November 15, 2021

Is the ct market shifting

Are we finally starting to head towards a buyers market in Connecticut? The market is certainly starting to shift. Inventory across the country is picking up, while buyers have grown weary of the endless bidding wars. What goes up must come down!

Connecticut median home sale prices have dropped again, for the fourth month in a row:

CT median sale price

What is not yet clear is whether we are returning to a more seasonal price trend as the market "normalizes", or whether falling prices will continue into 2022. 

Listing inventory continues to rise slowly, quelling pent up demand:

New listings vs sold listings

As foreclosures resumed in August after a 16 month moratorium, new distress listings started to be released to market (short sales and foreclosed property listings):

CT distress inventory 2021

We can expect this distress inventory to increase greatly over the coming months, as the backlog of foreclosures starts to enter market. Short sales will also increase as many folks recently lost all their equity through mortgage workouts, and are now faced with looming foreclosure.

STOP CT FORECLOSURE

Additionally, the average listing price of a new foreclosure or short sale is $190,000, versus $320,000 for a "regular" listing. As this lower priced inventory creeps onto the market it will most definitely put pressure on the market as a whole.

What's ahead for the Connecticut market?

While only time will tell for sure, the future of the Connecticut market looks rather dim. While sellers across the country have enjoyed years of record home price growth, many states severely damaged their local economies over pandemic restrictions, and it's time to pay the piper! Connecticut also faces several additional negative factors that will affect the real estate market:

ADDITIONAL LOCAL FACTORS THAT WILL IMPACT THE CT MARKET:
  • High unemployment. CT's unemployment rate is 6.8%, much higher than than the national average of 4.6%.
  • The second highest tax burden in the country, with expected increases.
  • Unfriendly environment for small business.  Overbearing taxes and regulation were already a problem before the governors harsh business lockdown policies over the pandemic.
  • The state's population has been declining for years, with no end in sight.

Connecticut's real estate market is likely to turn to favor buyers at some point soon. If you are looking to sell at the height of the market, this may be your last chance.

Last Updated on November 15, 2021 by Minna Reid

About the author 

Minna Reid

Minna Reid is The Broker - Owner of Reid Real Estate Group. Reid Real Estate Group is a full-service Connecticut residential real estate brokerage, specializing in helping homeowners with legal and financial challenges including short sales, probate sales and tax lien complications.

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