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Across the United States, the housing market is finally starting to cool off. The Federal Reserve is taking aggressive action to rein in inflation by increasing rates. The primary objective is to curb demand and bring home prices back under control.
However, the price declines observed nationwide are not happening in Salt Lake City. At the end of October, the median sales price in the county increased to $532,000. This was nearly a 17% increase from the year prior.
Read on to learn what home prices are doing in Salt Lake City. Explore how the real estate market is reacting to the current economic climate.
While prices are still increasing, the housing market is starting to cool. In Salt Lake County, there were significantly fewer closed sales in the year ending October 2022.
There were roughly 3,300 fewer closed sales during this period. This amounted to a 22.2% decline year-over-year.
The decline in closed sales comes as no surprise given the market fundamentals. Buying a house is more expensive than ever before.
Prices hit record highs and did not recede in Salt Lake City. On top of high prices, mortgage rates are at the highest level in more than a decade. Increases in monthly financing expenses is driving up mortgage payments.
The combined effect of high prices and mortgage rates is unaffordability. Many homebuyers, especially first-timers, cannot afford a home right now. Naturally, a smaller buyer pool results in fewer sales and a contracting market.
The average home price in Salt Lake City is still rising. Home prices in the city have surpassed $602,000.
Salt Lake City is now ranked as having the 10th most inflated prices in the nation. Current prices have exceeded forecasts by approximately 56%.
Buying a house in this market is challenging but a good real estate agent can navigate it. There are strategies to deal with it on both the buyer’s and seller’s sides.
For example, demand is down and bidding wars appear to be in the rearview mirror. A good agent will accurately and competitively list the home to draw interest. They will use effective marketing strategies to generate fresh leads.
On the buying side, your real estate agent will help get the best deal possible. This involves understanding market dynamics and making a competitive offer. They can help negotiate a good deal and reduce the impact of higher interest rates with a lower sales price.
Salt Lake City real estate is going against the grain. Many markets are seeing prices fall, yet Salt Lake City prices are holding their ground.
There are signs that the market is cooling off. Closed sales are down significantly over the past year. Prices may fall soon if demand continues to lag.
If you want to learn more about home prices in Salt Lake City, reach out to Susie Martindale Group and contact us today to speak with an experienced agent.