Skip to main content

Homebuyers Are Finding Relief As The Market Begins To Ease Up

Jul 08, 2022
Redfin Report July 7
Staff Writer

Redfin reported that competition is easing in the housing market as mortgage rates and prices hit a tipping point.

KEY TAKEAWAYS
  • The share of sellers decreasing their asking prices hit a record high during the four weeks ending July 3.
  • Pending home sales were down 13% year over year, the largest decline since May 2020.
  • On average, 7% of homes for sale each week had a price drop, a record high as far back as the data goes, which is the beginning of 2015.

After months of tipping heavily in sellers’ favor, the scales of the housing market are finally balancing out, according to a new report from Redfin

As sellers are beginning to slash prices and more buyers are dropping out of the market, there is less competition for remaining buyers. These buyers are also seeing the housing shortage ease, price growth slow and mortgage rates finally begin to drop from their 2022 high. 

The share of sellers decreasing their asking prices hit a record high during the four weeks ending July 3, and the portion of homes going for above list price fell for the first time since June 2020, due to sellers responding to lessened homebuyer demand.

“Conditions for homebuyers are improving. Housing remains expensive, but mortgage rates just posted their biggest weekly drop since 2008, which makes buying a home a bit more affordable,” Redfin Chief Economist Daryl Fairweather said. “One way buyers can take advantage of the shift in the market is seeking concessions from sellers. That could include asking the seller to buy down your mortgage rate, pay for repairs or cover some of your closing costs.”

The market slowdown was evident in Redfin’s report, as 30-year mortgage rates fell to 5.3%—the largest 1-week drop since 2008– for the week ending July 7. This was down from a 2022 high of 5.81% but up from 3.11% at the start of the year.

While numbers are still high year-over-year, they’re beginning to decrease more rapidly than before.  On average, 7% of homes for sale each week had a price drop, a record high as far back as the data goes, through the beginning of 2015.

The median home sale price was up 13% year over year to $396,000, and the growth rate is down from March’s peak of 16%. Pending home sales were down 13% year over year, the largest decline since May 2020.

Buying-related activity also subsided, parallel with the market. Fewer people searched for “homes for sale” on Google and touring activity as of July 3 was down 14% from the start of the year. 

About the author
Staff Writer
Sarah Wolak is a staff writer at NMP.
Published
Jul 08, 2022
Borrowers Forget The True Cost Of Homeownership

Not all costs are fixed for a fixed mortgage — insurance, maintenance, property taxes, and utilities.

Mar 29, 2024
U.S. Mortgage Delinquencies, Foreclosures Begin 2024 Exceptionally Low

The U.S. housing market posted an overall mortgage delinquency rate of 2.8% in January.

Mar 29, 2024
30-Year FRM Ticks Down Slightly

It's averaging 6.79%, Freddie Mac says.

Mar 28, 2024
Pending Home Sales Rose In February

NAR reports 1.6% increase month-over-month.

Mar 28, 2024
Homeownership Expenses Eat Away Affordability

Of more than 500 counties analyzed by ATTOM, 97.8% are less affordable in the first quarter of 2024 than their historic averages.

Mar 27, 2024