State of The Real Estate

IN THE HOUSTON AREA USING INTERNAL DATA

July 24, 2023

Last month we published 'Sign Boss Uncovers Houston Area Realty Trends Using Internal Data' which outlined how our services & large customer base across Greater Houston grants us regional real estate data that no one else has. Since, its posting we've received comments from our agents, brokers, lenders, and beyond asking for more.

Below is February's breakdown, and while we are staring headlong into April, historically February is an important marker for how the first half of the year will trend. While what we found is mostly positive, one key indicator spells trouble in light of March's broader financial trauma.

THE DATA

Our internal numbers in 2022 & 2023 compared:

*Includes adjustment for larger client base

WHAT IT MEANS

GENERAL ANALYSIS

February was not ideal, but remained healthy when compared to what we considered average just a few years ago. Yet there are some elements from our data, and the broader market that will likely course-correct that phenomena in the coming months.

In recent years, the housing market has been ever more closely tied to the broader economy, particularly with respect to the health of banks and financial institutions. This relationship has become particularly important as we have seen a number of high-profile bank collapses in March, which have already had an impact on the housing market.

These collapses will have a significant impact on the housing market, even if short-term, as they have led to a tightening of credit conditions and a decrease in the availability of mortgage financing. What has compounded this is there was no anticipated upside of the FED holding, or reducing interest rates, instead they announced a 0.25% raise.

On the other hand, we're still seeing the impact of the COVID-19 housing shift, and regardless of interest rates, legions of millennials are hitting the home-buying phase with steady jobs (for now).

REALITY CHECK

Overall, the current state of the housing market is closely tied to the broader economic environment and the health of financial institutions. While the ongoing impact of the COVID-19 pandemic has had a significant impact on the housing market, the continued health of banks and other financial institutions is critical to the long-term health of the housing market.

While the lack of inventory has caused a counter-balance allowing home prices to rise, we run the risk of many potential buyers simply decided not to participate in the short-to-medium term.  

YOUR THOUGHTS?

What are your thoughts on the market? What else would you like to know? Shoot us your thoughts. We plan on sending out these unique market analysis reports regularly to help our agents better grasp what's been going on and more importantly what to expect.