Greg and I have been staying in tune with the latest information, data and projections from top real estate advisors and economists. Below we’ve compiled answers to some of the most common questions we’ve been hearing about the real estate market right now and how the COVID-19 pandemic and economic slow down may affect the housing market:
How Long Will it Take the Economy to Recover from COVID-19?
No one can predict how long COVID-19 will last, and with nothing in recent history to compare it with, economists are stumped on a timeline for economic recovery. Data released from Goldman Sachs, JP Morgan and Morgan Stanley predict that the GDP will see a rebound in the third fiscal quarter, with the experts saying it will most likely resemble a “V” type recovery. A recent study from John Burns Consulting also noted that past pandemics have created V-Shaped Economic Recoveries and had minimal impact on housing prices. Business owners are also optimistic about a fast turnaround of the economy, with a study by PricewaterhouseCoopers finding that 90% believe business will return to normal within 1 to 3 months of the pandemics passing. From major financial institutions to business leaders across the U.S., optimism that the economy will bounce back is high.
Will COVID-19 Cause a Recession?
By its technical definition, a recession is “a period of temporary economic decline during which trade and industrial activity are reduced, generally identified by a fall in GDP in two successive quarters.”
Taking into account the number of businesses and industries that have had to close trying to flatten the curve of the COVID-19 pandemic, it is likely we will see a recession. But it’s important to keep in mind that a recession does not equal a housing crisis.
If a Recession Happens, Are We Looking at 2008 all Over Again?
The financial collapse that led to the housing crash and Great Recession of 2008 is still very much fresh in American’s minds. And for that reason, many people associate a recession with a housing crisis.
This is what we know:
The factors leading up to the housing bubble were a very unique perfect storm that ultimately led to the collapse of the financial market.
Risky mortgages, inflated home values, maxed out equity and excessive inventory led to a wave of short sales and foreclosures that depreciated home values by almost 25%.
Today’s market looks nothing like 2008
With American’s holding more equity in their homes, stricter mortgage lending regulations and an inventory shortage rather than surplus, the housing market is nothing like 2008. This means that despite the turbulent economy right now, the real estate is in a strong place and will likely bounce back quickly, if it’s affected much at all.
Home values are unlikely to be affected
If we are headed into a recession, it’s important to remember that it doesn’t necessarily mean home values will be affected. Zelman & Associates, a leading housing market analyst, recently updated their home price appreciation estimates for 2020.
Pre-COVID-19, their analysis was that prices would appreciate 4.7% in 2020. Post Covid-19, they are still predicting appreciation, just at a lower rate of 3%.
Will COVID-19 Cause a Surge in Foreclosures?
Over 25 million Americans have lost their jobs since mandatory “stay-at-home” orders were put into effect, with more predicted to file for unemployment in the coming weeks. Many people fear that this will cause a wave of foreclosures circa 2008 that will take down the housing market. There’s no denying that the massive wave of job losses caused by COVID-19 isn’t serious, but economist believe that the effects won’t be for long. Mortgage companies have taken this unique situation into account, with many offering the option to defer payments for those who have been affected. Plus, Americans are in a much better equity situation than they were in 2008, with 37% of homeowners having no mortgage at all. And looking at data from the last 30 years, there appears to be no direct correlation between unemployment rates and home sale rates. For example, unemployment rates have dropped significantly in the past 5 years while home sales have remained steady.
Should I Buy or Sell a Home Right Now?
All of the above questions ultimately lead to this one. Many Americans have halted their home search or selling plans because of the uncertainty surrounding everything going on right now. While the COVID-19 pandemic has disrupted the way we do business, real estate as a whole has not stopped. Some markets have slowed while others are now heating up.
If you have questions about current activity and trends in the local Big Sky and Bozeman real estate market, please don’t hesitate to reach out. Greg and I would love to hear from you.