The Cobb Group Blog - housing market

Consumers Agree: It’s a Good Time To Sell

Posted by The Cobb Group on February 15th, 2022

 

In today’s sellers’ market, many homeowners in the Lowcountry are weighing their options and trying to decide if they should sell their house. If you’re in that group, you may be balancing things like the ongoing health crisis, rising mortgage rates, and your own changing needs to determine your best time to make a move.

However, recent data shows that time may already be here. According to the latest Home Purchase Sentiment Index (HPSI) by Fannie Mae, 76% of consumers believe now is a good time to sell.

Looking back over the past few years, it's clear consumers are incredibly optimistic today. The graph below shows the percentage of survey respondents who say it’s a good time to sell a house, and their positive outlook is on the rise. The big…

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Why This is Not a Housing Bubble

Posted by The Cobb Group on July 22nd, 2021

With home prices continuing to deliver double-digit increases, some are concerned we’re in a housing bubble like the one in 2006. However, a closer look at the market data indicates this is nothing like 2006 for three major reasons.

1. The housing market isn’t driven by risky mortgage loans.

Back in 2006, nearly everyone could qualify for a loan. The Mortgage Credit Availability Index (MCAI) from the Mortgage Bankers’ Association is an indicator of the availability of mortgage money. The higher the index, the easier it is to obtain a mortgage. The MCAI more than doubled from 2004 (378) to 2006 (869). Today, the index stands at 130. As an example of the difference between today and 2006, let’s look at the volume of mortgages that originated when a…

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This Winter's Home-Selling Season May Be Hotter Than Ever

Posted by The Cobb Group on November 24th, 2020

Historically, real estate activity in the Lowcountry slows during the winter months. Between the cold weather and the holidays, the housing market typically goes into a hibernation of sorts, with both buyers and sellers shelving any major real estate moves until spring.

However, this winter's real estate market is shaping up to be unlike any other before it. Contrary to what some may have feared, the fall and winter are slated to be an excellent time to sell a home. In fact, Lawrence Yun, chief economist at the National Association of Realtors, predicts "it will be one of the best winter sales years ever."

What's driving these predictions for a strong winter market? Chalk it up to a perfect storm of low mortgage interest rates, sparse housing…

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