The Debt Ceiling Talks Affect Mortgage Rates

The May Denver real estate market showed a 2% decrease in prices compared to last year. Many sellers are hesitant to list their homes due to their incredibly low mortgage rates, resulting in limited supply. The number of sales saw a significant drop of 29% compared to May 2022, partly due to discussions surrounding the debt ceiling, which caused mortgage rates to increase (more risk in the market) and slowed buyer activity. This slowed demand, coupled with limited supply, kept prices mostly stable. Mortgage applications in May remained at around 10-year lows.

The average Days on Market (DOM) increased by 144% from last May. Although that sounds dramatic, it really amounts to going from 9 days on the market last May to 22 days now, so, it’s just taking an extra couple of extra weeks to sell a home. Active listings surged by 43% from the previous year, with 5,228 available. However, this is not as much inventory as we need to balance the market, or even tip it in buyers’ favor. For your reference, May has historically seen around 14,900 listings on average! The number of properties under contract decreased by 23% compared to the previous year, which signals that June will also be slower than is typical. Buyers typically had to offer a 0.5% price premium, a significant decrease from the 5.25% average premium seen at this time last year. Notably, 60% of sellers had to provide concessions to close deals, with rate buydowns being a significant factor. The market is expected to maintain a delicate balance of supply and demand throughout the year. Prices overall should be in the range of +/- 3%

(Info Source: DMAR (The Denver Metro Association of Realtors, Your Castle Real Estate Analysis)

INFO FOR SELLERS

Pricing Strategy, and the Importance of Disclosures

Given the market conditions in Denver, it’s crucial for sellers to carefully consider their pricing strategy. While prices have decreased slightly compared to last year, limited supply and stable demand can work in your favor. However, it’s important not to overprice your property. Ensure that your list price is realistic and competitive to attract potential buyers. Be prepared for a slightly longer time on the market, around three weeks on average. To stand out, consider enhancing your property through cosmetic repairs, staging, photography, etc. Offering concessions, such as rate buydowns or other incentives, may also help in closing deals.

One important note: it is crucial to prioritize transparency and proper disclosure with buyers. There has been a notable increase in lawsuits related to properties flooding. Given the heavy rainfall we’ve had this year, some buyers have closed on properties without disclosure of flooding issues by sellers, only to encounter basement flooding afterward. Consequently, they become upset and try to sue the sellers. To avoid liability and ensure compliance with the law, it’s essential to disclose any prior flooding to potential buyers. Reporting known defects is a legal obligation. Seek guidance from a real estate lawyer if you are unsure of how to proceed.

(Info Source: DMAR (The Denver Metro Association of Realtors, Your Castle Real Estate Analysis)

INFO FOR BUYERS

Be Strategic About Your Offers

The current market presents some advantages for buyers. With a decrease in the number of sales and an increase in active listings, there is more inventory to choose from compared to previous years. However, also keep in mind that although the average price premium has significantly decreased, it’s essential to approach your offer(s) strategically and be prepared for potential competition. Additionally, stay informed about mortgage rate fluctuations, as they will influence your borrowing costs!

(Info Source: DMAR (The Denver Metro Association of Realtors, Your Castle Real Estate Analysis)

*We use reasonable efforts to include accurate and up-to-date information. The real estate market changes often. We make no guarantees of future real estate performance and assume no liability for any errors of omission in the content.

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