Seven Real Estate Trends to Watch For in 2015
2014 marked the best year in economic recovery since the recession, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. This means that there may be more opportunities for home ownership in 2015. The economic improvement indicates that the housing market is expected to see gradual growth in home prices and inventory, however increasing mortgage rates and strict lending standards may still put home ownership on hold for some. Real estate experts share their 2015 housing market predictions below, and offer insight on the current market, where it’s headed, and how it will impact buyers and sellers in the coming year.
1) Strict lending standards and rising interest rates may prevent Millennial homebuyers.
Despite a steadily growing economy, mortgage qualifications aren’t expected to relax in the upcoming year. While interest rates hovered around 4% in 2014, chief economists at Freddie Mac anticipate rates to surpass 5% by the end of 2015 due to the rebounding economy. Millennials, aged 18 to 24, may struggle to qualify for traditional financing due to lack of established credit and down payment resources.
Bennie Waller, professor of finance and real estate at Longwood University, adds, “Compounding the difficulties for buyers is the rapidly increasing student loan and credit debt debacle that looms over the economy. This will severely limit the purchasing ability for first-time homebuyers and low to mid-income homebuyers.”
