Real Estate
If you’re trying to decide whether or not to sell your house, recent headlines about home prices may be top of mind. And if those stories have you wondering what that means for your home’s value, here’s what you really need to know.
What’s Really Happening with Home Prices?
It’s possible you’ve seen news stories mentioning a drop in home values or home price depreciation, but it’s important to remember those headlines are designed to make a big impression in just a few words. But what headlines aren’t always great at is painting the full picture.
While home prices are down slightly month-over-month in some markets, it’s also true that home values are up nationally on a year-over-year basis.
But what’s important to notice is the bigger, longer-term picture. While home price growth is moderating month-over-month, the percent of appreciation year-over-year is still well above the home price change we saw during more normal years in the market.
What Does This Mean for Your Home’s Equity?
While you may not be able to capitalize on the 20% appreciation we saw in early 2022, in most markets your home’s value, on average, is up 10% over last year – and a 10% gain is still dramatic compared to a more normal level of appreciation (3-4%).
The big takeaway?
Don’t let the headlines get in the way of your plans to sell. Over the past two years alone, you’ve likely gained a substantial amount of equity in your home as home prices climbed. Even though home price moderation will vary by market moving forward, you can still use the boost your equity got to help power your move.
As Mark Fleming, Chief Economist at First American, says:
“Potential home sellers gained significant amounts of equity over the pandemic, so even as affordability-constrained buyer demand spurs price declines in some markets, potential sellers are unlikely to lose all that they have gained.”
Stay up to date on the latest real estate trends.
Los Altos, nestled in the heart of Silicon Valley, offers a blend of suburban tranquility and natural beauty. For outdoor enthusiasts, the area boasts numerous hiking … Read more
After the election of Donald J. Trump, bond prices increased in anticipation of his inflationary policy positions. Interest rates are the most significant factor finan… Read more
Let’s talk about property taxes in California—a topic that often raises a few eyebrows and sometimes even a touch of confusion. But don’t worry; we’re going to break i… Read more
Explore Palo Alto’s incredible culinary scene with our guide to the best restaurants. Each place offers a unique experience, from the ambiance to the flavors that make… Read more
Moving to Los Altos offers more than just a beautiful place to live; it opens up a world of exciting dining. I’ll walk you through the top 10 restaurants that truly ma… Read more
Enough data has been released to suggest that home prices peaked nationally in June 2024, and won’t peak again this year. Of course, there will be deviations in local … Read more
You’ve got questions and we can’t wait to answer them.