If you’re looking to buy a home, the recent downward trend in mortgage rates is good news because it helps with affordability. But there’s another way this benefits you, it may inspire more homeowners to put their houses up for sale. Over the past year, one factor that’s really limited the options for your move is how few homes were on the market. That’s because many homeowners chose to delay their plans to sell once mortgage rates went up. 

An article from Freddie Mac explains: The lack of housing supply was partly driven by the likely lower rate existing homeowners had.  These homeowners decided to stay put and keep their current lower mortgage rate (known as rate lock-in), rather than move and take on a higher one on their next home. Early signs show those homeowners are ready to move again. There were more homeowners putting their houses up for sale, known in the industry as new listings, in December 2023 compared to December 2022, up about 9%. Here’s why this is so significant. Typically, activity in the housing market cools down in the later months of the year as some sellers choose to delay their moves until January rolls around. This is the first time since 2020 that we’ve seen an uptick in new listings this time of year. This could be a signal that the rate lock-in effect is easing a bit in response to lower rates.

What this means for you? While there isn’t going to suddenly be an influx of options for your home search, it does mean more sellers may be deciding to list.  A reduction in interest rates could alleviate the lock-in effect and help lift homeowner mobility. Interest rates have recently declined, falling by a full percentage point from October to November 2023. Further decreases would reduce the barrier to moving and give homeowners looking to sell a new sense of urgency. And that means you may see more homes come onto the market to give you more fresh options to choose from. 

As mortgage rates come down, more sellers may re-enter the market – that gives you an opportunity to find the home you’re looking for. Connect with The Marzeotti Group or a real estate agent so you’ve got a local expert on your side who’ll help you stay on top of the latest listings in our area.