Should buyers delay until 2018?

Given the lack of available inventory and the many people looking to  buy a home, today's housing market can be tough for a buyer entering the  market. As we enter the end of the year housing market buyers are  asking, "Should I delay my buying decision until 2018?"

The MA Properties Online Team recommends: NOT TO WAIT

Here's why: The primary reason most buyers delay their home search is  because they say to themselves, "Next year will be better".

Better means some combination of:

1. More sellers
2. Fewer buyers
3. Lower home prices
4. Lower mortgage rates, resulting in lower monthly costs

1. Will we see more sellers in 2018?

Every agent in Greater Boston knows there are a large number of  potential home sellers, many of whom will either become buyers of more  expensive homes, or will look to downsize to smaller homes. But many of  these potential sellers are delaying selling because they don't think  they have sufficient equity in their homes. On the other hand, home  prices have risen steadily in many towns over the last few years and  even people who bought a home in 2005/2007 now have homes with  significant equity in them.

The following charts show we will see more sellers entering the  market. It may, however, take a few more years for the level of homes available for sale to rise to the point where we have a balanced market  of an approximately 6 month home supply.

This is not universally the case as the comparable Average Single Family Home prices graph for Sudbury shows:

So, we will see more seller's entering the market but it may take a few more years for the levels to rise to the point where we have a  balanced market (which is defined as approx 6 months home supply). As  the Arlington's data shows we're still not at this balanced state and are very much still in a 'Sellers market'.

2. Will we see fewer buyers in 2018?

Every report we read says there are a large number of "millennial's"  (those born between the early 1980s to the early 2000s) who are either  looking to stop renting or are looking to move up from the 2-bedroom  condominiums they bought a few years ago to take advantage of low  prices, low mortgage rates, and government tax breaks. These reports  indicate there will be an increase in the number of buyers in 2018.

3. Will prices be lower in 2018?

The charts above show that prices have been increasing for many years  in the stronger markets and the data show that this home price increase  is now also occurring in the 'less strong' markets as well. In some  markets the rate of increase is arguably unsustainable but the data  still show that overall nation-wide prices are still 16% lower than the  highs of 2006/7. MA Properties Online along with the other analysts who  track the national trends do not see a decrease in housing prices any  time soon.

This graph shows a range of opinions on cumulative price increases over the next 4 years:

4. Will mortgage rates be lower in 2018?

This next graphic shows that mortgage rates are expected to rise in 2018.

Also, we have seen a slight reduction in the FICO Credit Score requirements to get a mortgage.

In conclusion our analysis shows that in 2018:

• We will see more sellers in the market
• We will continue to see an increasing number of buyers entering the market
• Prices will continue to increase as demand (buyers) exceeds supply (sellers)
• Mortgage rates will rise and the FICO requirements are reducing

Should you therefore delay?

Delaying the purchase of your home could result in increased home  prices, higher mortgage rates, and increased competition with a growing  pool of buyers. We recommend you continue to look as the right home, in the right location, at the right price, may already be there.

The MA Properties Online Team knows it's not just about buying a home  it's about buying the RIGHT home. Our focus on information using real  estate statistics and quality information while working closely with our  buyers to understand their needs and wants means that buyers who work  with our team make the right choices. As a seller, the information we  provide the potential buyers of your home will make a difference in the  final sale price.

If you're trying to figure out how you decide on a buyers agent with all of the agents out there, we published an online magazine JUST FOR YOU! The 'Top-10 Questions to ask a Buyers Agent' will answer all of the questions and more, that you should be asking.  Check it out for yourself by clicking on the link! Top 10 Questions to ask a Buyers Agent

We understand that buying and selling a home is extremely stressful for most people, but we believe that if you have as much information as possible about the whole process and the steps involved have clarity and you know what to expect in each step, then you will be much more comfortable about the whole thing.  This is why we run FREE Home buyers seminars - and we even provide pizza!   Come and ask as many questions as you want while in a casual environment. For more information click on the Sign Up now button below! We look forward to seeing you.