ZILLOW GROUP INC - ZG STOCK NEWS

Zillow Group highlights a trend where rents in major U.S. metros surpass typical mortgage payments, making renting a viable option for homeowners. A recent report indicates that homeowners can significantly profit by renting out their properties in cities like Memphis ($556 rent-mortgage difference), Miami ($522), and Atlanta ($424). Zillow's enhanced tools, such as the Rent Zestimate, offer improved accuracy for rental pricing. This shift in the real estate market, driven by remote work, presents new opportunities for landlords amidst recovering rent growth nationwide.

Zillow's latest market report reveals a significant recovery in U.S. rents and home values as of July 2021. Typical monthly rents reached $1,843, marking a 9.2% year-over-year increase. Home values also surged, with a national average of $298,933 (up 16.7% year-over-year). Despite record highs, the report suggests a potential rebalancing in the housing market with a 4.5% increase in inventory, indicating easing price pressures. However, affordability challenges may arise as demand continues to outpace income growth. Key metropolitan areas like Tampa and Phoenix reported the highest rent growth, while coastal cities lagged behind.

Housing affordability is declining as costs are rising faster than incomes, according to a new Zillow analysis. Mortgage payments as a percentage of income are forecasted to exceed 23.1% by year-end, up from 19.4% in June 2021. Strong demand and increasing prices are overshadowing low mortgage rates. Austin is expected to drop in affordability rankings by December, with new buyers projected to spend 30.1% of their income on mortgages. Rent affordability is also set to increase, moving from 29.96% to 30.2%, impacting budget for essentials.

Zillow Group (NASDAQ: Z, ZG) reported strong Q2 2021 results, with consolidated revenue of $1.3 billion, marking a 70% year-over-year increase. Gross profit reached $538 million, up 92%, while net income stood at $10 million. The iBuying segment, Zillow Offers, accelerated, appealing to sellers in a competitive market. Average monthly unique users grew to 229 million, reflecting a 5% year-over-year increase. The company closed the quarter with cash and investments totaling $4.6 billion.

Behr Paint and Zillow have collaborated to launch a curated palette of interior paint colors aimed at enhancing home value. Findings from a Zillow-commissioned study indicate that specific shades can increase a buyer's offer by nearly $5,000. The palette features 12 colors, blending light neutrals and various blues, each associated with potential value increases in different rooms. For instance, light blue bathrooms could add 1.6% to offers. The colors are now available at The Home Depot.

The pandemic has reshaped housing trends as remote work gains traction. According to a Zillow and HERE Technologies analysis, homes within a 10-minute commute of downtown are seeing slower value growth compared to more affordable properties further away. In cities like Detroit and Indianapolis, values surged by over $100,000 since 2019, while others like New York and Boston experienced declines. Flexible work options mean buyers prioritize affordability and space over commuting distance, highlighting a shift in the real estate market.

Zillow Group (NASDAQ: Z, ZG) will release its second quarter 2021 financial results on August 5, 2021, after market close. A conference call and webcast will follow at 2 p.m. PT (5 p.m. ET) to discuss the financials. The results and a link to the accompanying materials will be available on the company's Investor Relations website. Zillow Group is transforming real estate services, providing a seamless platform for buying, selling, and financing homes through its various brands and services.

Housing inventory saw recovery for the second consecutive month in June, reflecting a potential rebalancing of the market, according to Zillow's latest report. Inventory improved by 3.1% in June after a 3.9% increase in May, yet remains 29.2% below 2020 levels. Home value appreciation hit a record 15% year-over-year, with the Zillow Home Value Index reaching $293,349. Zillow forecasts a 13.2% increase in home values by June 2022 and 6.02 million home sales in 2021, marking a 6.6% rise from 2020.

Zillow's recent analysis reveals that the right paint color can significantly affect home sale prices. Homes with light blue bathrooms can sell for up to $4,698 more, while mint green kitchens may result in a $1,830 drop in value. The study surveyed approximately 1,300 recent and prospective homebuyers, highlighting that pale sky blue scored highest in desirability. In contrast, kitchens with bold colors like fire-hydrant red were less appealing. Zillow emphasizes the importance of strategic paint choices for sellers looking to maximize their home’s market value.