March 2014 Market Update for Richmond, Virginia

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March 2014 Market Update for Richmond, Virginia

Today I'm going to give you a market update for the Richmond area this March. Spring is approaching, and you will want to know what's happening in the market before it gets busy.

Market Forecast for March 2014:
  • As the federal government decreases their purchase of bonds, mortgage rates will continue to rise. These rates may even rise above 5%, which would be the highest since 2010.
    • This equates to a $400 dollar difference in monthly payments from January 2013 to expected payments in January 2015.
  • Low Inventory: We are experiencing a low inventory and also a significant amount of demand. This is leading to a rise in house prices not seen since the housing recession began.
    • Also, a recent survey from Lending Tree is indicating that sellers will be taking advantage of this sellers market. Statistics show that more than 70% of sellers are considering selling in this current real estate environment.
  • Home sales fell sharply in December, however, this can probably be attributed to a low inventory in the West.
    • Sales actually increased in the Northeast and Southeast.
  • Prices have increased dramatically as a result of low inventory. This has been occurring since last spring, and the trend is continuing with at least a 12% appreciation in home prices.
  • Real Estate Investment is still a GREAT option: Real estate investment is still outpacing the Dow, even as the Dow has recently seen all time highs. Now is very good time to invest in real estate.
  • There has not been a better time to sell since 2007: With interest rates still at historic lows, this is the best time to sell since the crash in 2007. Low inventory, high demand, and low interest make this a sellers market.
    • However, it's also a great time to buy with historically low interest rates.
Thanks for watching this market update. I hope it has helped you prepare for a sizzling spring market. If you have any questions about the market, or if you want to buy or sell a home in Richmond, contact me at (804) 545-6648 or email me at info@thegitsgroup.com