With all the uncertainty in the economy, the stock market has been bouncing around more than usual. And if you’ve been watching your 401(k) or investments lately, chances are you’ve felt that pit in your stomach. One day it’s up. The next day, it’s not. And that may make you feel a little worried about your finances.
But here’s the thing you need to remember if you’re a homeowner. According to Investopedia:
“Traditionally, stocks have been far more volatile than real estate. That’s not to say that real estate prices aren’t ever volatile—the years around the 2007 to 2008 financial crisis are just one memorable example—but stocks are more prone to large value swings.”
While your stocks or 401(k) might see a lot of highs and lows, home values are much less volatile.
A Drop in the Stock Market Doesn’t Mean a Crash in Home Prices
Even when the stock market falls more substantially, home prices don’t always come down with it.
Big home price drops like 2008 are the exception, not the rule. But everyone remembers that one. That stock market crash was caused by loose lending practices, subprime mortgages, and an oversupply of homes – a scenario that doesn’t exist today. That’s what made it so different.
In many cases before and after that time, home values actually went up while the stock market went down, showing that real estate is generally much more stable.
This graph shows how stock prices go up and down (the orange line), sometimes by more than 30% in a year. In contrast, home prices (the blue line) change more slowly (see graph below):
Basically, stock values jump around a lot more than home prices do. You can be way up one day and way down the next. Real estate, on the other hand, isn’t usually something that experiences such dramatic swings.
That’s why real estate can feel more stable and less risky than the stock market.
So, if you’re worried after the recent ups and downs in your stock portfolio, rest assured, your home isn’t likely to experience the same volatility.
And that’s why homeownership is generally viewed as a preferred long-term investment. Even if things feel uncertain right now, homeowners win in the long run.
Bottom Line
A lot of people are feeling nervous about their finances right now. But there’s one reason for you to feel more secure – your investment in something that’s stood the test of time: real estate.
Key Takeaways
- Both stocks and real estate represent important paths to wealth for many Americans.
- Historically, the stock market experiences higher growth than the real estate market, making it a better way to grow your money.
- Real estate offers unique tax advantages, including depreciation write-offs and the ability to defer capital gains.
What Every Homeowner Needs To Know In Today’s Shifting Market
Here’s something you need to know. The housing market is getting back to a healthier, more normal place. And even though it may not sound like it, this shift is actually a good thing.
It’s what you should expect. It’s just that our expectations have been skewed by the intense seller’s market over the past few years.
But what you need to remember is: there’s still plenty of opportunity to be had if you’re thinking about selling – whether that’s next month or next year. You just need to stay up to date on what’s happening in the market, and have a strategy that matches the moment. Here’s your update.
1. Inventory’s Up. Buyer Power Is Coming Back.
According to the latest data, the number of homes for sale is rising back toward more normal levels (see graph below):
But inventory growth is going to vary a lot based on where you live.
If you’re in a market where the number of homes for sale is back to normal, buyers may have more sway than you’d expect. That doesn’t mean buyers have all the power – it just means they have more choices, so your home has to stand out.
But if you live where inventory is still pretty limited, you may see more buyers competing for your house.
No matter where you are, the key is to work with a pro who can help you adjust your game plan for your local market.
2. The Right Price Matters More Than Ever
With more homes to choose from, today’s buyers are quick to skip over homes that feel overpriced. That’s why pricing your house right is the secret to selling quickly and for top dollar. That’s a point Realtor.com really drives home:
Miss the mark, though, and you may have to backtrack. Today, about 1 in 5 sellers (19.1%) are reducing their asking price to attract buyers
Here’s how to avoid being one of those sellers who has to reduce their asking price. Danielle Hale, Chief Economist at Realtor.com, says:
The best way to get that information? Lean on your local agent. They have the expertise to set a price that sells in any market. Because if your price isn’t compelling, it’s not selling.
3. Flexibility Wins Negotiations
Gone are the days of buyers waiving inspections and appraisals just to get a deal done. Now, because they have more homes to choose from, buyers are able to ask for things like repairs, credits, and help with closing costs. And data from Redfin shows nearly 44.4% of sellers are willing to negotiate (see graph below):
The takeaway? This isn’t a bad market. It’s just a different one. And it’s in line with more normal years in the housing market, like back in 2019. The savviest sellers are the ones taking advantage of every opportunity to work with buyers and make their house shine.
And it’ll help if you think of concessions as tools, not losses. Use them to bridge gaps, sweeten deals, and get across the finish line. And don’t stress. Since prices went up roughly 55% over the past five years, you’ve got plenty of room to make a concession or two and still come out ahead.
Just be sure to work with your agent to understand which concessions could be the key to sealing the deal.
Bottom Line
Sellers who are going to succeed in the weeks and months ahead are the ones who understand this market shift and lean into it with the right expectations and the right strategy.
Connect with Stovall Team today 714.343.9294 and talk about what’s working in your area right now – and how to make those wins work for you, too – whenever you’re ready to make a move.