2023 proved a challenging year for many aspiring home-buyers. With mortgage rates hitting an all-time high since the 2000s, the dream of homeownership remained just a dream for many. But what will 2024 bring us? Will home prices remain high, or is a possible decrease on the horizon?

Experts are cautiously making housing market predictions for 2024, and truth be told, it’s really hard to know what to expect. But based on past market trends, we can make some assumptions. This article is meant to give you a perspective on how the housing market will evolve through the end of the year and what to expect in terms of home prices.

Current market overview

The housing market is constantly shifting, influenced by various factors like the economy, politics, interest rates, and societal trends.

According to Realtor.com, in January, the national median list price for homes dipped slightly to $409,500 from $410,000 in December. However, prices have only risen by 1.4% compared to last year. This stability is partly due to limited housing inventory. Although new home sales are increasing, more construction activity is still needed to meet demand.

Despite the stable median listing price, a slight price increase and higher mortgage rates have increased monthly home financing costs by about $108 (or 5.4%) compared to last January. This means you'd need an additional $4,300 in yearly income to afford the median-priced home before factoring in taxes and insurance.

The good news is that while homebuying costs are still increasing, the growth rate has slowed. Interest rates are dropping, and listing price growth has remained moderate. In December, the yearly increase in homebuying costs was 6.1%, but in January, it slowed to 5.4%. So, while it's still getting more expensive to buy a home, the pace of increase has eased up a bit.

How do interest rates influence the home prices?

Typically, when interest rates go up, it puts a bit of a damper on the housing market. You see, with higher interest rates, the cost of buying a home becomes a bit steeper. This means fewer folks are keen on diving into the home-buying game, leading to a drop in demand. And as we all know, when demand goes down, so do prices - it's just the way the cookie crumbles in the housing world.

Now, when the big shots at the Federal Reserve decide to crank up those interest rates, they're usually trying to rein in the economy, especially if things are getting a bit too hot and bothered with inflation. Their goal? Well, it's all about putting a lid on consumer spending, which tends to take a nosedive when prices start climbing. And when folks aren't out there splurging left and right, you can bet your bottom dollar that home prices will begin to soften up a bit.

But hey, it's not all doom and gloom. When interest rates take a nosedive themselves, that's when things start looking up for home buyers. Lower interest rates mean that, suddenly, owning a home becomes more wallet-friendly. And what do you think happens then? Yup, you guessed it - folks come out of the woodwork, eager to snatch up those sweet deals. And with more buyers in the mix, home prices gradually start to creep back up. It's like a little dance between interest rates and home prices, with each move influencing the other in this intricate housing market dance.

House inventory - a key player driving prices

With many homeowners staying put because of low-interest rates or unwilling to sell due to high home prices, more people still want homes than homes available - and it looks like this trend will stick around for a while. The number of homes for sale is staying really low, especially for those just starting out in the housing market, which keeps demand strong and prices sky-high.

But some promising signs are popping up.

For starters, things are looking up for home builders. Their confidence, which was dropping before, is now on the rise again thanks to lower mortgage rates and better conditions for building.

The latest report from the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB)/Wells Fargo Housing Market Index (HMI), which tracks how builders feel, shows that their optimism increased from 44 to 48 in February. When the index is 50 or above, it means most builders feel good about the future of new construction.

Plus, there's been a slight increase in permits for new single-family homes in January - the 12th month in a row we've seen growth - according to the latest data from the U.S. Census Bureau and U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD).

Home price predictions for 2024

According to industry experts, the trajectory for home prices in 2024 generally points upwards. Fannie Mae projects a modest increase of 3.2% by the year's end, reflecting a gradual but steady growth trend. On the other hand, the Mortgage Bankers Association holds a slightly more optimistic view, suggesting that prices could climb by as much as 4.1% over the year. Meanwhile, the National Association of Realtors takes a more cautious stance, forecasting a more conservative rise of just 1.4% in existing home prices for 2024.

This forecast comes amidst a persistent challenge in the US housing market: low inventory levels. Despite a significant surge in mortgage rates, peaking near 8% last year, and a notable dip in homebuyer demand, the shortage of available homes has kept prices high. This dynamic underscores the ongoing struggle for affordability in the housing market.

While there is anticipation for increased demand in the housing sector this year, any potential decrease in home prices in 2024 may need to be more substantial to enhance affordability on its own significantly. This suggests that other factors beyond price drops need to be addressed to tackle the issue of housing affordability meaningfully.

Will the housing market crash in 2024?

In recent years, home prices have been skyrocketing, sparking fears of a housing bubble that might burst and crash the market. But the chances of that happening soon are low.

One big reason why a crash isn't likely in 2024 is that there aren't enough homes available for everyone who wants to buy. This keeps prices from going too crazy.

Now, predicting exactly what's going to happen is tough. If suddenly fewer people wanted to buy houses, prices could drop. This could happen during a terrible recession. But even then, a full-on crash isn't guaranteed. Other things, like government actions, could soften the blow.

Conclusion

In short, as we look ahead to 2024, the housing market's future feels uncertain. While we've seen a slight slowdown in home price growth, the struggle with limited inventory keeps prices high, making it challenging for many of us to afford a home.

Experts say prices may keep rising, but there's always a chance for surprises. Despite worries about a market crash, the fact that there aren't enough homes available might prevent a significant drop in prices - at least for now.

So, as we navigate the year ahead, it's crucial to balance hope with caution. Let's keep an eye on affordability and work towards making sure everyone has a shot at owning a home.

As one of the most populous countries in the world, it’s no surprise that the United States has its fair share of large cities. From the bustling streets of New York to the multicultural burroughs of Los Angeles and the towering high rise buildings of Houston, there’s a great deal of variety when it comes to America’s most populous cities. 

Of course, with all these bustling metropolitan cities, you may be wondering which are the most populous. There are dozens of cities in the U.S. with hundreds of thousands of residents; but which of these cities can boast millions of residents? That’s the question we’ve come here to answer today. Sit tight, it’s going to be a wild ride! 

New York City, NY

Anyone with even a nominal knowledge of the topographical makeup of the United States will have seen this one coming a mile away: that’s right, it’s the bustling, booming city of New York! This massive megalopolis is known around the world for its unique urban culture, its delicious ethnic foods and its towering skyscrapers. It’s not just a national landmark; it’s a global one! 

So just how populous is New York, you ask? According to the most recent U.S. census, New York is home to 8.4 million residents, with hundreds of thousands more living in its immediate vicinity. The large population is due to a number of factors according to real estate agents in New York City, NY, such as the high median monthly income, good public transportation and the appeal of living in such a famous city. Honestly, we couldn’t agree more! 

Los Angeles, CA

America’s next most populous city lies all the way across the country on the west coast. That’s right: we’re talking about Los Angeles! This sprawling city encompasses over 500 square miles, making it not only one of the most populous cities in the country, but also one of the largest from a geographic point of view. 

With a metropolitan area this large, it comes as no surprise that this is the second most populous city in the country with just under four million residents. With home values in the high ¾ million dollar range, it’s a wonder anyone manages to make ends meet here, but judging by how successful real estate agents in Los Angeles are, someone is buying them! 

Chicago, IL

The next city on our list lies between New York City and Los Angeles: on the banks of Lake Michigan, it’s the great city of Chicago. This towering metropolis is home to a unique local culture, dozens of charming storefronts and imposing high rises and a wild assortment of homegrown local accents, each with its own singular sound. 

Chicago’s population is rapidly growing, with a staggering 2.79 million residents living within the city limits. While it’s population is large, the city of Chicago has a strangely familiar feeling that prevails on its streets, with a charming, warm atmosphere unlike any other you’ll find in the country. According to real estate agents in Chicago IL, this city does not disappoint! 

Houston, TX

We’ve been looking forward to this one: with its low median home price, high median income and (relatively) low crime rates, Houston manages to check all the boxes on the list of things to look for in a new home city. For people who keep practicality in mind, Houston is a shining example of a town that isn’t just a good place to live; it’s a smart place to live. 

According to real estate agents in Houston TX, this city is home to just over 2.3 million residents. This isn’t a static number either; with a population growth rate of 2.13%, this city is getting bigger fast! It’s easy to see why, considering how beautiful the city is, and with so many more new residents moving in each year it’s only going to get more beautiful! 

Phoenix, AZ

This one is a favorite of ours. It’s in the middle of the desert, surrounded by rocky outcroppings and rugged flora, but we love it all the same. That’s right; it’s the beautiful city of Phoenix Arizona! There’s a lot that can be said to this city’s credit. It’s got beautiful surroundings, it has a thriving populace and it has a surprisingly low crime rate. As cities this large go, Phoenix is a gem! 

According to realtors in Phoenix AZ, this city is populated by nearly 1.7 million residents, with hundreds of thousands more living in the greater metropolitan area. There’s something spectacular about the majesty and beauty of this city, with its charming downtown area and exquisite surroundings 

Philadelphia, PA

It might be a bit rough around the edges, but there are those that like living there: that’s right, we’re talking about Philadelphia. Known for its sports teams, historic sites and delicious cheesesteaks, Philly has plenty of good characteristics, even if it has areas in which it could certainly improve. It isn’t a perfect city, but it’s got plenty of heart. 

The population of Philadelphia is quite large, with just under 1.6 million residents living in the metropolitan area. This city definitely has a lot of room to improve, but there’s no denying that it’s one of America’s largest cities. It may not be the most popular city around, but home is wherever you decide it is; this might be the place for you! Start contacting the local real estate agents in Philadelphia PA to help you relocate. 

San Antonio, TX

For the last city on this list, we’re going back to the great state of Texas, specifically the city of San Antonio. This city is home to a scintillating blend of traditional midwestern charm and fast-paced, modern bustle. If cowboys and outlaws were to build a sprawling metropolis in the 21st century, we wager it’d look a lot like this. 

The modern bustle this town has is largely owed to its large population, which currently stands at around 1.5 million residents. Although this is without a doubt a huge (and presumably intimidating)number, San Antonio somehow seems welcoming and familiar, like an old friend. This works to the advantage of realtors in San Antonio TX; this town is so nice homes virtually sell themselves! 

Conclusion

Well, there you have it; the largest cities in the country. We hope you enjoyed this article, and that it was of some help in finding out what you wanted to know. There are dozens more metropolises like these scattered around the nation, each with its own unique atmosphere and culture. Why not go out and explore one or two? We wish you the best of luck in your new adventure!