Written by: Frank DeValdivielso • November 16, 2020• Real Estate

Home Equity in a Sellers’ Market!

We are amid a perfect storm, with high demand for single family homes, low supply of inventory, appreciation in prices and low interest rates that have all converged toward a V-shaped recovery in the housing market. There is a crisis of inventory across the country and a need for more product to satisfy the buyer demand. It is a great time to be a seller, especially in our market.

Suburban areas outperform urban areas during this recovery. Properties in the suburbs are selling faster and at higher prices than those in the urban areas. Condo dwellers and transplants from other states seek out the tax climate with bigger and greener spaces.

There is one challenge. Since the beginning of the pandemic in March, nearly 400,000 fewer homes have been listed compared to last year, leaving a gaping hole in the US housing inventory. As a result, home prices are accelerating at double last year’s pace, per realtor.com. Homeowners are sitting on a boat load of tax-free equity.

As equity in the homes increase, homeowners are more likely to consider using that equity to purchase a home that suits them better. It could be a step-up to a larger home, to a different location, or a second home. On average through Q2 of 2020, Florida homeowners have enjoyed a $10,000 equity gain on their home year-over-year.

Urban areas are also enjoying a faster pace in sales than last year with slightly higher appreciation as well. On the condominium front in Miami, there is an oversupply of inventory and prices are depreciating. However, long-term the inventory will be consumed given the migration patterns that are bringing us new Floridians every day.

Commercial real estate in South Florida also benefits from the migratory pattern in the industrial segment with demand for order fulfillment centers. Consumer confidence is coming back with restaurants opening again. Our son Michael is now sous chef at L ’Atelier de Joel Robuchon in downtown Miami. Welcome back fine dining!

Can we keep this up? Consumer spending is recovering and a key driver for the overall economy.

The fear with salary reductions, pandemic, sickness, and overall uncertainty disrupted peace of mind. However, people started managing the risks and with a collective breath, continue the recovery. From rushing for toilet paper and depleted foodstuffs, to gratitude for infinite blessings and deepest condolences for our neighbors lost to the pandemic, we still have miles to go for a semblance of peace of mind.

Unemployment in Florida is going down. Job creation and employees that were previously furloughed are coming back. RCL has started cruising in Europe and Asia, a good sign for Carnival, Norwegian and RCL with large presence in Miami. The economy prior to Covid was extremely strong and is recovering faster than during the great depression, the great recession, and the 1980s oil recession.

Forbearance on mortgages are decreasing with approximately 96% of mortgages being on time. We do not anticipate a wave of foreclosures because most homeowners have equity in the home. Over the last 10 years, we have seen appreciation in properties. Lending standards have been solid over the last decade and most of these homeowners have equity in their homes and will likely be able to restructure their loans once they are employed.

The equity built up in homes provides opportunity. Enjoy the sellers’ market to make your move.

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