Redfin Corp - RDFN STOCK NEWS

Rising mortgage rates have driven the median monthly mortgage payment for homebuyers to $1,910, a 34% increase from last year. Concurrently, the median monthly asking rent has reached $1,940, marking a 17% year-over-year rise. This scenario is pricing many potential first-time buyers out of the housing market, pushing them towards rentals. Notably, rent increases in Portland and Austin are reaching up to 40%. Redfin economists predict a slowdown in home price growth but do not foresee a drop in prices or mortgage rates.

Redfin reports that rising mortgage rates are causing homeowners to reconsider selling their homes. About 51% of U.S. homeowners with mortgages hold rates below 4%, making them hesitant to move due to potential higher costs. The average 30-year fixed mortgage rate has hit 5%, a significant rise from the record low of 2.65% in January 2021, contributing to a historic high in monthly mortgage payments of $2,288. This trend is leading to a drop in new home listings, down 7% year-over-year, as demand begins to wane, giving buyers potentially more options.

Redfin reports that March 2022 was the hottest March ever in the housing market, with median home-sale prices hitting an all-time high of $412,700, a 6.2% increase month-over-month. However, seasonally adjusted home sales fell 4% from February and 8% year-over-year due to high mortgage rates and limited listings. Over half of homes sold were above list price (54.3%), indicating sustained buyer interest despite escalating costs. The report highlights that a significant drop in active listings (13% year-over-year) may lead to a market cooldown.

The housing market is showing signs of softening as homebuyer activity declines. According to Redfin, new listings dropped 7% year-over-year, while the average 30-year fixed mortgage rate rose to 5%, resulting in a 35% increase in monthly payments to $2,288. Key indicators reveal a 3% decrease in homebuyer demand compared to last year, and touring activity lagging significantly behind 2021. Despite these trends, homes are still selling quickly and above asking prices, indicating ongoing competition in the market.

In the first quarter, a record 32.3% of Redfin.com users sought to relocate, marking a rise from 31.5% a year prior. Factors driving this trend include soaring home prices and rising mortgage rates. Seattle is witnessing significant outflows, with nearly 24,000 residents leaving, primarily heading to Phoenix. Homes in Seattle averaged $750,000, a 15% increase from last year. Miami emerged as the top destination, showing a sixfold increase in net inflow since the pandemic. The report highlights ongoing housing market shifts influenced by affordability and remote work.

Demand for vacation homes has sharply declined for two consecutive months, with mortgage-rate locks at their lowest since May 2020. While demand is still up 13% from pre-pandemic levels, rising mortgage rates and loan fees deter buyers. The average mortgage rate reached 4.67% by March's end, contributing to a slowdown in vacation home sales. Additionally, new loan fees from April 1 will add approximately $13,500 to typical home purchases. Primary residence demand is still robust, rising 34% from pre-pandemic levels, indicating a shift in buyer interest.

Redfin reports a notable shift in the housing market as 12% of homes for sale experienced price drops in the four weeks ending April 3, the highest since December. This indicates a cooling trend in response to rising mortgage rates nearing 5%. The median home sale price reached $384,500, up 16% year-over-year, while active listings fell 22%. However, the demand remains robust with 59% of homes selling within two weeks, reflecting a competitive market despite the price adjustments.

Redfin has completed its acquisition of Bay Equity Home Loans for $137.8 million in cash, enhancing its strategy to offer comprehensive real estate services. This acquisition allows Redfin agents to utilize Bay Equity's extensive mortgage services, with plans to connect 2,400 agents to 400 loan officers. Redfin expects the merger to positively impact earnings per share for 2022. The transaction includes a premium of $72.5 million over Bay Equity’s tangible book value as of February 28, 2022, and Redfin has opted to finance the deal entirely in cash.