The State of the housing market

January 21, 2010 by  
Filed under Real Estate

Recent home sales, by the numbers
Image by JAWspeak via Flickr

After the economic turmoil has become a thing of the past, the state of the housing market will eventually return to its previous position. However, until the economy recovers and people begin spending again, the housing market will be in deep trouble as it becomes harder and harder to sell homes. With real estate prices at all time lows, it is still difficult for many sellers to move properties on the market. One reason for the lackluster sales is the lack of credit. Due to the financial crisis, creditors have become more stringent and more selective with who they lend to. Accordingly, it is tougher for potential homebuyers to find enough money to make the splurge on a new home.

Another reason for the poor housing market is the lack of consumer spending. Because no one knows for sure when the economy will rebound, many people are tightening their belts and keeping their money close to home until they can be assured that their jobs are safe, paychecks are constant, and that they can pay back any loans they might take out. Currently, the market is very much a buyer’s market with most sellers having to lower their prices to buyer’s demands.