TD's take on the housing market, long term interest rates and more.
Financial markets have been in a rut most of 2022. The stock market is down over 20% and mortgage rates have more than doubled since this spring. The housing market accelerated 20% from the beginning of 2021 to March of this year.
At last check, the housing market median home price in the PNW is approximately where it was 1 year ago. Bottom line, most homeowners are in good shape when it comes to the equity in their home. While it is possible that home values may decrease further in the short term, the long term of the PNW housing market is incredibly solid mostly due to the dynamics of low supply and high demand.
While housing starts and permits are up this year in King County, there is still not enough new housing in the pipeline to satisfy this high demand.
And Seattle has been experimenting with up-zoning in many areas to allow for higher-value projects or more dense use of land.
Looking to rent? 2022 has seen rents rise by double digit percentage increases, and they aren't coming down anytime soon. A 3 bedroom is $4200 in Bellevue, $4080 in Sammamish, $3270 in Ballard, $3170 in Magnolia/Queen Anne and $2900 in
West Seattle & Normandy Park.
Also on the rise are the Fed Funds rate that increased from .08% to 3.08% or a 4,000% - WOWZA! We have noticed too as long term mortgage rates are hovering in the mid 6's and just 6 months ago rates were near 3% - that's a solid double.
PRO TIP! Watch the yield on the 10 year Treasury. When that yield starts coming down (like it has significantly in the last 2 days) it may be time to think about locking down a rate to buy a home. And if you are a home seller, that number is very important to your potential buyers.
That's TD's POV - have a question on your specific situation? We're here to help you navigate this
volatile housing market.
Read on for more housing news,
seasonal insights and tips