Phoenix Real Estate Market Update - March, 2013

Phoenix Real Estate Market Update - March, 2013

The market continues to shift! We started 2013 with the lowest supply of listings coming on to the market. This has put pressure on pricing as supply is low. A new rumor has now been "the talk" - "Another Housing Bubble Approaches?". The mindset is that as prices move up we are re-experiencing a bubble like that seen in 2005, which could be followed by a crash similar to 2007. Let's look at the facts (courtesy of Phoenix real estate expert and trusted resource - Michael Orr of the Cromford Report):

"Most housing analysts use data to support their observations. Those analysts tend to agree that housing is becoming a bright spot in a broader though slow economic recovery. This is particularly true in the Phoenix area, where our economy is improving a little faster than most and the housing market has been improving much faster than any other in the country. However there are also large numbers of commentators who are NOT data driven, but rather tend to rely heavily on their personal theories, largely based on sentiment or political viewpoints. They tend to take one aspect of the market and amplify it out of proportion to derive their conclusions.

One example of this is an article by Lauren Lyster based on the views of David Stockman, who describes the current situation as "Housing Bubble 2.0". This is a ridiculous description of a market in which the median home price is lower than the median replacement construction cost, even excluding land values. The observations by David Stockman have only a tentative connection with reality. His logic is flawed because, unlike the real housing bubble in 2004-2006:

•      investors in 2012-2013 are not borrowing money to buy homes - they are    predominantly using cash

• investors are buying homes to rent out for several years, not to flip after a short term rise in price

•     we have a real housing shortage because new construction has been so low for the last 5 years while population continues to expand

•     the pool of home buyers is being fueled by younger buyers leaving their parents' homes at last

•     people need these homes to live in, they are not just trading commoditieslike they were during 2005

It is also not true that first time buyers and move-up buyers are missing. On the contrary; there is a strong presence of such buyers in the market. However they often find it difficult to qualify for loans and are frequently outbid by investors when trying to purchase homes.

In 2004 and 2005 the signs of a bubble were obvious but the vast majority of people chose to ignore them. In 2012 and 2013 the signs of a bubble are absent, but many people choose to "invent" them.

The key issue remains - where is the new supply coming from to keep pace with demand? January 2013 saw fewer new listings added to the MLS than in any January since that database was first built in 2000. The weaker sales rate in January disguised this effect but sales will not be weak from now on. The peak buying season is about to start and we simply have too few homes available."

We cannot argue on what Mr. Orr has to say. We only add, that it is a very easy (and perfect) time to be a seller. For Sellers sidelined from selling, it may be time to jump back in while competition is fierce for your home. For Buyer's who missed the market low, they should take heart in the fact that homes are still below replacement cost. In short, both sides can benefit NOW - which has been slow to arrive. Act now - call or email me anytime to discuss your options. I'm here to guide you all the way.

My very best to you for a continued bright and prosperous 2013. We all have much to be grateful for. Call or email me any time (480-239-3023 or john.groves@azmoves.com). I look forward to earning your business.