Credit issues still and issue but home sales are still up.
Credit issues still and issue but home sales are still up. Image courtesy of Stuart Miles / FreeDigitalPhotos.net
Pending home sales inched up slightly in September, and for the first time in 11 months, they were above year-ago levels, according to the National Association of REALTORS®’ Pending Home Sales Index. However, tight credit conditions continue to be a barrier for many borrowers, NAR notes.
The Pending Home Sales Index rose 0.3 percent in September to 105. That’s 1 percent above the September 2013 reading and the second-highest level since that time.
But sales are being held back because of potential buyers who are still unable to qualify for a mortgage. About 15 percent of REALTORS® in September indicated that the main reason for not closing on a deal was because their clients could not obtain financing.
Lawrence Yun, NAR’s chief economist, says the final qualified residential mortgage rule will likely improve access to credit next year.
“The rule provides clarity for lenders and is a win for creditworthy consumers by ensuring they continue to have access to safe and affordable loan products without overly burdensome down payment requirements,” Yun says.
Also, low mortgage rates, moderating price growth, and sustained inventory levels should help more buyers enter the market, Yun says.
“Housing supply for existing homes was up in September by 6 percent from a year ago, which is preventing prices from rising at the accelerated clip seen earlier this year,” Yun notes.
In September, the Pending Home Sales Index rose in the South and Northeast but decreased in the Midwest and West.
Pending home sales were up by the highest percentage in the South — 1.4 percent month-over-month to a reading of 118.5. That was 1.7 percent above September 2013. Pending home sales also rose in the Northeast by 1.2 percent to 87.5 and are 2.9 percent above year-ago levels.
Meanwhile, pending home sales fell 1.2 percent in the Midwest to 101.2 in September and are now 4 percent below year-over-year levels for that region. Pending sales also fell in the West, dropping 0.8 percent last month to 101.3 but are still 3.6 percent above a year ago.
