What Buyer Activity Tells Us About the Housing Market

Dated: March 22 2023

Views: 133

Though the housing market is no longer experiencing the frenzy of a year ago, buyers are showing their interest in purchasing a home. According to U.S. News:

“Housing markets have cooled slightly, but demand hasn’t disappeared, and in many places remains strong largely due to the shortage of homes on the market.”

That activity can be seen in the latest ShowingTime Showing Index, which is a measure of buyers actively touring available homes (see graph below):

The 62% jump in showings from December to January is one of the largest on record. There were also more showings in January than in any other month since last May. As you can see in the graph, it’s normal for showings to increase early in the year, but the jump this January was larger than usual, and a lot of that has to do with mortgage rates. Michael Lane, VP of Sales and Industry at ShowingTime+, explains:

“It’s typical to see a seasonal increase in home showings in January as buyers get ready for the spring market, but a larger increase than any January before after last year’s rapid cooldown is significant. Mortgage rate activity this spring will play a big role in sales activity, but January’s home showings are a positive sign that buyers are getting back out there . . .”

It’s important to note that mortgage rates hovered in the low 6% range in January, which played a role in the high number of showings. What does this mean? When mortgage rates eased, buyer interest climbed. The jump in home showings early this year makes one thing clear – while rates may be volatile right now, there are interested buyers out there, and when mortgage rates are favorable, they’re ready to make their move. 

Bottom Line

An increase in showing activity in January is a good sign that there are buyers who are eager to purchase a home. If you’re thinking of selling your house, let's talk - LaFreta White @ 325-656-6896 with ERA Newlin & Company.

Information above provided by Keeping Current Matters.

If you are looking for your next home go to Search San Angelo Homes for Sale. 

Want to know what is going on in or around San Angelo? Check out my Key Events. I hope to see you there!

Blog author image

LaFreta White Group

Welcome! I'm LaFreta White, an Associate Broker and proud real estate professional with more than 30 years of helping buyers and sellers throughout San Angelo, Texas, and the Concho Valley.Real estate....

Latest Blog Posts

A Smooth Home Purchase Starts With Being Prepared.

Buying a home is exciting, but getting from offer to closing can come with a few unexpected turns. The good news? Being prepared and having the right guidance can make all the difference.Here are a

Read More

Labor Day, West Texas Style: Work Hard, Grill Often, Stay Cool

Labor Day is here, which means three things in San Angelo: summer is supposed to be winding down, football season is getting started, and we are all looking at the weather forecast hoping to see

Read More

A Little Kindness Can Leave a Big Legacy.

A Little Kindness Can Leave a Big Legacy.The world recently lost a true original in Dolly Parton, but if there’s one thing Dolly taught us, it’s that a life well lived isn’t

Read More

RAM JAM! Come for the Football...Stay for the Fun!

You don't have to be a die-hard Ram fan to enjoy a good tailgate! There will be live music, food and refreshments, family-friendly activities, giveaways and plenty of school spirit. Then, as

Read More