A Historic Rebound for the Housing Market
Pending Home Sales increased by 44.3% in May, registering the highest month-over-month gain in the index since the National Association of Realtors (NAR) started tracking this metric in January 2001. So, what exactly are pending home sales, and why is this rebound so important?
According to NAR, the Pending Home Sales Index (PHS) is:
According to NAR, the Pending Home Sales Index (PHS) is:
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“A leading indicator of housing activity, measures housing contract activity, and is based on signed real estate contracts for existing single-family homes, condos, and co-ops. Because a home goes under contract a month or two before it is sold, the Pending Home Sales Index generally leads Existing-Home Sales by a month or two.”
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In real estate, pending home sales is a key indicator in determining the strength of the housing market. As mentioned before, it measures how many existing homes went into contract in a specific month. When a buyer goes through the steps to purchase a home, the final one is the closing. On average, that happens about two months after the contract is signed, depending on how fast or slow the process takes in each state.
Why is this rebound important?
With the COVID-19 pandemic and a shutdown of the economy, we saw a steep two-month decline in the number of houses that went into contract. In May, however, that number increased dramatically (See graph below):
This jump means buyers are back in the market and purchasing homes right now. Lawrence Yun, Chief Economist at NAR mentioned:
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“This has been a spectacular recovery for contract signings and goes to show the resiliency of American consumers and their evergreen desire for homeownership…This bounce back also speaks to how the housing sector could lead the way for a broader economic recovery.”
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But in order to continue with this trend, we need more houses for sale on the market. Yun continues to say:
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“More listings are continuously appearing as the economy reopens, helping with inventory choices…Still, more home construction is needed to counter the persistent underproduction of homes over the past decade.”
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As we move through the year, we’ll see an increase in the number of houses being built. This will help combat a small portion of the inventory deficit. The lack of overall inventory, however, is still a challenge, and it is creating an opportunity for homeowners who are ready to sell. As the graph below shows, during the last 12 months, the supply of homes for sale has been decreasing year-over-year and is not keeping up with the demand from homebuyers.
Bottom Line
If you decided not to sell this spring due to the health crisis, maybe it’s time to jump back into the market while buyers are actively looking for homes. Reach out to a local real estate professional to determine your best move forward.
If you’re thinking of selling, the lack of inventory has many buyers eager to find a home just like yours. If you’re thinking of buying a home, interest rates remain at historically low rates. A trusted real estate professional can answer your questions and help you determine your next steps.
Feel free to reach out to me if you have any questions about the home buying process in Chandler or the East Valley. Just give me a call/text at 602-295-6807 and I will be glad to help.
"Real Estate is not just a job for me, it's about making a difference in the lives of others"
Troy Erickson Realtor
Call/Text: 602-295-6807
[email protected]
Linkedin Profile
Facebook Page
If you decided not to sell this spring due to the health crisis, maybe it’s time to jump back into the market while buyers are actively looking for homes. Reach out to a local real estate professional to determine your best move forward.
If you’re thinking of selling, the lack of inventory has many buyers eager to find a home just like yours. If you’re thinking of buying a home, interest rates remain at historically low rates. A trusted real estate professional can answer your questions and help you determine your next steps.
Feel free to reach out to me if you have any questions about the home buying process in Chandler or the East Valley. Just give me a call/text at 602-295-6807 and I will be glad to help.
"Real Estate is not just a job for me, it's about making a difference in the lives of others"
Troy Erickson Realtor
Call/Text: 602-295-6807
[email protected]
Linkedin Profile
Facebook Page
Troy Erickson has been blogging about Arizona real estate since 2006. He is a residential real estate agent who specializes in helping home buyers, sellers, and investors in Chandler and the East Valley. He has been recognized for his local market expertise, and frequently volunteers within his community.
Troy Erickson has been blogging about Arizona real estate since 2006. He is a residential real estate agent who specializes in helping home buyers, sellers, and investors in Chandler and the East Valley. He has been recognized for his local market expertise, and frequently volunteers within his community.
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