The Colorado housing markets remain white-hot and even some commercial sectors are in a positive rebound. We’re watching the economic indicators closely to gauge what the short- and long-term trajectory might be.
The Federal Reserve monitors inflation and says their target benchmark for altering policy is a 2% inflation rate.
The Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC) judges that inflation of 2 percent over the longer run, as measured by the annual change in the price index for personal consumption expenditures, is most consistent with the Federal Reserve’s mandate for maximum employment and price stability.
3 Metrics to Watch
Long Term Rates – “Signs of faster economic growth, an improving job market, and increased vaccine distribution are pushing (mortgage) rates higher,” said Joel Kan, the Mortgage Bankers Association (MBA) Associate Vice President of Economic and Industry Forecasting. In turn, this is slowing the refinance markets according to the Mortgage News Daily Blog.
Consumer Price Index – This is showing signs of heating up according to a recent article on CNBC. It’s to be expected, and if you’re looking to purchase a house or investment property you’re still able to lock in historically low rates. They just feel higher compared to last month.
Demand-Pull Indicators – “When an increase in the supply of money and credit stimulates overall demand for goods and services in an economy to increase more rapidly than the economy’s production capacity. This increases demand and leads to price rises,” explains Investopedia. Our government has been faced with stimulating the economy with a combination of both increasing the supply of money and stimulating credit to get the economy through the pandemic-induced recession. Now, they’re watching the hangover and gauging the best way to keep our economy moving without ramping up inflation too rapidly.
Good News for Real Estate
These are interesting indicators to watch, but what do they mean practically for everyday people?
Mortgage rates are still extremely low and should remain so throughout 2021 (great for buyers.) Housing price inflation is increasing due to high demand (great for homeowners and sellers, not so great for buyers.) One thing I’ve learned throughout my 2 ½ decades working in the real estate industry is that people will always need houses, shops and restaurants, and offices. Things like the Great Recession or the COVID Pandemic may slap us with a pattern interrupt, but we always get back to an even keel and we always have people who need to transact.
If you’re one of those people, contact a Kentwood Real Estate Residential or Commercial broker. We represent clients from Colorado Springs to Denver to Boulder and Fort Collins. Our brokers are experts in their field and will help educate you on these important indicators and advise you on the next steps in your life journey!
Written by Gretchen Rosenberg, President and CEO of Kentwood Real Estate