Interest Rates in Election Years October 23, 2024

Should You Sell Your Home in Pennsylvania Now or Wait Until Spring 2025?

 

Deciding whether to sell your home now or wait until spring 2025 can be a tough choice, especially in the dynamic real estate market of Pennsylvania. Here’s a detailed look at the current market conditions and what you might expect in the coming months to help you make an informed decision.

Current Market Overview

Home Prices and Sales Trends As of September 2024, the median home price in Pennsylvania is approximately $296,300, marking an 8.4% increase from last year. Despite a slight decrease in the number of homes sold (down 4.9% year-over-year), the market remains competitive with homes spending an average of 31 days on the market. The state continues to see a steady rise in home prices, with a 5.4% year-over-year increase.

Market Supply There are currently 39,385 homes for sale in Pennsylvania, a 6.2% increase from the previous year. The average months of supply is around 3 months, indicating a balanced market but still leaning towards favoring sellers.

Interest Rates and Economic Factors

The Federal Reserve has recently lowered its benchmark interest rate by 0.50 percentage points, bringing it down to a range of 4.75% to 5%. This move is part of a broader strategy to support economic growth and manage inflation. The Fed has indicated potential further reductions in 2024 and 2025, which could make borrowing more affordable and stimulate the housing market.

Pros and Cons of Selling Now

Pros:

  • Strong Market Conditions: With rising home prices and quick sales, the current market is favorable for sellers.
  • Lower Interest Rates: Recent rate cuts might encourage more buyers to enter the market, increasing demand for your home.

Cons:

  • Seasonal Trends: Fall and winter are typically slower seasons for real estate, which might mean fewer buyers compared to spring.

Pros and Cons of Waiting Until Spring 2025

Pros:

  • Seasonal Demand: Spring is traditionally the busiest season for real estate, with more buyers actively looking, potentially resulting in a higher selling price.
  • Continued Price Growth: Home prices are expected to continue rising, though at a slower pace, which could yield a higher sale price.

Cons:

  • Market Uncertainty: While predictions are positive, market conditions can change due to economic factors, interest rates, or unforeseen events.

Personal Considerations

When deciding whether to sell now or wait, consider your personal circumstances:

  • Urgency: Do you need to sell quickly due to personal reasons?
  • Financial Situation: Are you financially prepared to wait, or do you need the proceeds from the sale sooner?
  • New Home: Do you have a new home lined up, and how does its market compare?

Conclusion

If you’re not in a rush, waiting until spring 2025 might give you the advantage of a more active market. However, if the current market conditions and interest rates are favorable for you, selling now could also be a good option. Consulting with a local real estate agent can provide valuable insights tailored to your specific situation.

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