One of the best things the National Association of Realtors produces is the annual Profile of Homebuyers and Sellers. Each year, I dig into it to see what nuances I haven’t picked up on, what trends are emerging or dominating, and other tidbits of the homebuyer and seller that I can learn and apply to my practice.
I wrote eight years ago that homebuyers would, whenever we emerge(d) from the recession, focus more on the intrinsic value of a home than they would on perceived equity. I’d say that that has been borne out.
I know this: I’m more knowledgable and prepared to represent clients thanks to this report.
A few highlights and surprises:
Really? 22% of 18-24 year olds used print? Surprised.
A bit surprised by the differences between 2013 and 2014 – expected tenure is down … recession ending?
and 2014:
Honestly, I’m shocked. Shocked by the 33%.
And then this. This is interesting, a bit troubling, and an opportunity to be better than websites. I tell my clients that my goal is to be better than Google/Zillow …
In 2014, no real surprises here, but interesting and intriguing trends here.
I would love to see the data on a follow up study on how long buyers actually stay in a home compared with how long they estimate they will stay. Of course, external factors are hard to predict and have a direct bearing on financial stability.