1. The historic drop in active listings due to the “lock-in” effect is bringing back the pandemic trend of bidding wars as homeseekers compete for a shrinking share of homes since buyers are staying put to avoid taking out a mortgage at a higher rate.
2. Future moves by the Federal Reserve could alleviate some of these problems should they decide to stop future rate increases at their June meeting.
3. New listings in April were down 23% from a year earlier, the second biggest decline since the start of the pandemic, and Redfin agents themselves are seeing buyers compete for a small pool of homes, especially in desirable locations.
The article discusses the current state of the housing market, with a focus on bidding wars and low inventory due to the "lock-in" effect. The author cites research from Redfin and quotes their Economics Research Lead, Chen Zhao, who suggests that a pause in Fed rate hikes could alleviate some uncertainty in the market. The article provides various statistics related to mortgage rates, home sales, and prices.
Overall, the article appears to be well-researched and informative. However, it is important to note that it primarily presents one perspective - that of Redfin and its agents. While this is not necessarily a bias or flaw in reporting, readers should be aware that other sources may have different opinions or data on the housing market.
Additionally, while the article mentions potential risks such as unexpected inflation or banking turmoil, it does not explore counterarguments or alternative viewpoints on how these factors could impact the housing market. It also does not provide much context on why mortgage rates are currently high or what factors may influence future rate changes.
In terms of promotional content, the article includes links to Redfin's website and quotes from their agents. While this may be useful for readers looking for more information on buying or selling homes through Redfin, it could also be seen as biased towards promoting their services.
Overall, while the article provides valuable insights into current trends in the housing market, readers should approach it with a critical eye and consider seeking out additional perspectives before making any decisions related to buying or selling property.