(Fox Business) The U.S. housing market is experiencing its second-biggest home price correction of the post-World War II era.
Macro Trends Advisors founding partner Mitch Roschelle attributed the massive correction to Americans’ uncertainty for the markets and their “uneasiness” regarding the economy. He explained on “Varney & Co.” Friday that the “shoe to drop” would be if the nation starts to see a rise in unemployment, which could cause a “leg down” in the housing market.
“A couple of things are going to cause it to turn in the opposite direction, meaning home prices are going up. One is certainty. And when you don’t know if interest rates are going to go up or not. I think that is what is driving a lot of people away from buying because they just don’t know if rates are going to be cheaper in two months, and they’re just going to wait,” Roschelle explained to FOX Business’ Ashley Webster.
“And the other thing is uneasiness regarding the economy. And I think the shoe to drop there would be if we start seeing layoffs, and we start seeing unemployment starting to rise, I think that could be something that causes a leg down in the housing market in a big way.”
A ‘For Sale’ sign sits in front of a home on the market as the country experiences its’ second-biggest home price correction in the post-World War II era. (iStock / iStock)
Roschelle’s comments come following the massive power shift happening in the real estate market. Arguing that the power has “completely shift[ed]” away from the sellers, further “constraining” the nation’s struggling housing supply.
“Right now, I would say it’s a buyer’s market. I think the power has completely shifted from seller to buyer. Doesn’t mean you don’t see some bidding wars because again, I think statistically across the country, we’re at 3.3 months supply. So that’s still relatively low,” Roschelle said.
“So, if there’s a house that hits the market that’s perfect, and it ticks all the boxes for buyers and there are buyers out in the market, I think you could see sporadically bidding wars, but mostly, you know, it’s one or two people chasing that house. And we’re not seeing that. We’re not.”
