Pulse is a recurring column where we ask for readers’ takes on varying topics in a weekly survey and report back with our findings.
For months we waited for the shift to arrive. In some markets, it came on all at once, while in others it has been more of a gradual progression. But everyone feels the difference the past few months have wrought — and most everyone is wondering what’s coming up next.
Maybe you’re still seeing business as usual out your way. Maybe everything has come to a screeching halt. Maybe it’s something in between. Whatever the case, we wanted to know: What are your biggest worries about the current market? Do you fear interest rates? Inflation? Out-of-control home prices? A bubble? Or is it some combination of all of the above that’s keeping you awake at night? Here’s what you said:
- Inflation bringing housing more and more out of range for more and more people and allowing a further reduction in the homeownership rate in our country.
- Buyers’ fear
- How will the buyer’s agent commission be affected by the many class action lawsuits?
- That housing is becoming even less affordable due to rate hikes to curb inflation caused by rising food and oil prices which are rising due to global warming.
- My biggest fear is that buyers truly believe that housing for the past two years has been overpriced and they really expect to see a price correction in the market. That and the rising interest rates are causing them to back away from homes currently on the market.
- Interest rates
- The public is not educated on how a $500,000 home in California in 2021 would likely be accepted at $550,000 or more with a rate of 3.1 percent. Now the $500,000 home would be accepted at $500,000 with the seller paying closing costs and of course a higher rate but still $50,000 less.
- From a personal standpoint, that I’ll never be able to afford to buy a house between the high prices and interest rates. From a professional standpoint, that my business will slow down and my earnings will be affected.
- Economic uncertainty, high credit debt, rising interest rates, market losses, and job stability impacting buyers.
- Extreme weather events
- Interest rates causing a shortage of buyers
- Fewer sellers and buyers
- That our U.S. economy is going to further decline with inflation and then recession and then unemployment will rise.
And this one positive note:
- My greatest takeaway from having worked through the great recession and housing market crash is that housing markets are always changing and this too shall pass.
We want to hear what’s on your mind. Sound off in the comments below.