STOCK TITAN

Redfin Reports Homebuyers Aren’t Yet Reacting to Lower Mortgage Rates, With Pending Sales Posting Biggest Year-Over-Year Decline in 9 Months

Rhea-AI Impact
(Neutral)
Rhea-AI Sentiment
(Neutral)
Tags

Redfin reports that despite lower mortgage rates and declining home prices, homebuyers are not yet responding to improved affordability. The median U.S. monthly housing payment dropped to $2,667, its lowest level since March. However, pending home sales are down 5.7% year-over-year, the biggest decline in nine months. Mortgage-purchase applications have also decreased by 14%.

New listings are up 4% year-over-year but losing momentum. Nearly two-thirds of homes for sale have been on the market for at least 30 days. Redfin agents report that while there's demand for turnkey homes in desirable neighborhoods, some buyers are waiting until after the presidential election to purchase. The median home-sale price is $392,563, down slightly from its early July peak.

Redfin riporta che nonostante i bassi tassi di interesse sui mutui e il declino dei prezzi delle case, gli acquirenti di case non stanno ancora rispondendo a una maggiore accessibilità economica. Il pagamento mensile medio per abitazioni negli Stati Uniti è sceso a $2,667, il livello più basso da marzo. Tuttavia, le vendite di case in attesa sono diminuite del 5,7% rispetto all'anno precedente, il calo più consistente negli ultimi nove mesi. Anche le richieste di mutui per l'acquisto sono diminuite del 14%.

Le nuove inserzioni sono aumentate del 4% anno su anno, ma stanno perdendo slancio. Quasi due terzi delle case in vendita sono sul mercato da almeno 30 giorni. Gli agenti di Redfin segnalano che, sebbene vi sia domanda per case pronte da abitare in quartieri desiderabili, alcuni acquirenti stanno aspettando dopo le elezioni presidenziali per acquistare. Il prezzo mediano di vendita delle case è di $392,563, in leggero calo rispetto al picco di inizio luglio.

Redfin informa que a pesar de los bajos tipos de interés hipotecario y la bajada de precios de las viviendas, los compradores aún no están respondiendo a una mayor asequibilidad. El pago mensual medio de vivienda en EE.UU. ha bajado a $2,667, su nivel más bajo desde marzo. Sin embargo, las ventas de casas pendientes han disminuido un 5,7% interanual, la mayor caída en nueve meses. Las solicitudes de hipotecas para la compra también han disminuido un 14%.

Las nuevas listas han aumentado un 4% en comparación con el año anterior, pero están perdiendo impulso. Casi dos tercios de las viviendas en venta han estado en el mercado durante al menos 30 días. Los agentes de Redfin informan que, aunque hay demanda de casas listas para habitar en barrios deseables, algunos compradores están esperando hasta después de las elecciones presidenciales para comprar. El precio medio de venta de las viviendas es de $392,563, ligeramente por debajo de su pico a principios de julio.

레드핀은 저금리주택 가격 하락에도 불구하고, 주택 구매자들이 향상된 주거 가능성에 아직 반응하지 않고 있다고 보고합니다. 미국의 월 주택 지불액 중간값은 $2,667로, 3월 이후 최저 수준입니다. 하지만 대기 중인 주택 판매는 전년 대비 5.7% 감소했으며, 이는 9개월 만에 가장 큰 하락폭입니다. 또한 주택 구매를 위한 대출 신청도 14% 감소했습니다.

새로운 매물은 전년 대비 4% 증가했지만, momentum을 잃어가고 있습니다. 판매 중인 주택의 거의 3분의 2가 최소 30일 이상 시장에 나와 있습니다. 레드핀의 에이전트들은 바람직한 지역의 즉시 입주 가능한 주택에 대한 수요가 있지만, 일부 구매자들은 대통령 선거가 끝난 후 구입하기를 기다리고 있다고 보고합니다. 주택 판매 중간 가격은 $392,563로, 7월 초 급등한 가격에서 약간 하락했습니다.

Redfin rapporte que malgré des taux hypothécaires plus bas et une baisse des prix des maisons, les acheteurs ne réagissent pas encore à une accessibilité financière améliorée. Le paiement mensuel médian pour le logement aux États-Unis a chuté à 2 667 $, son niveau le plus bas depuis mars. Cependant, les ventes de maisons en attente ont diminué de 5,7 % par rapport à l'année précédente, ce qui représente la plus forte baisse en neuf mois. Les demandes de prêts hypothécaires pour achat ont également diminué de 14 %.

Les nouvelles annonces ont augmenté de 4 % par rapport à l'année précédente, mais perdent de l'élan. Près de deux tiers des maisons à vendre sont sur le marché depuis au moins 30 jours. Les agents de Redfin rapportent que, bien qu'il y ait une demande pour des maisons prêtes à emménager dans des quartiers recherchés, certains acheteurs attendent après les élections présidentielles pour acheter. Le prix de vente moyen des maisons est de 392 563 $, en légère baisse par rapport au pic début juillet.

Redfin berichtet, dass trotz niedriger Hypothekenzinsen und fallender Immobilienpreise die Käufer noch nicht auf die verbesserte Erschwinglichkeit reagieren. Die sind auf $2,667 gefallen, den niedrigsten Stand seit März. Allerdings sind die ausstehenden Immobilienverkäufe im Jahresvergleich um 5,7% gesunken, der größte Rückgang seit neun Monaten. Auch die Hypothekenanträge für Kauf sind um 14% zurückgegangen.

Neue Angebote sind im Jahresvergleich um 4% gestiegen, verlieren jedoch an Schwung. Fast zwei Drittel der zum Verkauf stehenden Häuser sind seit mindestens 30 Tagen auf dem Markt. Redfin-Agenten berichten, dass es zwar eine Nachfrage nach bezugsfertigen Häusern in begehrten Vierteln gibt, einige Käufer jedoch bis nach den Präsidentschaftswahlen warten, um zu kaufen. Der mittlere Verkaufs Preis von Wohnimmobilien beträgt $392,563 und ist leicht gesunken im Vergleich zum Höchststand Anfang Juli.

Positive
  • Median U.S. monthly housing payment decreased to $2,667, the lowest level since March
  • Mortgage rates dropped from May's five-month high of 7.22% to 6.78%
  • New listings increased by 4% year-over-year
  • Median sale price increased by 4.1% year-over-year to $392,563
Negative
  • Pending home sales declined by 5.7% year-over-year, the biggest drop in nine months
  • Mortgage-purchase applications decreased by 14% year-over-year
  • Nearly two-thirds of homes for sale have been on the market for at least 30 days
  • Share of homes sold above list price decreased from 36% to 30.8% year-over-year

Insights

The latest Redfin report reveals a complex housing market landscape, with some intriguing developments that warrant closer examination. The median U.S. monthly housing payment has decreased to $2,667, its lowest level in four months, primarily due to falling mortgage rates and a slight dip in sale prices. However, this improved affordability hasn't translated into increased buyer activity as one might expect.

Several factors are at play here:

  • Pending home sales are down 5.7% year-over-year, the largest decline in nine months.
  • Mortgage-purchase applications have dropped 14% year-over-year.
  • New listings are up 4% year-over-year, but this is the smallest increase in nearly nine months.

The disconnect between improving affordability and declining sales activity is particularly noteworthy. It suggests that while the cost of homeownership has marginally improved, it's still not enough to overcome other market headwinds. The median home-sale price of $392,563 remains near record highs, which continues to be a significant barrier for many potential buyers.

Another important factor is the quality of available inventory. With nearly two-thirds of homes on the market for 30+ days without going under contract, it's clear that many listings aren't meeting buyer expectations. This mismatch between supply and demand could be contributing to the sales slowdown.

Looking ahead, the market may see some movement as mortgage rates continue to decline. However, broader economic factors, including wage growth and inflation, will play a important role in determining the housing market's trajectory in the coming months.

The Redfin report offers valuable insights into the current state of the U.S. housing market, revealing some interesting economic dynamics at play. The decline in monthly housing payments, driven by falling mortgage rates and a slight dip in sale prices, represents a modest improvement in affordability. However, the lack of corresponding increase in buyer activity suggests that other economic factors are weighing heavily on consumer decision-making.

Several key points merit attention:

  • The average 30-year fixed mortgage rate has dropped to 6.78%, down from May's five-month high of 7.22%.
  • Despite this decrease, mortgage-purchase applications are down 14% year-over-year.
  • The median home-sale price of $392,563 is still near record highs, indicating persistent affordability challenges.

The disconnect between improving financing conditions and declining sales activity suggests that broader economic concerns are influencing the housing market. Factors such as political uncertainty, with some buyers reportedly waiting until after the presidential election and concerns about wage growth not keeping pace with home prices and inflation, are likely contributing to the cautious buyer sentiment.

This situation underscores the complex interplay between monetary policy, fiscal policy and consumer behavior in the housing market. While lower interest rates typically stimulate demand, the current market dynamics demonstrate that rate adjustments alone may not be sufficient to overcome structural economic challenges and uncertainties.

As we move forward, it will be important to monitor how these trends evolve, particularly in light of potential shifts in economic policy and any changes in broader macroeconomic conditions. The housing market's response to these factors will provide valuable insights into consumer confidence and overall economic health.

The Redfin report presents a fascinating case study in consumer behavior within the housing market. Despite improved affordability conditions, we're seeing a counterintuitive response from potential homebuyers. This scenario offers rich insights into the complex decision-making processes of consumers in high-stakes purchases.

Key behavioral trends to note:

  • Pending home sales are down 5.7% year-over-year, despite lower monthly payments.
  • Nearly two-thirds of homes for sale have been on the market for 30+ days, indicating a mismatch between buyer preferences and available inventory.
  • Some buyers are reportedly delaying purchases until after the presidential election, showcasing the impact of perceived political uncertainty on major financial decisions.

These trends suggest that consumers are weighing multiple factors beyond just affordability when considering home purchases. The psychological impact of home prices being near record highs, even if monthly payments have decreased, appears to be a significant deterrent. This aligns with prospect theory in behavioral economics, which posits that people perceive losses and gains differently, often giving more weight to potential losses.

The report also highlights the importance of product-market fit in real estate. The slow movement of inventory indicates that consumers have specific preferences that aren't being met by current listings. This selectivity, even in a market with improved affordability, underscores the emotional and lifestyle factors that play into housing decisions.

Looking ahead, it will be important to monitor how consumer sentiment evolves as economic conditions change. Will sustained lower mortgage rates eventually overcome buyer hesitation? Or will other factors, such as economic uncertainty or specific housing preferences, continue to dominate decision-making? These questions will be key to understanding future market dynamics and consumer behavior in the housing sector.

Monthly housing payments have dropped to their lowest level in four months, but homebuyers and sellers aren’t yet reacting. In addition to pending home sales falling, new listings posted their smallest increase in three months.

SEATTLE--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- (NASDAQ: RDFN) — The median U.S. monthly housing payment was $2,667 during the four weeks ending July 28, its lowest level since March. That’s according to a new report from Redfin (redfin.com), the technology-powered real estate brokerage.

Payments are declining because mortgage rates and sale prices are falling: The weekly average mortgage rate is 6.78%, down from May’s five-month high of 7.22%. The median home-sale price is $392,563, down nearly $4,000 from its early July peak (that’s a typical seasonal decline and not a signal that prices are falling unexpectedly).

Despite improving affordability, pending home sales are down 5.7% year over year, the biggest decline in nine months, and mortgage-purchase applications are down 14% (purchase applications are down 2% week over week). That’s largely because even though it’s more affordable to buy a home now than it was in the spring, prices and payments are still near record highs. Additionally, Redfin agents report that some prospective buyers, wary of political uncertainty, are waiting until after the presidential election to purchase a home.

Another reason for dwindling sales is a lack of desirable listings. New listings are up 4% year over year, but they’re losing momentum; that’s the smallest increase since November. And nearly two-thirds of homes for sale have been sitting on the market for at least 30 days without going under contract, indicating that many of today’s listings don’t match the wants and/or needs of house hunters. Much as pending sales are declining partly due to new listings losing steam, the slowdown in new listings is partly due to limited demand.

But Redfin agents report that there is plenty of demand for turnkey homes in desirable neighborhoods, and some expect sales to pick up soon as mortgage rates come down.

“Local buyers are still worried about affordability, especially since wages haven’t caught up with home-price growth and inflation has cut into their budgets. But now that rates are declining, some fence-sitters are getting off the fence,” said Boise, ID Redfin agent Nicole Stewart. “I’m working with some buyers who need larger homes to accommodate growing families, some who are relocating from California, Washington or Oregon, and some who are taking advantage of all the new builds in our area.”

For Redfin economists’ takes on the housing market, please visit Redfin’s “From Our Economists” page.

Indicators of homebuying demand and activity

 

Value (if applicable)

Recent change

Year-over-year change

Source

Daily average 30-year fixed mortgage rate

6.78% (July 31)

Lowest level since February; down from 7.14% a month earlier

Down from 7.04%

Mortgage News Daily

Weekly average 30-year fixed mortgage rate

6.78% (week ending July 25)

Down from 7.22% in early May

Down slightly from 6.81%

Freddie Mac

Mortgage-purchase applications (seasonally adjusted)

 

Decreased 2% from a week earlier (as of week ending July 26)

Down 14%

Mortgage Bankers Association

Redfin Homebuyer Demand Index (seasonally adjusted)

 

Essentially unchanged from a month earlier (as of week ending July 28)

Down 14%

Redfin Homebuyer Demand Index, a measure of requests for tours and other homebuying services from Redfin agents

Touring activity

 

Up 16% from the start of the year (as of July 28)

At this time last year, it was up 10% from the start of 2023

ShowingTime, a home touring technology company

Google searches for “home for sale”

 

Up 4% from a month earlier (as of July 29)

Down 19%

Google Trends

Key housing-market data

U.S. highlights: Four weeks ending July 28, 2024

Redfin’s national metrics include data from 400+ U.S. metro areas, and is based on homes listed and/or sold during the period. Weekly housing-market data goes back through 2015. Subject to revision.

 

Four weeks ending July 28, 2024

Year-over-year change

Notes

Median sale price

$392,563

4.1%

$3,912 below all-time high set during the 4 weeks ending July 7

Median asking price

$400,225

5%

 

Median monthly mortgage payment

$2,667 at a 6.78% mortgage rate

4%

Lowest level since March; $168 below all-time high set during the 4 weeks ending April 28

Pending sales

79,855

-5.7%

Biggest decline in nearly 9 months

New listings

90,940

4%

Smallest increase in nearly 9 months

Active listings

989,047

18.7%

Smallest increase in 3 months

Months of supply

3.8

+0.8 pts.

4 to 5 months of supply is considered balanced, with a lower number indicating seller’s market conditions.

Share of homes off market in two weeks

37.6%

Down from 44%

 

Median days on market

33

+5 days

 

Share of homes sold above list price

30.8%

Down from 36%

 

Share of homes with a price drop

6.8%

+1.8 pts.

Highest level on record

Average sale-to-list price ratio

99.4%

-0.5 pts.

 

Metro-level highlights: Four weeks ending July 28, 2024

Redfin’s metro-level data includes the 50 most populous U.S. metros. Select metros may be excluded from time to time to ensure data accuracy.

 

Metros with biggest year-over-year increases

Metros with biggest year-over-year decreases

Notes

Median sale price

Detroit (17.2%)

New Brunswick, NJ (15%)

Providence, RI (13.6%)

Milwaukee (13%)

West Palm Beach, FL (12.8%)

Austin, TX (-2.3%)

Dallas (-0.4%)

 

 

 

 

 

 

Declined in 2 metros

Pending sales

San Francisco (7.1%)

Newark, NJ (6.9%)

Los Angeles (4.1%)

San Jose, CA (3.3%)

Boston (2.7%)

Providence, RI (2.6%)

Cincinnati, OH (0.7%)

Houston (-30.5%)

Atlanta (-16.1%)

Minneapolis (-15.2%)

Fort Lauderdale, FL (-14%)

West Palm Beach, FL (-13%)

 

Increased in 7 metros

New listings

Las Vegas (17.5%)

San Jose, CA (17.3%)

Jacksonville, FL (16.1%)

Miami (15.4%)

San Diego (15%)

 

Atlanta (-16%)

Houston (-12.9%)

Warren, MI (-8.5%)

Portland, OR (-7.6%)

Chicago (-7.1%)

Declined in 13 metros

To view the full report, including charts, please visit: https://www.redfin.com/news/housing-market-update-pending-sales-monthly-payments-down

About Redfin

Redfin (www.redfin.com) is a technology-powered real estate company. We help people find a place to live with brokerage, rentals, lending, title insurance, and renovations services. We run the country's #1 real estate brokerage site. Our customers can save thousands in fees while working with a top agent. Our home-buying customers see homes first with on-demand tours, and our lending and title services help them close quickly. Customers selling a home can have our renovations crew fix it up to sell for top dollar. Our rentals business empowers millions nationwide to find apartments and houses for rent. Since launching in 2006, we've saved customers more than $1.6 billion in commissions. We serve more than 100 markets across the U.S. and Canada and employ over 4,000 people.

Redfin’s subsidiaries and affiliated brands include: Bay Equity Home Loans®, Rent.™, Apartment Guide®, Title Forward® and WalkScore®.

For more information or to contact a local Redfin real estate agent, visit www.redfin.com. To learn about housing market trends and download data, visit the Redfin Data Center. To be added to Redfin's press release distribution list, email press@redfin.com. To view Redfin's press center, click here.

Contact Redfin

Redfin Journalist Services:

Tana Kelley

press@redfin.com

Source: Redfin

FAQ

What is the current median U.S. monthly housing payment according to Redfin's report?

According to Redfin's report, the current median U.S. monthly housing payment is $2,667 for the four weeks ending July 28, 2024, which is the lowest level since March.

How have pending home sales changed year-over-year for Redfin (RDFN)?

Redfin (RDFN) reports that pending home sales are down 5.7% year-over-year, which is the biggest decline in nine months.

What is the current median home-sale price reported by Redfin (RDFN)?

Redfin (RDFN) reports that the current median home-sale price is $392,563, which is down nearly $4,000 from its early July peak.

How have new listings changed year-over-year according to Redfin's (RDFN) report?

According to Redfin's (RDFN) report, new listings are up 4% year-over-year, but this is the smallest increase since November.

Redfin Corporation

NASDAQ:RDFN

RDFN Rankings

RDFN Latest News

RDFN Stock Data

1.08B
123.98M
4.25%
55.29%
17.51%
Real Estate Services
Real Estate Agents & Managers (for Others)
Link
United States of America
seattle