Arizona Real Estate Market Update - February 2019

List Price Reductions up 24% in Greater Phoenix, 

Up 42% in Some Areas

Sellers: Stop Trying to Time the Market

For Buyers:

A weak 4th quarter for sales in 2018 has resulted in 11,874 price reductions in the first 5 weeks of 2019.  That’s 24% higher than this same time last year.  Price reductions on listings between $200K-$500K specifically are up 40%.  The most notable price range with a 42% increase is $200K-$250K. This may come as a surprise to some because this price range is below the median sales price of $263K.  However this area is currently a battleground of competition between traditional sellers, flip investors and new construction as inventory is up 26% and contracts are down 10%.  Flip investors acquire and sell over 50% of their inventory in this price range.  New home builders increased their sales by 22% in this range last year. Traditional sellers are now under more pressure to improve the condition of their home and provide incentives for buyers in order to compete.

For Sellers:

This is not a good time for sellers to get caught up in timing the market so as to sell their home at the ideal “peak of price”.  While it’s understandable for sellers not to want to leave any money on the table, the reality is that price peaks don’t happen in seller markets.  They occur in balanced markets.  Balanced markets are fine to sell in, but they’re not as fun or profitable for sellers as they expect; especially if their property is hard to sell due to condition or location.  As the seller market continues to weaken, it’s more important than ever for sellers to list their property while they still have the advantage of low competition, price it competitively and don’t spit on the first contract.  Buyer activity, while lower, will continue to accelerate through May.  This is go time.

Commentary written by Tina Tamboer, Senior Housing Analyst with The Cromford Report
©2019 Cromford Associates LLC and Tamboer Consulting LLC

January Real Estate Market Update

Greater Phoenix Buyer Contracts Down 15%

It’s Still a Good Time to Sell… For Now

For Buyers:

The monthly average interest rate rose to 4.64% in December 2018, up 0.69% from the previous December’s 3.95%. For buyers who will purchase at the current median sales price of $260,000, that equates to approximately $100 added to their monthly payment compared to last year.  Buyers averaged 1,845 square feet at this price; nearly 100 square feet smaller than if they had purchased last year.  It doesn’t help matters by renting either.  As single family homes appreciated 8.1% per square foot, single family lease payments also rose 8.6% during the same time frame. With that, buying is still a good option over renting if only to stabilize one’s monthly housing expense. Sale prices will continue rising in the first half of 2019, but at a slower rate and they’re not expected to decline at this juncture. Instead, buyers may see a little more flexibility from sellers in the form of repairs, closing costs, and possibly interest rate buy-downs in the higher price ranges.

For Sellers:

The market continues to favor sellers entering into 2019, but not nearly as much as it did at the beginning of 2018. Supply is still 34% below normal compared to 36% below normal this time last year.  It’s buyer demand that has shifted as buyers grapple with affordability and concerns about an overvalued market.  Demand at this time last year was measured 1% above normal; today it’s 13% below normal.  While it may feel like a buyers market compared to the last four years, it is far from one. Greater Phoenix is still in a seller’s market, however it’s weaker out of the gate.  This means there is still more demand than supply, but multiple offers will not be as common, there will be fewer sales overall and scenarios will vary widely depending on price range.  Demand could change in either direction depending on interest rates, however for the time being buyers and sellers have to play the hand they’ve been dealt.  For those wondering if it’s still a good time to sell, the answer is “yes” for now.

Commentary written by Tina Tamboer, Senior Housing Analyst with The Cromford Report
©2019 Cromford Associates LLC and Tamboer Consulting LLC