out loans over paying cash due to lesser accumulated wealth. Notably, Rust Belt metros like Pittsburgh and Detroit saw nearly half of new mortgages go to buyers under 35, while Florida's retirement hotspots had the lowest shares for this age group. The Bay Area saw the highest percentage of mortgages taken out by older millennials aged 35-44. Despite lower overall homeownership rates, younger buyers are increasingly entering the market, with some receiving financial help from family members.

The median U.S. home sale price reached a record high of $433,558 in April 2024, marking a 6.2% increase year-over-year, per Redfin. Despite a slower market compared to the pandemic boom, housing prices continue to rise due to supply. New listings were up 1.7% month-over-month and 10.8% year-over-year but remain 20% below pre-pandemic levels. Active listings hit their highest level since December 2020. The average 30-year fixed mortgage rate was 6.99% in April, significantly higher than the all-time low of 2.65% during the pandemic. Notably, 17.6% of homes for sale had price cuts, up from 12.1% a year earlier, with significant competition in metros like San Jose and Rochester.

Redfin (NASDAQ: RDFN) announced the expansion of its Redfin Next agent compensation plan to 25 additional markets. Initially launched in October 2023 in San Francisco and Los Angeles, the plan offers agents competitive splits up to 70%, zero business expenses, and comprehensive support, including customer introductions from Redfin.com. This has already helped recruit over 140 top-producing agents. The plan will now cover major cities like Austin, Denver, and Seattle, among others, starting August 11. Benefits include medical insurance, 401(k) match, and an employee stock purchase program. Redfin aims to boost market share and transform the real estate industry by leveraging technology and high-standard service.

Redfin's latest report highlights significant rent declines in several U.S. metro areas, particularly in the Sun Belt and Seattle. The median asking rent in Seattle fell by 7.3% year-over-year in April, the most substantial drop among the cities analyzed. Sun Belt metros like Austin, Nashville, and Jacksonville also experienced notable declines.

While the Sun Belt has seen a surge in new apartment construction, resulting in increased vacancies and reduced rents, the overall U.S. median asking rent rose 1% to $1,648 in April, marking the first increase in a year. The Midwest and Northeast contributed to this rise due to their new apartment supply and higher demand.

Redfin’s new rental market data methodology resulted in slight variances compared to previous reports. Elevated mortgage rates are sustaining rental demand, despite affordability challenges. The report also notes that rents remain just 3.1% below the peak in August 2022.

Redfin reports that mortgage rates have dipped below 7% for the first time in over five weeks, offering some relief to buyers. Pending home sales fell 4.3% year-over-year for the four weeks ending May 12, marking the most significant decline in three months, while new listings remained flat week-over-week. The median U.S. home-sale price increased by 4.7% year-over-year to a record $386,951, with median monthly mortgage payments at $2,858. Affordability is improving slightly as 6.3% of home sellers drop their prices, the highest in 18 months. Leading indicators show reduced homebuying demand and activity, including a 2% decline in mortgage-purchase applications and a 13% drop in the Redfin Homebuyer Demand Index. Touring activity has increased by 5% since the start of the year, but Google searches for 'home for sale' are down 8% from a month earlier.

Real estate investors bought 19% of U.S. homes sold in Q1 2024, the highest share in nearly two years, according to Redfin (NASDAQ: RDFN). Investors purchased approximately 44,000 homes, a 0.5% increase from the previous year. Single-family homes saw a 3.9% rise in investor purchases, while other types, like townhouses and condos, experienced declines. Investor profits are up, with typical returns now 55.2% higher than purchase prices. High-priced homes saw a 10.5% increase in investor buying, while low-priced homes still make up the largest share at 47.5%. Cities like San Jose and Oakland saw significant increases in investor activity, while places like Cincinnati experienced declines.

In 2023, U.S. homebuyers took out 90,772 mortgages for second homes, down 40% from a year earlier, with Austin and the Bay Area experiencing the biggest declines. Redfin reports a decrease in demand for vacation-home mortgages due to rising housing costs and low inventory. Mortgages for primary homes also dropped, but not as much as for second homes. The typical second home was worth $475,000 in 2023 compared to $375,000 for primary homes. Affordability remains a major concern as housing costs hit record highs in 2023.

Redfin's recent report highlights record-high monthly housing payments and declining rates impacting the spring selling season. The median U.S. monthly housing payment reached $2,894, up 14% YoY, with home prices rising 4.5%. Sellers were hesitant due to high rates, resulting in fewer new listings. However, mortgage rates decreased slightly, boosting buyer activity. Despite some slowing in home sales and price reductions, there are signs of increasing demand.

Redfin (NASDAQ: RDFN) CFO Chris Nielsen is set to present at the 19th Annual Needham Technology & Media Conference on May 15 at 3:00 p.m. ET. The webcast link and replay will be available on the company's investor relations website.