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Understanding Market Trends and Analysis

Hey everyone, it’s Ryan from Rebellion, and today we’re diving deep into understanding market trends and analysis. Whether you’re a seasoned investor or just starting out, knowing if the market is on the rise, dipping, or just staying flat is crucial to your success. Stick around because we’ve got a great discussion lined up with our resident economist, Taya Waldrop, and data expert, Casey. Let’s jump right in!

Defining the Market

Neighborhood to Global Scale

When we talk about the market, it’s essential to specify what exactly we’re observing. A market could mean anything from a single house to an entire globe. For today’s focus, we’ll be honing in on the U.S. real estate market, but don’t forget that your immediate focus should be your local market—neighborhoods, cities, and states can behave very differently from national averages.

The Economic State of Real Estate

In general, the real estate market is a reflection of the overall economic state, largely driven by supply and demand. Simply put, when supply is down and demand is up, prices go up, and vice versa.

Importance of Local Market Analysis

Local and Hyper-Local Indicators:

  • Sub-Markets: Your neighborhood, city, or county
  • Specific Indicators: Property values, unemployment rates, and local economic conditions

By understanding these, you can get ahead of the national trends and make decisions that are tailored to your immediate surroundings.

Leading Indicators

Building Permits

One of the first metrics you should keep an eye on is the number of building permits being issued. This indicates how much new construction is planned, giving you a sense of future housing supply.

Housing Starts

Closely related, but not identical, are housing starts. This measures when construction actually begins. Even if a permit is issued, it doesn’t mean construction will start immediately.

New Home Sales

Finally, track new home sales. High sales numbers indicate strong demand, which could push prices up in the future.

Graphical Representation

When you look at these metrics overlaid on a graph, interesting trends appear. For example, if permits and starts are up but sales are lagging, it might indicate an oversupply situation brewing.

Stacking Data on Leading Indicators

Interest Rates

Interest rates have a huge influence on the real estate market. Low rates make borrowing cheaper, driving up demand—and prices.

Rental Market

The rental market can serve as a good gauge for broader trends. If more people are renting, it might mean they’re being priced out of buying.

Number of Single-Family Rentals

A high number of single-family rentals indicates strong rental demand, which often correlates with a cooling buying market.

Foreclosures

Foreclosures are another critical metric. Rising foreclosure rates often precede a downturn in the housing market.

REOs (Real Estate Owned)

These are properties the banks have taken back and have yet to sell. A high number of REOs suggests a struggling market.

Equity Percentage

Look at how much equity homeowners have. Homes with high equity are less likely to face foreclosure.

Days on Market

The average days a property sits on the market is a straightforward indicator. Longer times mean a slower market.

Median Sales Price

Finally, keep an eye on the median sales price to gauge how much properties are generally going for in your market.

Importance of Data Stacking

Anticipating Market Shifts

Stacking data from various sources helps you anticipate market shifts. If you see multiple indicators trending downward, it might be time to re-evaluate your strategy.

Multiple Exit Strategies

Always have multiple exit strategies based on your data. Whether it’s flipping, renting, or selling, understanding these metrics can help you pivot as needed.

Stock Market Correlation

The stock market, specifically the S&P’s housing-related stocks, often mirrors trends in the real estate market. When these stocks are performing well, it usually points to a strong housing market.

“Smart Money” Influence

Big investors often have insider information or better analysis tools. Following their moves can provide early signals.

Inverted Yield Curve

Bank Lending and Profitability

An inverted yield curve occurs when short-term interest rates are higher than long-term rates. This is a big red flag for reduced bank profitability and, consequently, less lending.

Spread Between Borrowing and Lending Rates

The spread between what banks borrow at and lend at is critical. A narrowing spread often signals a credit crunch coming.

Impact on Liquidity and Housing Prices

When banks stop lending, liquidity dries up, and housing prices can drop.

Historical Yield Curve and House Prices

Inverse Relationship

Historically, the yield curve and house prices have moved inversely. This means when the yield curve drops, house prices often rise—but it’s not foolproof.

Impact of Low-Interest Rates

Low-interest rates can keep prices high temporarily, but be cautious as corrections are inevitable.

Cash Buyers as Market Buffer

Percentage of Cash Buyers

Cash buyers can buffer the market from drastic downturns, but this influence can only last so long.

Impact on Housing Prices

High numbers of cash buyers generally support higher prices as they mitigate the impact of reduced lending.

Commodity Prices (Lagging Indicator)

Lumber Prices

The price of commodities like lumber can provide lagging indicators. When these prices fall, it often predicts a slowdown in housing construction.

Relation to Housing Prices

Falling lumber prices usually follow peaks in housing prices, signaling a cooling market.

Local Market Indicators

List of Building Permits (Single-Family vs. Multi-Family)

Understanding the breakdown between single-family and multi-family permits can help you tailor your strategy. For instance, a surge in multi-family permits suggests a shift toward rental properties.

Look at seasonal patterns and recent trends to see if your local market is cooling.

Other Potential Indicators

Job Growth

Job growth is often a precursor to a strong real estate market. More jobs usually mean more demand for housing.

Watch wage trends, as stagnant or falling wages can suppress the housing market.

Foreclosure Rates

Rising foreclosure rates are usually a bad sign for housing prices.

Leverage Ratios

High leverage ratios mean more debt, which can be risky in a downturn.

Importance of Market Knowledge

Tailoring Strategies

Understanding these indicators allows you to tailor your strategies for better results, whether flipping, renting, or holding.

Identifying Opportunities

Being data-informed helps you identify opportunities others might miss.

Avoiding Analysis Paralysis

Don’t get stuck in analysis paralysis. Use these indicators to make informed yet timely decisions.

Here are some resources to get you started:

  • Census.gov for building permits and housing starts
  • S&P Indices for stock market data
  • Commodity price charts for materials like lumber
  • Local government websites for specific market data

Conclusion

Understanding market trends and analysis is crucial for anyone involved in real estate. By focusing on both national and local indicators, you can make informed decisions that align with your investment goals. Remember to monitor leading indicators like building permits, housing starts, and new home sales, and stack data from various sources to anticipate market shifts. Keep an eye on interest rates, rental markets, foreclosures, and median sales prices to get a comprehensive view. 

Additionally, the stock market and commodity prices can provide valuable insights. By leveraging this knowledge, you can tailor your strategies, identify opportunities, and avoid analysis paralysis, ensuring your success in the dynamic real estate market. Stay informed, stay flexible, and always be ready to adapt your approach based on the latest data.

Get started with Propelio and unlock all the tools you need to succeed in real estate. Sign up now for a 14-day FREE trial: Start Free Trial

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