Homebuyer Activity Shows Signs of Warming Up for SpringšŸŒ»šŸŒž

April 10, 2023

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The spring season appears to be warming up in housing as more and more buyers enter the market. And afterĀ risingĀ mortgage rates sidelined so many buyers last year, thatā€™s a good sign forĀ sellers.Ā Realtor.comĀ hasĀ the latest:

ā€œSpring is officially here, and like green shoots emerging from the bleak winter,Ā new data suggests that more buyers are back in the market, although more subdued compared to a year ago.ā€

We know buyer activity is trending up because of mortgage purchase application data.Ā AccordingĀ toĀ Investopedia:

ā€œA mortgage application is a document submitted to a lender when you apply for a mortgage to purchase real estate.ā€

That means the number of mortgage applications shows how many buyers are applying for mortgages. Put another way, an increase in mortgage applications means an increase in buyer demand ā€“ and as Joel Kan, VP and Deputy Chief Economist at theĀ Mortgage Bankers AssociationĀ (MBA),Ā explains, application activity started ramping up as mortgage rates fell steadily in March:

ā€œApplication activity increased as mortgage rates declined . . . recent increases, along with data from other sources showing an uptick in home sales, is a welcome development.ā€

In fact, we can see how mortgage rates have a direct impact on applications over time. As rates rose dramatically last year, applications fell in response (see graph below):

The recent uptick in mortgage applications, as well as the decline in mortgage rates, is good news forĀ sellersĀ because it means more buyers are actively looking for homes.

What This Means for You

Buyers are coming this spring, which is typically the busiest time of the year in real estate. And asĀ Realtor.comĀ tellsĀ us, if youā€™re aĀ seller, you need to prepare:

ā€œIf homeowners are planning to sell in 2023, now is the time to get ready.ā€

The means working with a local real estate agent to maximize your homeā€™s appeal and get it listed at the ideal price for your area.

Bottom Line

The housing market isĀ warmingĀ up for spring. If youā€™re thinking aboutĀ sellingĀ your house and taking advantage of this recent uptick in buyer activity, letā€™s connect.