🏡 Agents: Real Estate Facts not Fiction!

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Good morning agents. ☀️ The real estate world can often feel like a maze of myths, misconceptions, and misinformation. Whether you're a first-time homebuyer, a seasoned investor, or just someone curious about the market, it’s easy to get lost in the noise.

That's why we’re here to separate the facts from the fiction and give you the truth about today’s real estate landscape. From market trends to insider tips, we’re breaking down the real deal to help you make informed, confident decisions.

Let’s dive in! 🏡💰

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AGENTS: REAL ESTATE FACTS NOT FICTION!

Knowledge = Confidence, Ignorance = Fear.  Know this week's talking points.  Stop being a secret agent! Challenge yourself to have at least 10 conversations daily about real estate. Here are 8 things you can talk about that keep you current, make you a specialist, and lead you to more appointments.

1️⃣ Rising Inventory Levels:

• As of December 2024, active home listings reached 871,509, marking a 22% increase from December 2023.

• However, this figure remains approximately 16% below December 2019 levels, when active listings stood at 1,033,887.

• Notably, nine states, including Arizona, Colorado, Florida, Idaho, Oklahoma, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, and Washington, have surpassed their pre-pandemic inventory levels, offering buyers in these regions more options.

2️⃣ Regional Inventory Variations:

• Florida and Texas now account for 30% of the nation's active listings, with inventory levels 17-18% above pre-pandemic figures.

• In contrast, many Northeastern and Midwestern states continue to experience significantly lower inventory levels, highlighting the importance of localized market strategies.

3️⃣ Mortgage Rate Trends:

• The December 2024 Consumer Price Index (CPI) report indicated a modest 0.2% month-over-month increase in core inflation, contributing to a decline in average 30-year mortgage rates, which are now approaching 7.1%.

• This shift may enhance affordability for prospective buyers.

4️⃣ Builder Sentiment and Incentives:

• The National Association of Home Builders' sentiment index rose to 47 in December 2024, nearing the neutral threshold of 50.

• Notably, current sales conditions entered positive territory at 51, suggesting builders are cautiously optimistic about the market's direction.

• To attract buyers, 56% of new-home communities offered incentives in January 2024, including mortgage rate buydowns, closing cost credits, and price reductions.

• For instance, some builders are providing rate buydowns, offering a 3.99% rate for the first year, 4.99% for the second year, and a 5.99% fixed rate thereafter on select homes.

5️⃣ Homeowners Associations (HOAs) on the Rise:

• In 2024, 40.5% of properties included HOA fees, up from 39.2% the previous year.

• The median HOA fee increased by 14% to $125 per month.

• In certain metropolitan areas, such as Houston and Las Vegas, over 75% of listings now feature HOA fees, which could influence buyer decisions.

 6️⃣ Wholesale Inflation Deceleration:

• December 2024 saw a 0.2% month-over-month rise in the Producer Price Index (PPI), indicating a slowdown in wholesale inflation.

• This trend may lead to more stable construction costs, potentially benefiting both builders and buyers.

7️⃣ Navigating Local Market Dynamics:

• The average time a property remains on the market varies significantly between hot and slower markets.

• Nationally, homes typically stayed on the market for 41 days in January 2025, an increase from 35 days in December 2024.

• In hotter markets, such as Philadelphia, PA, properties spend an average of 11 days on the market before going pending.

• Conversely, in slower markets like Washington, D.C., the average days on market increased from 52 days in 2024 to 57 days in 2025, a 9.6% rise.

• These disparities underscore the necessity for agents to tailor their strategies to local conditions, as buyers and sellers face different challenges depending on the market's pace.

TAKE ACTION TODAY

Join our Premier Coaching for free, and get daily coaching sessions, expert scripts, and the strategies you need to tackle prospecting head-on. Sign up at https://premiercoaching.com.

And if you’re ready to take that next big step, consider joining the EXP Realty team. Visit https://whylibertas.com/harris or text Tim directly at 512-758-0206.

AND THAT'S A WRAP!

Thanks for the support,

Tim & Julie Harris
Harris Real Estate Daily

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