2020 Fall Housing Market Update

Facts & Fears

For most of 2020, the market was influenced by a lack of inventory, interest rates that were at historic lows, and people in varying stages of trauma or dysfunction.

Whether we want to admit it or not, the Covid 19 factor affected all of us to some degree. Some people lost jobs or had their work affected.

Further Thoughts

If you had children in school, now they were learning from home, and that may have impacted what parent could accomplish throughout the week.

For many people, Covid fueled a desire to have more space, more land, or to practice real social distancing. Think” five acres in the country” distancing. For some, it helped reshape values and priorities.

Technology Improvements

This Fall’s Housing Market made more use of virtual tours and aerial drone technology. There are adopted standards for showing appointments tailored to overcome home sellers’ concerns and cover buyers.

The housing market required refined technology for booking appointments, e-signing listing agreements and purchase agreements, lender applications, and e-funds transfers for earnest money deposits.

You can purchase a home from the other side of the world and never have set foot in the house. If you pick this as an option I highly encourage hiring a good home inspector.

It snowed here the other day, signaling our transition to winter and the holiday season. Often we see a reduction in seller and buyer activity for a while during this period. Some sellers would rather not move in winter ( I prefer it to summer), and they may not want to show the home during the holidays. This year may be an exception, however, as some people may forgo traditional holiday activities.

In a mild winter, we can see the “spring market” resume as early as early January if buyer demand remains strong. This year will be different with less traditional holiday activity. This year’s Fall Housing Market Update takes into account the continuing economic conditions of very low-interest rates and buyer demand, plus the desire to not be in an apartment all winter and get cabin fever.

Fall Market Update and the 2020 Election

But that election thing is coming up, and it seems like some people are waiting to see what happens, before making changes and commitments. Smart buyers with good jobs and stable income will soon be back in the market, however (some never left). 

If you think you may be a buyer, this may be the best time ever to take action. Interest rates have never been lower, lenders credit requirements are still pretty easy, renting is way more expensive than owning in terms of monthly expense, and when you buy a home you are the owner. You are building wealth and stability!