Navigating Home Prices: Understanding the Return of Seasonality
If you're currently in the market for a new home, you're likely keeping a keen eye on the fluctuating prices. Amidst the buzz in the news, it might seem like home prices are spiraling downward. However, the reality is that national home prices aren't plummeting; they're simply experiencing a more balanced rate of growth. Let's unravel this trend and understand what it means for you.
One of the fundamental concepts in the housing market is seasonality—a natural cycle that influences the market's rhythm throughout the year. Imagine it as the heartbeat of real estate, with predictable surges and slowdowns. This pattern occurs because home prices tend to appreciate most when the demand for homes is high.
To comprehend this phenomenon better, consider the typical yearly pattern. During the spring, which marks the peak of the homebuying season, there's a flurry of activity. Homes are in high demand, leading to a significant uptick in prices. As the warmer months give way to fall and winter, the market cools down. Activity subsides, causing the growth rate of prices to slow. However, it's crucial to note that they continue to appreciate, albeit at a more moderate pace.
To illustrate this cyclical trend, let's refer to the data from Case-Shiller, which tracks monthly home price movements from 1973 through 2022 without adjusting for seasonal variations. The graph below vividly demonstrates this pattern. During spring, prices experience a notable spike due to heightened activity. In contrast, as autumn approaches, the growth rate decreases, aligning with historical seasonal expectations.
49-Year Average Monthly Price Movement
Selma Hepp, Chief Economist at CoreLogic, sheds light on this trend, explaining, "High mortgage rates have slowed additional price surges, returning monthly increases to regular seasonal averages. In simpler terms, home prices are still growing but are now in sync with historical seasonal expectations."
In essence, what we're observing is a return to normalcy. High mortgage rates have acted as a stabilizing force, curbing the rapid surges in home prices. While prices are still on the rise, they are now growing at a pace that aligns with traditional seasonal trends. So, if you've noticed a gradual slowdown in the pace of price growth, there's no cause for alarm. It's a natural part of the real estate cycle.
49-Year Average vs 2023 Price Movement
If you're interested in seeing a visual representation of these trends, please refer to the accompanying graph. It provides a clear snapshot of how home prices follow this predictable pattern, offering valuable insights into the market's natural ebb and flow. If you have any questions about how these trends might impact your homebuying journey in our local area, I'm here to provide expert guidance. Let's connect and discuss your next steps in this ever-changing real estate landscape!
source: www.simplifyingthemarket.com
