Is the Housing Market Slowing Down?

According to data from the National Association of Realtors, pending home sales increased for the first time in six months in December 2022. Along with this it also reports that new home sales and mortgage applications are rising.

This has many in the industry asking if the housing market is slowing down. “The recent low point in home sales activity is likely over,” says NAR Chief Economist Lawrence Yun. “Mortgage rates are the dominant factor driving home sales, and recent declines in rates are clearly helping to stabilize the market.”

The new home market is seeing some progress even with higher construction costs and low affordability.

“Builder incentives and declining mortgage rates during the month of December helped push new-home sales up for the month,” says Jerry Konter, chairman of the National Association of Home Builders.

“The new normal for mortgage rates will likely be in the 5.5% to 6.5% range,” Yun says. “Job gains will steadily become important in driving local markets. The South, in particular, is set to outperform the rest of the country, thanks primarily to better job market conditions in this part of the country compared to other regions.”

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Home Builders Are Confident in 2023

CNN reported that January has seen an improvement in home builder confidence. In fact, it was the first uptick since it has been falling for the past year. 1057 Cypress Crossing is under construction in Madisonville, close to New Orleans. Beautiful arched windows and brick exterior are just two custom features.

Construction prospects are improving and this is good news for homebuyers in the housing market. For the past several years potential buyers have been facing a battle due to low inventory. According to the National Association of Home Builders/Wells Fargo Housing Market Index, the current sales, buyer traffic, and the conditions for the sale of new construction homes are improving.

Even with spikes in construction costs, shortage in building materials, and harsh affordability conditions, builders are starting to look up. The National Association of Home Builders/Wells Fargo Housing Market Index, which * is meant to gauge market conditions reported that builders’ confidence went up from December to January. December reported the lowest since 2012.

“It appears the low point for builder sentiment in this cycle was registered in December, even as many builders continue to use a variety of incentives, including price reductions, to bolster sales,” Konter said. “The rise in builder sentiment also means that cycle lows for permits and starts are likely near, and a rebound for home building could be underway later in 2023.”

“In the coming quarters, single-family home building will rise off of cycle lows as mortgage rates are expected to trend lower and boost housing affordability,” he said. “Improved housing affordability will increase housing demand, as the nation grapples with a structural housing deficit of 1.5 million units.”

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New Orleans Home and Garden Show, March 25, 2023

Come see first hand the new home designs for the upcoming year in New Orleans.

Ernest N. Morial Convention Center
900 Convention Center Blvd.
New Orleans, LA 70130

March 25, 2023
10am – 7pm

Tickets:  $15 Adult
$10 Military
Kids 12 & Under – Free

 Click Here for More Information.

 

New Orleans Home and Garden Show, March 24, 2023

Come see firsthand the new home designs for the upcoming year in New Orleans.

New Orleans Home and Garden Show

Ernest N. Morial Convention Center
900 Convention Center Blvd.
New Orleans, LA 70130

March 24, 2023
12pm – 7pm

Tickets:  $15+

 Click Here for More Information.

 

New Orleans Home and Garden Show, March 26, 2023

Come see first hand the new home designs for the upcoming year in New Orleans.

Ernest N. Morial Convention Center
900 Convention Center Blvd.
New Orleans, LA 70130

March 26, 2023
10am – 6pm

Tickets:  $15 Adult
$10 Military
Kids 12 & Under – Free

 Click Here for More Information.

 

Hogs for the Cause 2023, April 1, 2023

There will be over twney bands that will have live music onstage in New Orleans.

Hogs for the Cause

UNO Lakefront Arena
6801 Franklin Avenue
New Orleans, LA 70122

April 1, 2023

Tickets: $55 – $449+

 

Click here for more information & to see full music line up.