2023 RI Real Estate: Layoffs at Compass, Apartment Prices Down, and Predictions - GoLocalProv (2024)

Friday, January 06, 2023

GoLocalProv Business Team

Rhode Island’s real estate market starts 2023 with near-record high prices, record-low inventory, and a number of unknowns.

The median price of a single-family home is now $411,000. There are less than 900 homes for sale in the entire state — a little over a month’s supply. A balanced market has six months of supply. In contrast, coming out of the Great Recession a decade ago there was a year's worth of supply.

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GoLocal talked to Ben Scungio of Mott & Chace Sotheby’s International about his predictions for 2023.

"I got into the business thirteen years ago, so to go from that kind of market [high inventory and foreclosures] to this kind of market is certainly interesting," said Scungio.

He says that the rest of the country discovered Rhode Island during the pandemic and that, in part, has kept demand high.

"I truly believe in 2020, Rhode Island was found and not just found by people in Boston but people all over the country," said Scungio.

On pricing, Scungio sees stability in the Rhode Island market. "I don't see our prices plummeting. I really don't. Could it happen in other parts of the country? Certainly, but I think we're going to, we will stay pretty strong with our median family price."

Of the homes on the market now in Rhode Island, prices range from a $25,000 structure in Glocester to a $ 17 million mansion in Newport.

2023 RI Real Estate: Layoffs at Compass, Apartment Prices Down, and Predictions - GoLocalProv (2)View Larger +

Third round of layoffs at Compass in a year. PHOTO: File

Compass Announces Third Round of Layoffs in Less than a Year

Compass, the troubled national real estate firm which has been expanding in Rhode Island announced another round of layoffs Thursday.

The company said it is the last wave of staff cutbacks it will need to undertake to reduce its expenses to a point where it can be cash-flow positive by mid-2023.

But the company laid off 450 last January and hundreds more in September.

“The company believes its actions allow for a path to achieve positive free cash flow in 2023 accounting for market scenarios that are worse than Fannie Mae’s negative 22.6% estimate for residential real estate transaction volume (price and units) in 2023,” Compass said in an SEC filing, in which it noted its target yearly expenses are between $850 million and $950 million.

According to the Real Deal, "The brokerage did not say how many employees are affected in the latest round. The filing announcing the reductions said the move would incur $10 million to $12 million in severance costs, just under the $15 million to $16 million incurred when itlaid off 450 employeeslast June."

"Compass said it lost$154 millionin the third quarter of last year, up from$101 millionin quarter two, along with an increased cash-burn rate. Investors initially responded well to information in the earnings report and the stock rose90 percentthe following day, though it was still down more than 60 percent since the start of 2022," according to the Real Deal.

Rents Dip Slightly

Apartment List reports that there is some, albeit minimal, relief in Providence rents.

In its announcement released on Thursday, the firm reported:

- Rents in Providence decreased 0.6% month-over-month in December, compared to a 0.8% decrease nationally.

- Year-over-year rent growth in Providence currently stands at -1.2%, compared to -1.5% at this time last year. Rents in Providence are up by 16.7% since the start of the pandemic in March 2020.

- Median rents in Providence currently stand at $1041 for a 1-bedroom apartment and $1378 for a two-bedroom.

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2023 RI Real Estate: Layoffs at Compass, Apartment Prices Down, and Predictions - GoLocalProv (2024)

FAQs

Will housing market crash in 2023? ›

While there's a lot of uncertainty in the real estate market and economy, many experts believe a housing market crash in 2023 is unlikely.

Will the housing market crash in 2024? ›

Despite the fact that there are some troubling trends in the housing market, we're likely not going to see a crash in 2023 or 2024. While house prices are likely to drop, demand for housing caused by America's ongoing housing shortage is likely to keep prices relatively stable.

What economists are predicting for the US housing market in 2023? ›

Fannie Mae: Economists at the firm predict that U.S. home prices, as measured by the Fannie Mae HPI, will fall 1.2% in 2023 and another 2.2% dip in 2024. That's a big upgrade from March, when Fannie Mae predicted national home prices would fall 4.2% in 2023 and another 2.3% dip in 2024.

Will the housing market always goes up? ›

Key Takeaways. Home values tend to rise over time, but recessions and other disasters can lead to lower prices. Following slumps, home values can increase in some areas of the country because of strong demand and low supply, while other areas struggle to rebound.

Will the housing market crash in 2023 or 2024? ›

Fannie Mae expects U.S. home prices to fall -1.2% between Q4 2022 and Q4 2023, and then another -2.2% between Q4 2023 and Q4 2024.

What happens when the housing market crashes? ›

Homeowners owe more on their mortgages than their homes were worth and can no longer just flip their way out of their homes if they cannot make the new, higher payments. Instead, they will lose their homes to foreclosure and often file for bankruptcy in the process.

Will 2023 be a good time to buy a house? ›

Homebuyer.com data analysis indicates that, for first-time home buyers, June 2023 is a good time to buy a house relative to later in the year. This article provides an unbiased look at current mortgage rates, housing market conditions, and market sentiment.

What will happen to the US housing market in 2023? ›

In 2023, the national annual median price for homes for sale is projected to rise by another 5.4%, which is less than half the pace seen in 2022. Even if a homeowner decides to sell their home, they will likely have a lot of equity in it.

Is this the worst time to buy a house? ›

A majority of Americans had been reporting it's a good time to buy a house up until 2022. Low inventory and skyrocketing home prices certainly play a part. Home prices were up 38% in April 2023 compared to the same period in 2020, according to Zillow's Home Value Index. Homes on the market are also harder to come by.

Why buying real estate in 2023 is a good investment? ›

Despite what some may think, 2023 is still a good year to invest in real estate, thanks to advantages like long-term appreciation, steady rental income, and the opportunity to hedge against inflation. Mortgage rates are expected to decline, but the housing market is likely to remain competitive due to low supply.

What are the real estate challenges in 2023? ›

Top 10 Issues Affecting Real Estate 2022-2023
  • Inflation and Interest Rates.
  • Geopolitical Risk.
  • Hybrid Work.
  • Supply Chain Disruption.
  • Energy.
  • Labor Shortage Strain.
  • The Great Housing Imbalance.
  • Regulatory Uncertainty.

What will economic predictions be in 2023? ›

We now forecast that US GDP will expand by 0.6 percent (vs. -0.6 percent) in Q2 2023. However, the headwinds to future growth persist and are somewhat augmented by lower government spending. We now project that the US economy will grow by -1.2 percent in Q3 2023, -2.1 in Q4 2023, and -0.9 in Q1 2024.

At what age does a house start losing value? ›

If you haven't renovated your home in the past 30 years or so, it won't show well when you put it on the market. In other words, it won't get the same price as a similar home that's been maintained and updated.

What is the best date to close on a house? ›

If you need to be occupying your home by a certain date to save on rent, it's a much better deal to close at the end of the previous month (for example, January 30) instead of the beginning of the current month (February 1).

Will mortgage rates go down in 2024? ›

Fannie Mae, Mortgage Bankers Association and National Association of Realtors expect mortgage rates to drop through the first quarter of 2024, by half a percentage point to about nine-tenths of a percentage point. Figures are the predicted quarterly average rates for the 30-year fixed-rate mortgage.

Will the housing market crash in 2026? ›

According to Folvary, the next housing market crash cycle is expected in 2024, which he says will snowball into a great economic depression in 2026. On the other hand, NAR economists forecast price growth in the housing market in the range of 15-25 percent over the next half-decade.

What will my house be worth in 2030? ›

House prices in the US have risen by 48.55% in the last ten years (from $173k to $257k) and if they continue to grow at this rate for another decade, the average US home will be worth $382k by 2030.

What is the Goldman Sachs housing market forecast? ›

According to a recent note to clients, Goldman Sachs analysts predict that by the end of 2024, home prices will plunge by 19% in Austin, 16% in Phoenix, 15% in San Francisco, and 12% in Seattle.

Will housing prices go down in a recession? ›

Will house prices go down in a recession? While the cost of financing a home typically increases when interest rates are on the rise, home prices themselves may actually decline. “Usually, during a recession or periods of higher interest rates, demand slows and values of homes come down,” says Miller.

Will housing prices go down in next recession? ›

With mortgage rates continuing to remain high, home prices are predicted to decline in the near term. However, experts do not anticipate the widespread unemployment that characterized the Great Recession and also believe that the recession will be quite brief if it occurs.

Will housing prices drop after recession? ›

However, believe it or not, home prices usually tend to drop in a recession. But they don't always decline in every downturn. Home prices dropped four out of five times in the last five recessions. They usually fall at an average of 5% each year the economy remains in a recession.

Will rates go down in 2023? ›

We expect that 30-year mortgage rates will end 2023 at 5.2%,” the organization noted in its forecast commentary. It since has walked back its forecast slightly but still sees rates dipping below 6%, to 5.6%, by the end of the year.

How high will interest rates go in 2023? ›

Since the start of 2022, the Fed has hiked rates 10 times to combat rising inflation. As of May 2023, the federal funds rate ranges from 5.00% to 5.25%. If this prediction is correct, it won't be surprising to see some of the best high-yield savings accounts offering rates exceeding 4%.

What should you not do when staging a house? ›

20 Most Common Staging Mistakes
  1. Too Much Furniture.
  2. Furniture That Doesn't Fit the Room.
  3. Household Smells.
  4. Keeping Knick Knacks on Display.
  5. Excessive Dark Paint.
  6. Drastically Different Paint Colors Throughout the Home.
  7. Pushing All Furniture Against the Walls.
  8. A Lack of Light.

Will Florida real estate prices go down in 2023? ›

Overall, the Florida housing market is likely to remain strong in 2023, with continued demand for homes and steady price growth. However, the market may begin to stabilize as the growth rate slows down, which may lead to more balanced conditions between buyers and sellers.

What happened to housing in 2008? ›

In 2008, the housing market bubble burst when subprime mortgages, a huge consumer debt load, and crashing home values converged. Homeowners began defaulting on the home loans.

Will home prices drop in Texas in 2023? ›

While some areas may experience an increase in housing prices, others may experience a decline. In Dallas, TX, housing prices are expected to decrease by 0.1% as of April 2023, followed by a further decline of 0.3% in June 2023, but are projected to increase by 0.7% by March 2024.

What month are houses cheapest? ›

Winter is usually the cheapest time of year to purchase a home. Sellers are often motivated, which automatically translates into an advantage to you. Most people suspend their listings from around Thanksgiving to the New Year because they assume buyers are scarce.

What month is the least expensive to buy a house? ›

Generally, home prices are lowest in January because demand is low, inventory is low and fewer buyers are looking for homes. While January might be the best month to get the lowest price on a home, you pick from a smaller selection of homes.

What is the slowest month for real estate sales? ›

Sellers can net thousands of dollars more if they sell during the peak months of May, June and July versus the two slowest months of the year, October and December, according to a 2022 report by ATTOM Data Solutions.

How do you know if a rental property is a good investment? ›

Top 10 Features to Consider
  1. Neighborhood. The neighborhood in which you buy will determine the types of tenants you attract and your vacancy rate. ...
  2. Property Taxes. ...
  3. Schools. ...
  4. Crime. ...
  5. Job Market. ...
  6. Amenities. ...
  7. Number of Listings and Vacancies. ...
  8. Average Rents.

Is real estate a good investment for retirement? ›

Real estate can be an asset class with high returns. It also usually offers a hedge against inflation. Since real estate has historically been inversely correlated with conventional assets, it can be a good way to diversify your investments away from the stock market.

Are REITs better than rental property? ›

For those who don't want to hassle with finding tenants or maintenance, REITs may be the better choice. For those who want more power over returns, rental properties might be your best bet.

Which is the fastest growing major economy in 2023? ›

India Emerges As Fastest-Growing Economy Among Top 5

These widely varying figures are the real or inflation-adjusted gross domestic product (GDP) growth numbers of the world's top five economies during January–March 2023. The USA, the world's largest economy, grew 1.1 percent.

What is causing inflation 2023? ›

Supply chain crisis

Some economists attribute the U.S. inflation surge to product shortages resulting from the global supply-chain problems, itself largely caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. This coincided with strong consumer demand, driven by low unemployment and improved financial conditions following the pandemic.

What brings down house value? ›

Changes in the real estate market can lower the value of your home. Natural disasters and climate change can lower your property value because the property is a greater risk to purchase. Foreclosures in your neighborhood can also drive down property value.

What is the oldest age to buy a house? ›

Thanks to the Equal Credit Opportunity Act, there is no age limit to taking out a mortgage. As long as you can meet the financial requirements, you're allowed to take out a loan at any time. To take out a mortgage over 60 you will need to be able to prove your ability to repay the loan.

Should you buy a house that is 100 years old? ›

It can be perfectly safe to buy a 100 year old house. On the surface, there's absolutely nothing wrong with buying a 100-year-old home. Still, you should be wary of structural issues and other problems associated with aged houses, such as lead paint and pest problems.

What not to do the week before closing on a house? ›

5 Mistakes to Avoid When Closing on a Mortgage
  1. Opening a New Line of Credit.
  2. Making a Large Purchase on Your Credit Card.
  3. Quitting or Changing Your Job.
  4. Ignoring Your Closing Schedule.
  5. Forgetting to Pay Bills.
Jun 29, 2022

Why is it cheaper to close at the end of the month? ›

Lower closing costs: Closing later in the month will reduce your closing costs because your upfront interest and taxes will be calculated from the date of closing to the last day of the month, leaving a shorter amount of time for interest and taxes to accrue.

What will mortgage rates be in 2023 2024? ›

30-year fixed rate mortgage will average 6.4% for Q2 2023, according to the May Housing Forecast. National Association of Realtors (NAR). “[F]orecasts that … mortgage rates will drop—with the 30-year fixed mortgage rate progressively falling to 6.0% this year and to 5.6% in 2024.”

Will interest rates go down in 2023 or 2024? ›

Along those lines, organizations like Fannie Mae and the Mortgage Bankers Association forecast that the average rate on 30-year fixed-rate mortgages will decline throughout 2023, continuing into the first quarter of 2024.

What is the prime rate forecast for 2024? ›

However, with the economy expected to cool and possibly dip into a recession, many recent forecasts expect rates to drop to 6% or below in 2024, including a Fannie Mae projection of 5.2%.

Should I sell my house before the market crashes? ›

Before a recession hits, home prices are typically at an all-time high. This means that selling your home before a recession will result in a higher profit between the purchase price of the real estate and the sale price, which can increase your capital gains taxes.

What could cause the housing market to crash? ›

A downturn in general economic activity leads to less disposable income, job losses, and fewer job openings, which decreases the demand for housing. A recession is particularly dangerous. Demand is exhausted, bringing supply and demand into equilibrium and slowing the rapid pace of home price appreciation.

Will home prices drop in 2023 Florida? ›

Overall, the Florida housing market is likely to remain strong in 2023, with continued demand for homes and steady price growth.

How low will mortgage rates drop in 2023? ›

“We expect that 30-year mortgage rates will end 2023 at 5.2%,” the organization noted in its forecast commentary. It since has walked back its forecast slightly but still sees rates dipping below 6%, to 5.6%, by the end of the year.

Are mortgage rates expected to drop in 2023? ›

Mortgage Bankers Association (MBA) chief economist and senior vice president of research Michael Fratantoni. “Our forecast is for a 30-year mortgage rate to be closer to about [5.5%] by the end of this year and drop a little lower next year.”

How long will rates stay high? ›

Economists have long expected the Fed would likely stop raising interest rates at some point in 2023, but “where” rates peak — a level known as the “terminal” rate — is actually more important than “when.”

Is it better to buy a house now or when the market crashes? ›

Buying a property during a recession has advantages

Auctions may yield a reasonably priced house. To boost the economy, the Fed reduces interest rates during recessions. Banks decrease rates, including mortgage rates. Cheaper mortgage rates mean lower house costs over time.

Do you buy when the housing market crashes? ›

Is Buying A Home During A Recession Worth It? In general, buying a home during a recession will get you a better deal. The number of foreclosures or owners who have to sell to stay afloat increases, typically leading to more homes available on the market and lower home prices.

Will it be easier to buy a house if the housing market crashes? ›

During a traditional recession, the Fed will usually lower interest rates. This creates an incentive for people to spend money and stimulate the economy. It also typically leads to more affordable mortgage rates, which leads to more opportunity for homebuyers.

Is the housing downturn further to fall? ›

It now expects U.S. home prices to fall just 2.6% in 2023. That'd take us, Goldman Sachs says, to a 6% peak-to-trough decline. "We expect a peak-to-trough decline in national home prices of roughly 6% and for prices to stop declining around mid-year.

Why won't the housing market crash? ›

When will the housing market crash? Actually, economists do not think it will. Housing economists point to five main reasons that the market will not crash anytime soon: low inventory, lack of new-construction housing, large amounts of new buyers, strict lending standards and a drop in foreclosures.

Is it a buyers or sellers market in Florida? ›

Selling a home in Florida

Florida sellers still have the upper hand in Florida, simply because there aren't enough homes available to meet demand. In April, there was just a 2.6-month supply of single-family homes; 5 or 6 months is considered a balanced market.

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