The Current State of the Real Estate Market
The United States real estate market is, as of February 2023, still experiencing a high demand for homes, but a low supply of available homes for sale. This makes it a sellers market. This trend had been ongoing, driven by several factors, including low mortgage rates, a desire for more space due to the pandemic, and a strong economy. If you’re a seller, things are pretty good and you can ask for a high price.
This demand for housing, coupled with the low inventory of homes for sale, has resulted in an increase in home prices, with many areas experiencing double-digit price appreciation. This has made it challenging for first-time homebuyers and those with lower incomes to enter the market. Despite the high demand, there were concerns about the potential for a housing bubble, as some experts believed that the rapid price appreciation was not sustainable in the long term. Additionally, rising construction costs and a shortage of skilled labor were contributing to the lack of new housing inventory.
Additionally, the field of architecture has been impacted by the pandemic. The pandemic has led to a greater emphasis on designing spaces that prioritize health, wellness, and sustainability. Architects are also focusing on the need for more home offices or outdoor living areas. There is a growing interest in designing buildings and spaces that promote equity and social justice. Architects are considering the impact that their designs have on communities, and are working to create spaces that are inclusive and accessible for people of all backgrounds and abilities. There is an increased focus on using technology to enhance the design process, including the use of 3D modeling, virtual reality tools and generative AI.
“architects are also focusing on the need for more home offices“
For real estate investors, geopolitical events and supply chain issues are two factors that can greatly affect the real estate market. The Russia-Ukraine conflict has lead to international condemnation and economic consequences. For example, the U.S. has stopped buying Russian oil, which has caused gas prices to increase. However, this also presents a great opportunity for investment in U.S. oil, which has become much more attractive. As a result, some investors have shifted their money from bonds to oil investments, causing mortgage rates to go up. Supply chain issues are also having a big impact on inflation right now. The COVID-19 lockdowns have caused disruptions throughout the entire supply chain, leading to shortages and higher prices. Even a lockdown in China can affect the prices of goods we buy here in the U.S. As a real estate investor, it's important to keep these factors in mind when making investment decisions, as they can greatly impact your bottom line.
Overall, the market is characterized by a demand for housing, low inventory, and rising prices, with concerns about the sustainability of this trend in the long term. It is worth noting, however, that the real estate market can be highly localized and dynamic, with different regions experiencing different market conditions.
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