According to the latest FreddieMac Quarterly Forecast, mortgage interest rates have fallen to historically low levels this spring and are projected to remain low. This means there’s a huge incentive for home buyers who are ready to make a purchase in the Knoxville real estate market. It also means East Tennessee homeowners searching for motivated buyers can take advantage of this opportune time to sell as well.
There’s a very positive outlook on interest rates going forward, as the projections from the FreddieMac report indicate continued lows into 2021:
“Going forward, we forecast the 30-year fixed-rate mortgage to remain low, falling to a yearly average of 3.4% in 2020 and 3.2% in 2021.”
With mortgage rates hovering at such compelling places, ongoing buyer interest is bound to keep driving the Knoxville housing market forward. Rates also reached another record low last week, so homebuyers are in what FreddieMac is identifying as the buying mood:
“While the rebound in the economy is uneven, one segment that is exhibiting strength is the housing market. Purchase demand activity is up over twenty percent from a year ago, the highest since January 2009. Mortgage rates have hit another record low due to declining inflationary pressures, putting many homebuyers in the buying mood. However, it will be difficult to sustain the momentum in demand as unsold inventory was at near record lows coming into the pandemic and it has only dropped since then.”
There’s no doubt that even though buyers are ready to purchase, it’s hard for many of them to find a home to buy today. Mortgage rates aren’t the only thing hovering near all-time lows; homes available for sale are too. National housing inventory is historically scarce – down almost 20% year-over-year. Keeping buyers ready to purchase may be tough if they can’t find a home to buy (See graph below):
What does this mean for Knoxville home buyers?
Competition in the Knoxville real estate market is fierce with so few homes available for purchase locally coupled with low mortgage rates. Getting pre-approved now will help you gain a competitive advantage and accelerate the homebuying process, so you’re ready to go when you find that perfect home you’d like to buy. Working quickly and efficiently with a trusted real estate professional will help put you in a position to act fast when you’re ready to make your move.
What does this mean for Knoxville real estate sellers?
If you’re thinking of selling your house, know that the motivation for buyers to purchase right now is as high as ever with rates where they are today. Selling your home now before other sellers enter the Knoxville real estate market this summer might put your house high on the list for many buyers. Homebuyers are clearly in the mood to buy, and with today’s safety guidelines and precautions in place to show your house, confidence is also on your side.
Bottom Line
Whether you’re looking to buy or sell, there’s great reasons to be in the Knoxville housing market right now. Take a few minutes to browse our listings and call us today at 865.577.SOLD to get moving. We would love the opportunity to discuss your needs and help you reach your homeownership goals!
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