While the wild frenzy of the past years has subsided, the real estate market is far from stagnant. In fact, buyer traffic remains robust, showcasing a strong demand for homes. Let's dive into the data to gain insight into the current state of the housing market.
The ShowingTime Showing Index, a reliable measure of buyer activity, reveals a consistent pattern over the years. Before the pandemic, buyer activity would peak in the first half of each year, coinciding with the bustling spring homebuying season. It would then taper off towards the end of each year. When the pandemic hit in 2020, this trend was disrupted as uncertainty spread across the market. Subsequently, we entered the 'unicorn' years of housing, characterized by record-low mortgage rates and soaring buyer demand.
Fast forward to 2023, and we can see that while buyer traffic has slightly declined from the previous month, it's still more active than in May 2022, and certainly more than the pre-pandemic years. This isn't a drastic drop in demand, but rather a steady return towards normal seasonality. The ShowingTime report clarifies that "showing traffic declined about 10% in May...This follows a typical seasonal pattern – disrupted by the pandemic but now beginning to return."
If we examine the May data for the last five years, the strength of buyer demand becomes even more evident. The market is still vibrant, and it could even be more vigorous if not limited by the scarcity of homes for sale. As U.S. News points out, "Housing markets have cooled slightly, but demand hasn't disappeared, and in many places remains strong largely due to the shortage of homes on the market."
This lively market presents an excellent opportunity for sellers. If you're thinking of putting your home on the market, now is the time to act. Take advantage of the active buyer pool eager to find their dream homes. Your property will be in front of those actively searching for their new abode. Don't miss out on this opportune moment to make your move.
Get in touch with us today to get started on the process of listing your home. Let our expertise and experience guide you through making the most of the ongoing strong buyer activity. 🏠💪
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