ZILLOW GROUP INC - ZG STOCK NEWS

Zillow Group (NASDAQ: Z, ZG) will release its third quarter 2021 financial results after market close on November 2, 2021. Following the announcement, a conference call and webcast will be held at 2 p.m. PT / 5 p.m. ET to discuss the results. Investors can register in advance for the call to reduce delays. More details and the live webcast will be available on the Investor Relations website.

Zillow announced a pause on new contracts for its Zillow Offers business until year-end due to renovation backlogs and operational capacity limitations in a challenging real estate market. This decision allows Zillow to concentrate on closing existing contracts and managing its current home inventory. The company continues to connect prospective sellers with local Premier Agent partners while maintaining sales of homes already under contract. Zillow operates as a leading real estate website, providing an integrated experience for buying and selling homes.

SEATTLE, Oct. 14, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- A Zillow analysis reveals that the ongoing housing demand is influenced by demographics rather than a pandemic-driven surge. Millennials and baby boomers are the primary buyers, with median buyer age rising from 40 to 44 since 2009. Despite millennials being the largest group, older buyers are more active, contributing to competition. Baby boomers leverage home equity, giving them an edge. Home values rose 31.2% from 2009 to 2019, further intensifying the market. Recent trends show a decline in first-time homebuyers, down from 46% in 2018 to 37% in 2021.

Zillow's HBCU Housing Hackathon attracted over 150 students from Historically Black Colleges and Universities, focusing on solutions for at-risk renters and first-time home buyers. The first place was awarded to a team from Morehouse College, winning $20,000 for their app, which predicts rent and utility increases. Zillow also donated $25,000 to Morehouse's computer science program. The event highlighted innovative projects, with other top teams focusing on financial literacy and blockchain solutions. All top teams received additional prizes, including laptops and internship opportunities at Zillow.

Zillow Group (NASDAQ: Z, ZG) has completed its acquisition of ShowingTime, a leading online scheduling platform for home showings, for $500 million. This acquisition is significant for enhancing Zillow's capabilities in the real estate market, particularly in simplifying the home touring process. Over the past year, ShowingTime facilitated 63 million showings through its platform. Zillow Group plans to invest in ShowingTime to improve its technology and maintain its operational independence.

The Great Reshuffling presents both challenges and opportunities for housing affordability in the U.S., according to a new Zillow analysis. While remote workers benefit from lower costs in affordable areas, in-person occupations like teaching and nursing face escalating rent pressures. Over a decade of underbuilding has limited housing supply, fueling record price increases. The analysis highlights that teachers and nurses often pay significant portions of their income on rent, with many forced to choose smaller, older homes. Communities are urged to ease zoning restrictions to increase housing supply and improve affordability.

Zillow's Consumer Housing Trends Report reveals that despite a challenging housing market, buyers are adapting successfully. The average buyer submitted just two offers before acceptance, an increase from previous years. Most buyers (88%) utilized home inspections prior to closing, indicating a cautious approach. First-time buyers face more challenges than repeat buyers, primarily due to smaller down payments. The report also highlights a growing preference for virtual tours, with buyers increasingly confident in making offers based on them. Signs of a cooling market suggest more manageable conditions for buyers ahead.

The Zillow Home Price Expectations Survey predicts an increase in housing inventory, primarily from existing homeowners selling their properties. This shift is expected to stabilize the market as homeowners exit forbearance programs. The panel forecasts that existing homeowners will contribute 39.7% of the housing supply, while new construction will represent 22.5%. Despite recent strong price appreciation reaching 17.7% annually, the market is anticipated to balance out as new listings rise.

The latest Zillow market report for August reveals moderated growth in home values and rents, indicating a shift toward a more balanced housing market. Home values increased by 1.75% month-over-month, down from 1.97% in July, marking the third-largest monthly growth recorded. Inventory rose 4.1% over July, reducing the year-over-year deficit to 22.7%. The typical U.S. home value is now $303,288, reflecting a 17.7% annual increase. Additionally, monthly rent growth decelerated to 1.7%, despite a record 11.5% annual appreciation.