Redfin Corporation - RDFN STOCK NEWS

The average monthly mortgage payment for a typical home rose 25% year-over-year to a record $1,931, driven by an all-time high median asking price of $376,000. Despite a slight decline in pending sales compared to 2021, numbers are 34% higher than two years ago. Home supply decreased by 29% year-over-year, exacerbating pressures on buyers. Homes are selling faster, with 55% receiving offers within two weeks. Redfin warns that this climbing housing cost and limited availability are making it hard for buyers to enter the market.

Redfin reported a significant surge in homebuyer demand for second homes, which rose by 87% from pre-pandemic levels in January, marking the highest level in a year. Meanwhile, demand for primary residences also climbed 42% from pre-pandemic levels. This trend is attributed to affluent buyers locking in mortgage rates before further increases, as mortgage rates exceeded 3.5% for the first time since March 2020. Home prices in seasonal towns increased by 20% year-over-year, outpacing non-seasonal towns where prices rose by 13%.

Redfin (NASDAQ: RDFN) reports that if mortgage rates rise to 3.9%, a buyer with a $2,000 monthly budget could afford a $382,250 home, down from $396,000 at a 3.5% rate. The increase in rates is anticipated as the Federal Reserve raises interest rates to combat inflation, with an expected rise starting in March. Despite this, buyer demand remains high, with pending sales up 38% year-over-year. Popular areas like Austin and Atlanta may see significant drops in affordable homes.

Redfin Corporation (NASDAQ: RDFN) is set to release its fourth-quarter and full-year 2021 results on February 17, 2022, after market close. A live webcast to discuss these results will be held at 1:30 p.m. PT / 4:30 p.m. ET. The event can be accessed on their Investor Relations website. Redfin is a technology-driven real estate company offering various services including brokerage, iBuying, rentals, lending, and renovations. Since its inception in 2006, it has saved customers over $1 billion in commissions across more than 100 markets in the U.S. and Canada.

In January, home prices surged 14% year-over-year, reaching a median of $354,750, as buyers rushed to secure homes before mortgage rates increase. The supply has plummeted to record lows, with active listings falling 29% to an all-time low of 438,000. Despite a 2% decline in pending sales from last year, demand remains strong with over half of homes selling within two weeks. The estimated monthly mortgage payment hit a record high of $1,877. Economists predict a slowing price increase to 7% by year-end, influenced by rising mortgage rates and limited inventory.

Redfin reported a 19% annual surge in the total value of U.S. homes to $39 trillion by December 2021, marking the largest annual increase since 2001. Factors driving this boom include low mortgage rates, remote work, and a housing shortage. The housing market has experienced double-digit price gains for 17 consecutive months, with demand high in migration hotspots like Austin and Phoenix. Notably, single-family homes surged in value by 19.6%, reflecting a trend towards larger living spaces.

The latest report from Redfin (RDFN) indicates that the average commission rate for buyer’s agents has dropped to 2.63%, marking a four-year low. This decrease is attributed to a competitive housing market where homeowners can attract buyers without offering higher commissions. Despite this, buyer’s agents are earning more in dollar terms, averaging $12,415 per transaction due to rising home prices, with the median home price reaching $383,100. The report highlights a shift towards lower commission rates as sellers leverage the strong demand for homes.