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For Buyers

The Latest 2024 Housing Market Forecast

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The new year is right around the corner, and you might be wondering if 2024 will be the right time to buy or sell a home. If you want to make the most informed decision possible, it’s important to know what the experts have to say about what’s ahead for the housing market. Spoiler alert: the projections may be better than you think. Here’s why.

Experts Forecast Ongoing Home Price Appreciation

Take a look at the latest home price forecasts from Fannie Mae, the Mortgage Bankers Association (MBA), and the National Association of Realtors (NAR):

 

As you can see in the orange bars on the left, on average, experts forecast prices will end this year up about 2.8% overall, and increase by another 1.5% by the end of 2024. That’s big news, considering so many people thought prices would crash this year. The truth is, prices didn’t come tumbling way down in 2023, and that’s because there just weren’t enough homes for sale compared to the number of people who wanted or needed to buy them, and that inventory crunch is still very real. This is the general rule of supply and demand, and it continues to put upward pressure on prices as we move into the new year.

Looking forward, experts project home prices will continue to rise next year, but not quite as much as they did this year. Even though the expected rise in 2024 isn’t as big as in 2023, it’s important to understand home price appreciation is cumulative. In simpler terms, this means if the experts are right, according to the national average, after your home’s value goes up by 2.8% this year, it should go up by another 1.5% next year. That ongoing price growth is a big part of why owning a home can be a smart decision in the long run.

Projections Show Sales Should Increase Slightly Next Year

While 2023 hasn’t seen a lot of home sales relative to more normal years in the housing market, experts are forecasting a bit more activity next year. Here’s what those same three organizations project for the rest of this year, and in 2024 (see graph below):

 

While expectations are for just a slight uptick in total sales, improved activity next year is a good thing for the housing market, and for buyers and sellers like you. As people continue to move, that opens up options for hopeful buyers who are looking for a home.

So, what do these forecasts show? The housing market is expected to be more active in 2024. That may be in part because there will always be people who need to move. People will get new jobs, have children, get married or divorced – these and other major life changes lead people to move regardless of housing market conditions. That will remain true next year, and for years to come. And if mortgage rates come down, we’ll see even more activity in the housing market.

Bottom Line

If you’re thinking about buying or selling, it’s important to know what the experts are forecasting for the future of the housing market. When you’re in the know about what’s ahead, you can make the most informed decision possible. Connect with a local real estate agent to chat about the latest forecasts, and craft a plan for your next move.

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For Buyers

You Finally Have More Options for Your Move

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a screenshot of a graph

Some Highlights

  • If you put your home search on hold because you couldn’t find anything you liked in your budget, it’s time to try again. ​
  • There’s a much wider selection of homes for sale, with more fresh listings hitting the market each month.
  • With more options come more possibilities. Connect with an agent if you want to see what’s available in your area.​

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Buying Tips

Should I Buy a Home Now or Wait?

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At some point, you’ve probably heard the saying: “Yesterday was the best time to buy a home, but the next best time is today.”

That’s because homeownership is about the long game – and home prices typically rise over time. So, while you may be holding out for prices to fall or rates to improve, you should know that trying to time the market rarely works.

Here’s what most buyers don’t always think about: the longer you wait, the more buying could cost you. And you deserve to understand why.

Forecasts Say Prices Will Keep Climbing

Each quarter, over 100 housing market experts weigh in for the Home Price Expectations Survey from Fannie Mae, and they consistently agree on one thing: nationally, home prices are expected to rise through at least 2029.

Yes, the sharp price increases are behind us, but experts project a steady, healthy, and sustainable increase of 3-4% per year going forward. And while this will vary by local market from year to year, the good news is, this is a much more normal pace – a welcome sign for the housing market and hopeful buyers (see graph below):

a graph of green bars

And even in markets experiencing more modest price growth or slight short-term declines, the long game of homeownership wins over time.

So, here’s what to keep in mind:

  • Next year’s home prices will be higher than this year’s. The longer you wait, the more the purchase price will go up.
  • Waiting for the perfect mortgage rate or a price drop may backfire. Even if rates dip slightly, projected home price growth could still make waiting more expensive overall.
  • Buying now means building equity sooner. When you play the long game of homeownership, your equity rewards you over time.

What You’ll Miss Out On

Let’s put real numbers into this equation, because it adds up quickly. Based on those expert projections, if you bought a typical $400,000 home in 2025, it could gain nearly $80,000 in value by 2030 (see graph below):

a graph of growth in a chartThat’s a serious boost to your future wealth – and why your friends and family who already bought a home are so glad they did. Time in the market matters.

So, the question isn’t: should I wait? It’s really: can I afford to buy now? Because if you can stretch a little or you’re willing to buy something a bit smaller just to get your foot in the door, this is why it’ll be worth it.

Yes, today’s housing market has challenges, but there are ways to make it work, like exploring different neighborhoods, asking your lender about alternative financing, or tapping into down payment assistance programs.

The key is making a move when it makes sense for you, rather than waiting for a perfect scenario that may never arrive.

Bottom Line

Time in the Market Beats Timing the Market.

If you’re debating whether to buy now or wait, remember this: real estate rewards those who get in the market, not those who try to time it perfectly.

Want to take a look at what’s happening with prices in your local area? Whether you’re ready to buy now or just exploring your options, having a plan in place can set you up for long-term success.

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Buying Tips

What You Can Do When Mortgage Rates Are a Moving Target

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Have you seen where mortgage rates have been lately? One day they go down a little. The next day, they go back up again. It can feel confusing and even frustrating if you’re trying to decide whether now’s a good time to buy a home.

Take a look at the graph below. It uses data from Mortgage News Daily to show that after a relatively stable month of March, mortgage rates have been on a bit of a roller coaster ride in April:

This kind of up-and-down volatility is expected when economic changes are happening.

And that’s one of the reasons why trying to time the market isn’t your best move. You can’t control what happens with mortgage rates. But you’re not powerless. Even with all the economic uncertainty right now, there are things you can do.

You can control your credit score, loan type, and loan term. That way, you can get the best rate possible in today’s market.

Your Credit Score

Your credit score can really affect the mortgage rate you qualify for. Even a small change in your score can make a big difference in your monthly payment. Like Bankrate says:

“Your credit score is one of the most important factors lenders consider when you apply for a mortgage. Not just to qualify for the loan itself, but for the conditions: Typically, the higher your score, the lower the interest rates and better terms you’ll qualify for.”

Keeping your credit score up is key when it comes to qualifying for a home loan. If you’re not sure where your score stands or how to improve it, talk to a loan officer you trust.

Your Loan Type

There are also different types of loans out there, and each one comes with unique requirements for qualified buyers. The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) explains:

“There are several broad categories of mortgage loans, such as conventional, FHA, USDA, and VA loans. Lenders decide which products to offer, and loan types have different eligibility requirements. Rates can be significantly different depending on what loan type you choose. Talking to multiple lenders can help you better understand all of the options available to you.

Always work with a mortgage professional to figure out which loan makes the most sense for you and your financial situation.

Your Loan Term

Just like there are different loan types, there are also different loan terms. Freddie Mac puts it like this:

“When choosing the right home loan for you, it’s important to consider the loan term, which is the length of time it will take you to repay your loan before you fully own your home. Your loan term will affect your interest rate, monthly payment, and the total amount of interest you will pay over the life of the loan.

Most lenders typically offer 15, 20, or 30-year conventional loans. Be sure to ask your loan officer what’s best for you.

Bottom Line

You can’t control what’s happening with the economy or mortgage rates, but you can take steps that’ll help you get the best rate possible.

Connect with a local real estate agent and a lender to talk about what you can do today to put yourself in a strong spot for when you’re ready to buy a home.

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Copyright © 2020-2025 Landshark Mark, LLC. All rights reserved.  
The information contained, and the opinions expressed, in these article are not intended to be construed as investment advice. Let's Talk Real Estate, Mark Sincavage, Landshark Mark, LLC and Keeping Current Matters, Inc. do not guarantee or warrant the accuracy or completeness of the information or opinions contained herein. Nothing herein should be construed as investment advice. You should always conduct your own research and due diligence and obtain professional advice before making any investment decision. Let's Talk Real Estate, Mark Sincavage and Keeping Current Matters, Inc. will not be liable for any loss or damage caused by your reliance on the information or opinions contained herein.