New numbers from the National Association of Home Builders show 59.4 percent of all new and existing homes sold between the beginning of April and the end of June were affordable to families making the median income of $68,000. That represents an almost 1 percent drop from the first quarter of this year but still means most homes are in reach for the average home buyer. Robert Dietz, NAHB’s chief economist, says there are some offsetting factors that are keeping the housing market from making more gains.
“The job market continues to gain steam and this is boosting housing demand,” Dietz says. “Meanwhile, growing incomes and attractive mortgage rates are helping to keep housing affordable by partially offsetting ongoing home price appreciation. Home prices will continue to rise as inventory remains tight. NAHB expects the housing market will continue to make gradual gains in 2017.” As with anything real estate, where you are determines how affordable your local market is.
For example, 93.3 percent of homes in Youngstown, Ohio are affordable to families making that area’s median income, while just 7.6 percent of homes were considered affordable in San Francisco – the nation’s least affordable major housing market. More here.