Consistent with most post-home buyer tax credit housing news, the National Association of Realtors® says Existing Home Sales eased lower last month.
An “existing home” is a home that cannot be considered new construction.
The 5 percent drop in sales from May to June was expected, but a closer look at the month’s data reveals some interesting trends.
First, repeat buyers accounted for 44 percent of home resales in June, up from 40 percent in May. That’s a healthy increase for just 4 weeks’ time and the tax credit is a likely catalyst. First-timer buyers bought starter homes owned by former first-timers, who were then free to “move up” to larger, more expensive property.
Housing markets can be trickle-up and, not coincidentally, the jumbo/luxury housing market is now in the midst of rebound.
Second, June’s “distressed sales” accounted for 32 percent of all home resales, up from 31 percent in May.
A figure like this hints at the large role foreclosures continue to play in a Lakeland home buyer’s home search strategy. And why not? The National Association of Realtors® suggests that distressed homes are sold at a 15 percent discount.
Lastly, take note that home inventories are rising. June’s 8.9 months of supply is the highest in 10 months. Excess supply leads home prices lower, all things equal.
Overall, the Existing Home Sales data from June is a mixed bag. There’s support for the middle- and upper-price tiers, but a growing overhang of supply. The market looks favorable for buyers given low mortgage rates and strong negotiation leverage.
I hope you found this post useful! As always, if you or anyone you know is in need of a local Florida mortgage loan originator, I’m your guy. Call me at 888-859-7418 or apply online for your Florida mortgage. We’ll keep you posted and let you know when it’s time to pull the trigger!
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I am worried about all the shadow foreclosures and short sales that keep coming on the market here in Brevard County FL.
With more homes coming on the market and the interest rates lower than they have been in a long time, this is a great opportunity for people to buy a home who could have never afforded one in 2006.
There’s still a lot of talk about more short sales coming on the market and if prices continue to lower, that might happen, but I really hope it doesn’t.