A new year is upon us, and I must say it feels familiar, yet unpredictable. What I mean by that is, although we’re still dealing with the pandemic, the real estate market is still very dynamic. Mortgage rates dropped to record lows for much of last year, while home values and sales peaked to record highs. Where does it go from here?

To say that there will be a housing market cool down is too drastic. Steady buyer demand and low inventory will continue to drive up prices. My insight for 2022 aligns with what most are predicting for the housing market’s future - everything will be high. Demand, prices, home appreciation rates, and eventually home inventory and interest rates will rise too.

While some trends from 2021 will continue into the new year, some things will change. This year will be defined as a steady year of (slow) growth. The market will no doubt be in the favor of the sellers for now, but things will start to swing the other way. Because the real estate market is affected by current events, fluctuations are inevitable. If you’re looking to buy, pay attention to  interest rates and always be in tune with your own personal finances. If you’re in a position to sell this year, it wouldn’t be a bad idea. The smaller housing inventory fares to your advantage because low inventory creates competition among buyers, essentially increasing your property’s value.

If you’re a seller, know that there are options for selling. Whether it’s your first home sale or your fifth, talking to a real estate agent will help you explore your options so you can market your home to a wide range of potential buyers and get you top dollar for it. If you’re a buyer, the same advice rings true here. Talk to a real estate agent who can help you navigate this active housing market and help you find the right situation for you to act on.

As always, Royal Realty is here for you and ready to take on 2022 with you!