In 2020, the housing market experienced record sales due to extremely low mortgage rates and the new flexibility that comes with working from home. In addition, home prices have remained competitive as demand continues to increase. But what will the housing market look like in 2021? Take a look at what experts predict the trends will be this year.
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Low Inventory
The number of homes on the market has been pretty low. It has been relatively easy for sellers to sell their homes but not as easy for buyers to purchase. Supply and demand will likely continue and increase home prices by quite a bit during the first half of 2021. But during the second half of the year, economic headwinds may start to cause prices to decrease slightly and the number of homes on the market to increase.
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Rising Home Prices
Given the pressure to buy quickly because of low inventory, home prices should continue to increase, and there won’t be much room or time for negotiation. While this is great for sellers who stand to make a substantial profit on their home, it’s not the best news for buyers. If you’re looking to purchase a home in 2021, you must go into the process knowing what your max budget is. You need to be ready to walk away from home despite pressure to act quickly and spend more than you can afford.
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Incredibly Low Interest Rates
Mortgage interest rates dropped to an all-time low in 2020, and this trend is expected to continue into 2021. Many economists expect interest rates to hover around 3 percent in 2021, increasing compared to 2020 rates but still incredibly low. Low interest rates are good news for both buyers and sellers because they help reduce overall mortgage costs and make buyers more motivated.
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More Online Services
More virtual tools, such as online selling and buying, virtual real estate agents, online closings, and more have become quite favorable during the COVID-19 pandemic. As the virus continues to surge, these are expected to continue to be prominent in 2021 as well.
Buying and selling a home can be a stressful task. While the real estate market has faced many unprecedented challenges recently, there are some significant benefits to buying and selling homes right now. These positive trends are expected to continue into 2021, so be sure to consult with a real estate agent as soon as possible if you’re considering listing or purchasing a home this year.
