Published on our June 2022 Newsletter

Question: What effect is the increase in rates having on buyers and sellers?

Chris’ Answer:

Here are three things that have the potential to effect on buyers:

  • The cost of homeownership has increased.
  • It is affecting the ability of some buyers to qualify for a mortgage.
  • In markets such as this, some lenders tend to become a little more conservative. While I don’t expect them to change guidelines, I do expect that they may become more conservative in their pricing.

Sellers could be affected in these ways:

  • Second home sales, whether houses or condos, may begin to slow. This is a big part of the St. Croix market.
  • Investment and speculative buying may also begin to slow. These buyers are likely to search out other investment options which may be more attractive as rates increase.
  • As the real estate markets and players try to “right size” themselves after a few boom years, we may find that Days on Market will be affected.

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