ZILLOW GROUP INC - ZG STOCK NEWS

Zillow Group, Inc. (NASDAQ: Z, ZG) will release its fourth-quarter and full-year 2022 financial results after market close on February 15, 2023. A conference call to discuss these results will be hosted on the same day at 2 p.m. PT / 5 p.m. ET. Investors can access the live webcast and recorded replay via Zillow's Investor Relations website. This announcement highlights Zillow's ongoing commitment to transparency and investor engagement, as it seeks to provide insights into its financial performance.

Zillow's analysis reveals that Charlotte is the hottest housing market for 2023, followed by Cleveland, and Pittsburgh. This year's rankings are influenced by factors like home value expectations and buyer demand, with affordability challenges still prevalent. The report indicates Dallas and Nashville also feature in the top five. Notably, the rapid home value growth seen in previous years has subsided, leading to cooler markets overall. Zillow suggests that buyers navigating these markets will face less competition, with increased chances of negotiating better deals.

Zillow Home Loans reports that over 2 million homes now qualify for conforming loan options, eliminating the need for jumbo loans that typically involve higher fees and stricter qualification standards. This change stems from the Federal Housing Finance Agency increasing the conforming loan limit to $1,089,300 in high-cost markets, marking the first time it has surpassed $1 million. The baseline conforming loan limit rose by $79,000 to $726,200 for most areas. This update is expected to benefit home buyers in a challenging housing market.

Prairie Village, Kansas emerged as Zillow's most popular market in 2022, reflecting a trend towards affordability in the Midwest and Northeast. The analysis utilized metrics like page-view traffic and housing inventory across 100 metropolitan areas. Grand Rapids, Michigan, claimed the title of the most popular large city, while Dunedin, Florida led in retirement town popularity. Zillow's data indicates a shift in consumer demand favoring locations with lower home values amid changing work patterns post-pandemic.

Zillow has identified key home trends for 2023. Notably, backyards are highlighted in 22% more listings, indicating a growing demand for outdoor spaces. Kitchen islands are increasingly popular, up 19%, evolving into multifunctional statement pieces. The return of mirrored walls has been observed with a 12% rise in mentions. Increased privacy in home designs is also sought after, with over 25% of listings highlighting private spaces, marking a 7% increase. Additionally, younger homeowners are leading a renovation surge, focusing on eco-friendly and tech-forward projects.

The November Zillow Market Report highlights a 4.8% drop in mortgage costs, leading to a monthly payment reduction of approximately $100. Despite this relief, costs are still up 66.1% compared to last year. The typical U.S. home value is $357,733, down 0.5% from June's peak. Although housing activity remains low, with pending listings down 38% year-over-year, there are signs of stabilization in affordability. Rental prices also decreased by 0.4%, the largest drop in seven years, offering additional respite for renters.

Zillow announced that over one million home shoppers have utilized its down payment assistance tool in the past year. Launched in December 2021, this feature helps users discover financial aid programs in their area, thanks to a partnership with Down Payment Resource. The average benefit from these programs is approximately $17,000, significantly easing the path to homeownership. With the current average home price around $358,000, most buyers struggle to save for down payments, highlighting a growing need for such assistance.

On December 13, 2022, Zillow announced a unique listing: Santa's North Pole cabin, valued at $1,154,137. This property features a toy workshop and an elf village that can be toured in 3D via Zillow's website. Since 2016, when it was initially valued at just over $650,000, the home has appreciated significantly, increasing 12% in the past year and nearly 77% over six years. Zillow's listing has attracted over 3 million visitors, making it one of their most viewed properties, and showcases their innovative approach to real estate during the holiday season.

Zillow Group (NASDAQ: Z, ZG) has successfully acquired VRX Media, a leader in real estate media services recognized for its aerial photography, virtual staging, and 3D tours. This acquisition aims to enhance the ShowingTime+ software suite by integrating VRX's offerings, ultimately creating immersive listing experiences. Zillow anticipates that 2023 will see the launch of two new products, Listing Media Services and Listing Showcase, aimed at improving agents' marketing capabilities. The deal aligns with Zillow's goal of elevating real estate listings through innovative interactive media.