Market Conditions
Ever since the beginning of the year, and now moving into the spring selling season, striking shifts in supply and demand have occurred and continued to accelerate, resulting in a dramatic leap in the heat and competitiveness of market conditions. Based on current indicators illustrated in this report, and, more importantly, what is being experienced on the ground as new listings arrive on the market, deals are negotiated, and homes go into contract, it appears likely that significant home price increases will begin to show up in Q2 2024.
Macroeconomic Conditions
In the 8 weeks through early April, the weekly average, 30-year conforming-loan interest rate has oscillated between 6.74% and 6.94%: Up from January, but still well down from last fall. In the last month, the S&P 500 & Nasdaq stock market indices continued to hit new all-time highs, with substantial effects on household wealth. After the big jump in December-January, consumer confidence is at its highest point in almost 3 years. Monthly inflation rates have remained stable since October, ranging from 3.1% to 3.3%: Higher than the Fed’s 2% goal, but reductions in its benchmark rate later this year are still commonly expected.
