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House Prices Will Continue To Tumble

We have written several blogs recently quoting numerous sources saying now is the time to buy a home. We agree that now is definitely the time to buy. This is NOT because we are calling the bottom for real estate PRICES. What we have said is that the COST of purchasing a home is probably near a bottom or has hit the bottom.The difference is that COST is determined by two components: the price of the home and the expenses associated with mortgaging that home. As we have put forth in several posts, we believe that the expense of obtaining a mortgage will increase as the year goes on.We also believe strongly that, in most parts of the country, prices will continue to soften. Here are the reasons why:

Existing Months™ Supply of Inventory Is Still Too High

A balanced market (where prices are stable) can handle 5-6 months worth of active inventory. Anything less than 5 months constitutes a seller™s market as there are not enough houses to meet buyer demand. This usually results in price appreciation. Anything more than 6 months constitutes a buyer™s market as there are not enough buyers for the number of houses on the market. This usually results in price depreciation.Currently, as per the National Association of Realtors (NAR), there is a  9.2 month supply of inventory. This alone would put downward pressure on prices.

Distressed Property Inventory Is About to Enter Market

There are over over 4 million homes that have the potential to become a distressed property sale (foreclosure or short sale) over the next few years. A percentage of these properties are set to enter the market before year™s end. No one knows exactly how many will come to market in each region but the common belief is that the number will be substantial.These properties will sell at a discount thereby attracting a portion of buyers in the market. After they close, they can also be used in an appraisal to help establish values of other homes which sell in the area. A short sale sells for approximately 90% of it™s non-distressed value. A foreclosure sells for approximately 65% of full value.

Bottom Line

The inventory of homes currently for sale added to the inventory of distressed properties about to come to market will far exceed demand for the next twelve months. When there is less demand for any item then there is supply of that item, prices fall. Check with a local real estate professional to see how this may impact the value of your home over the next year.

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