Local Housing Market Update

Market Report May 2013

Another Real Estate Bubble?

The housing market is recovering so nicely that it has caused some to wonder whether a new housing bubble is forming. Today, we want to explain that the fear of a new pricing bubble in real estate is unwarranted.

Trulia revealed some great data on this point in a recent blog post. They explained that, even with the recent price increases, national home prices are still 7 percent undervalued. Trulia explained:

“Home prices nationally remain undervalued relative to fundamentals and much lower than in the last bubble. That’s why today’s price gains are actually still a rebound, not a bubble.”

Prices are below their fundamental value in the vast majority of the country (91 of the 100 largest metros). Even in the parts of the country that are now overvalued they come nowhere near the percentages we saw in 2006-2007. For example, let’s look at the two markets that are most overvalued today. In Orange County, California prices are currently overvalued by 9%. In 2006, prices in the region were overvalued by 71%! The second most overvalued market today is Austin, Texas at 5%. Texas real estate prices did not skyrocket as they did in many other parts of the country during the last boom. Austin prices were shown as being 12% overvalued at the time.

Again, prices are still undervalued in 91% of markets and, even in the markets that are overvalued, they are nowhere near the numbers of the 2006-2007 bubble.

Jed Kolko, Trulia’s Chief Economist, explained:

“So are we in bubble territory? No. Bubble-phobes can rest easy. Even with recent sharp home price increases, prices are still low relative to fundamentals and are far below bubble levels.”

Dr. David Stiff, chief economist for CoreLogic Case-Shiller agreed in a recently released report on prices:

“Even if double-digit price appreciation were to continue in former bubble metro areas, there is no reason to believe that new home price bubbles are forming. That’s because single-family homes in these markets are still very affordable, even after last year’s large price gains.”

Three reasons there will NOT be another bubble

Prices are determined by the ratio between supply and demand. Here are three reasons a bubble will be avoided.

1. Supply is beginning to increase. A lack of inventory is creating a market of multiple bids which has caused prices to rise. The National Association of Realtors (NAR), in their latest Existing Home Sales Report, revealed that the months’ supply of inventory has increased from 4.3 to 5.2 months since January.
2. Demand will decrease in certain demographics. For an example, investors have been a large part of the housing market over the last several years. As prices continue to rise, a certain percentage of these buyers will back off.
3. As mortgage rates increase, buyers will be able to afford less. The Mortgage Bankers Association, Fannie Mae and NAR have all projected an increase in mortgage rates over the next year. Buying power will decrease as borrowers can no longer afford the same price point as monthly payments will increase.

For these reasons, we believe the fear of a new housing bubble is currently unfounded. 

It can be hard to find just the right gift for your grad. But here are some tips that will help, followed by a list of fifty great graduation gift ideas.

If you know that your graduate will be going to a trade school for a certain profession, check into what they may need to bring with them.

Understand that teens need money and don't be ashamed to give it.

If you will be purchasing more of a memento for a graduation gift, go with something classic as opposed to any of the fads or current trends.

Find out what technology or devices your teen grad has and purchase a cool accessory for it. Adding value to something your teen already uses makes an awesome gift.

Frames are great gifts, but photo albums are better.

Here are 50 ideas organized by price:

Big Ticket Items (Price is no object)

• Vacation or travel tour
• Car
• Money
• Laptop computer
• Stock or CD
• Cell phone complete with a paid plan
• Furniture - Great gift for the college graduate who is moving out of mom and dad's house.
• Small refrigerator - A very useful gift for the teen who will be living in a dorm room at college.

Mid-Priced Items (Priced $51 - $250)

• Briefcase
• Clothing gift card
• Watch
• Microwave
• Toaster oven - This appliance is useful for college dorm living, especially if the student is not allowed microwaves in his/her dorm room.
• Set of luggage
• A package from a resume writing service - Excellent gift for the teen who will be looking for a job or a college graduate.
• Camera
• Television
• DVD player
• IPod
• Recorder and cassettes for lectures
• Bookshelf
• Pure gold or silver coin with graduate year on it
• Stereo
• Printer
• Tool box with basic tools
• Engraved jewelry
• Personalized graduation item
• Money tree
• Money clip complete with money
• Wallet with some money

Economical Gifts (Priced under $50)

• Book about future field of study or career
• Devotional
• Self-help Book
• Inspirational book
• Photo album filled with memories
• Address book filled with friend's addresses and phone numbers
• Fill a laundry basket with laundry soap, fabric softener or dryer sheets, roll of quarters and directions on how to separate your laundry - Perfect gift for the teen who is moving out or going to college.
• A piece of luggage
• Resume writing books
• Set of sheets
• Picture frames with pictures of high school years
• Organizer or planner
• Desk accessories
• Umbrella
• Iron
• Coffee maker
• Hot pot
• Footlocker
• Jump drive
• Phone card

Denise Witner, About.com