What Factors Today are Having the Biggest Effect on Housing?

[Ken and Ari Walker]

Some might consider interest rates to have the most influence on the housing market, but that is only one factor in a confluence of factors including: local economic conditions, financial markets, housing affordability, consumer confidence, inflation, migration, the pandemic, war, debt, and government policies. Each of these conditions can have major market impacts, both positive and negative.

In Sonoma County the market remained overheated for all of Q1 with home-price appreciation and supply-and-demand leading the pack. With mortgage rates rising at the beginning of Q2, the outlook is difficult to predict. Low inventory will continue to have an influence on pricing, but to what extent is still unclear. In the past, Q2 has typically been the highest demand and most active selling season of the year.

In Q1 2022, the median home price was $820,000. This statistic is a generalization which indicates that half of the homes sold closed below this figure and half sold for more than this amount. The median days on the market for Q1 2022 ranged from a high of 95 days (Kenwood) to a low of 22 days (Cotati).

Looking at the number of active listings over the past 6 years for the month of March would be a good indicator of how volatile the market has been:

• March 2017: 515
• March 2018: 528
• March 2019: 761
• March 2020: 800
• March 2021: 554
• March 2022: 360

Regardless of all the extenuating circumstances affecting the real estate market in Sonoma County, experts say we should only see a slight slow-down in appreciation and activity because Buyers are still looking to live in an area where they can have more for less when compared to other neighboring regions.

If you are hoping to buy anywhere in California soon, but are finding the tighter lending restrictions unforgiving, give Sun Pacific Mortgage a call at 707-523-2099 to discuss our Private Money loan programs or visit our website at www.sunpacificmortgage.com. These loans are specifically tailored to those who can’t qualify for conventional loans or who need a fast closing whether purchasing and refinancing.

Best, Ari – The Gal in the White Hat
Private Money Loan Originator at Family owned and operated Sun Pacific Mortgage & Real Estate, serving all of California since 1988!  707-523-2099   www.Sunpacificmortgage.com
CA DRE License #01858152 and NMLS #2170867

Note:  Get our financing despite bad credit, difficult to prove income, property a fixer, etc.!  We finance Jumbo loans, Bridge and short-term loans, Owner Occupied purchases and refinances, investment purchases and commercial.

The content of this blog contains general advice only and does not consider individual financial circumstances, desired loan amounts or existing real estate or lending transactions. This information is intended for licensed Real Estate Agents and licensed Lenders/Mortgage Brokers and is posted on our company website and specific blog sites with the express purpose of reaching such licensed individuals.