Real Estate Don’t expect home sales to slow down in 2021 Experts say homebuyers won't stop for anything
Didier Malagies • December 30, 2020
Real EstateDon’t expect home sales to slow down in 2021
Experts say homebuyers won't stop for anything
Real estate agents across the U.S. have been busy as a result of the pent-up demand from homebuyers due to COVID-19. From facing uncertainty in March from COVID-19-related shutdowns, to seeing home sales skyrocket through the summer into fall, it looks like homebuyers won’t be slowing down anytime soon, despite the holiday season approaching.
Fannie Mae Chief Economist Doug Duncan said he expects existing home sales to ultimately “be up a percent or more in 2021. The new home sales numbers had a big jump in 2020, and [there will be] more growth in 2021, but they’re going to have to rebuild that inventory, because anything that the builders are building today gets sold. So they’re working hard to try to build inventory.”
Typically, homebuyers slow down around August, when children are back in school and vacations end. But now, as schools have pursued virtual learning, vacation towns and luxury destinations have become part of the housing market boom as families are working and schooling from home and desire more space not available in the city.
New Jersey Century 21 agent Bill Lublin said typically there’s a slowdown in his market from Thanksgiving through New Year’s Day, but he said that everyone he has talked to remains busy. Being in the northeast, Lublin said that home buying really depends on the weather.
“Depending on how much snow we get, that has to do with what happens,” Lublin said. “But I think people still need places [to live].”
As for what he thinks will happen to home sales come 2021, Lublin said he thinks the housing market will remain strong, including single-family housing and even rentals.
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📉 1. Borrowing Becomes Cheaper Mortgage rates tend to fall, making it easier for people to buy homes or refinance. Car loans, personal loans, and credit cards may also have lower interest rates. Businesses can borrow more cheaply to invest in growth. 💸 2. Consumer Spending Increases Since borrowing is cheaper and savings earn less interest, people are more likely to spend money rather than save it. This can boost demand for goods and services, helping to stimulate economic activity. 🏦 3. Savings Yield Less Savings accounts, CDs, and bonds typically offer lower returns. This can push investors to move money into riskier assets like stocks or real estate in search of higher returns. 📈 4. Stock Market Often Rallies Lower rates can mean higher corporate profits (due to cheaper debt) and increased consumer spending. Investors may shift funds from bonds into stocks, driving up equity prices. 💵 5. The U.S. Dollar May Weaken Lower interest rates can make the dollar less attractive to foreign investors, potentially weakening the currency. This can help U.S. exporters (as their goods become cheaper abroad) but may also increase the cost of imports. 🧩 6. Inflation Could Rise More spending and borrowing can increase demand, which may push prices up, leading to higher inflation—especially if supply can’t keep up. 🏚️ 7. Real Estate Activity Tends to Pick Up Lower mortgage rates can boost homebuying, refinancing, and construction, which helps stimulate related industries. tune in and learn https://www.ddamortgage.com/blog didier malagies nmls#212566 dda mortgage nmls#324329
Mortgage purchase applications are on a 22-week growth streak primarily due to a combination of improving market conditions, seasonal trends, and changing consumer behavior. Here's a breakdown of the key reasons behind the sustained growth: 🔑 1. Falling Mortgage Rates Mortgage rates have been gradually declining from the highs seen in 2023. Even small drops in interest rates significantly improve affordability, prompting more buyers to apply for loans. Borrowers are locking in rates with the hope that they’ve hit a local low. 🏡 2. Pent-Up Demand from 2023 Many potential buyers delayed purchases during 2023 due to high rates and limited inventory. As conditions improve, backlogged demand is being released into the market. 🌞 3. Spring & Summer Buying Season The U.S. housing market typically sees a seasonal increase in purchase activity starting in spring and continuing through summer. Families prefer to move during school breaks, contributing to more applications in this window. 💼 4. Improved Inventory Levels While still tight, housing inventory has started to improve slightly in some regions. Builders are offering incentives and new constructions are increasing, drawing more buyers into the market. 📈 5. Confidence in the Economy A strong labor market and steady wage growth are boosting consumer confidence , encouraging people to buy homes. Some buyers are moving before potential rate hikes or home price increases . 💡 6. Shift Toward Homeownership Rising rents and lifestyle changes post-pandemic are pushing many toward owning rather than renting . First-time homebuyers are a large portion of this demand. Summary: The 22-week growth streak in mortgage purchase applications is being driven by lower mortgage rates, seasonal buying trends, improved inventory, and returning buyer confidence . While challenges like affordability and supply remain, these positive signals suggest a slow but steady rebound in the housing market .
During the mortgage process, several disclosure documents are provided to help you understand the terms of the loan, your rights, and the costs involved. These disclosures are required by law and are designed to promote transparency and protect you as a borrower. Here’s a breakdown of the key disclosures you'll receive: 1. Loan Estimate (LE) When: Within 3 business days of submitting a loan application. Purpose: Provides a summary of the loan terms, estimated interest rate, monthly payment, closing costs, and other fees. Key sections: Loan terms (rate, type, prepayment penalty, balloon payment) Projected payments (principal, interest, taxes, insurance) Costs at closing (origination charges, services you can/cannot shop for) Why it matters: Lets you compare offers from multiple lenders. 2. Closing Disclosure (CD) When: At least 3 business days before closing. Purpose: Provides final details of the mortgage loan, including actual costs. Key sections: Final loan terms (rate, payments, closing costs) Cash to close (how much you need to bring to closing) A detailed breakdown of costs and payments over time Why it matters: Helps you confirm everything is accurate before you close. 3. Mortgage Servicing Disclosure Statement When: Within 3 business days of application. Purpose: Explains whether your loan might be sold or transferred to another company for servicing. Why it matters: Tells you who will manage your payments and account. 4. Affiliated Business Arrangement (AfBA) Disclosure When: At the time of referral to an affiliated business (e.g., title company). Purpose: Discloses any relationships between the lender and other service providers and explains you’re not required to use them. Why it matters: Ensures you know if there’s a potential conflict of interest. 5. Home Loan Toolkit (for purchase loans) When: Within 3 business days of application. Purpose: A consumer-friendly booklet from the CFPB that explains the mortgage process, costs, and how to shop for a loan. Why it matters: Helps first-time buyers understand the steps and choices. 6. Right to Receive a Copy of Appraisal When: Within 3 business days of application. Purpose: Notifies you that you can get a copy of the appraisal at no additional cost. Why it matters: Gives you insight into the value of the home you’re buying or refinancing. 7. Initial Escrow Disclosure When: At or within 45 days of closing. Purpose: Details amounts to be collected in escrow for taxes and insurance. Why it matters: Shows how your monthly mortgage payment is allocated. 8. Notice of Right to Rescind (for refinances only) When: At closing (for primary residence refinances). Purpose: Gives you 3 business days to cancel the refinance loan. Why it matters: Protects you from making a rushed decision. tune in and learn at https://www.ddamortgage.com/blog Didier Malagies nmls#212566 dda mortgage nmls#324329
