The current median home sale price of $380,000 is stable and rising steadily at 3.7% YoY. Moreover, homes spend only 38 days on the market. This indicates that the Georgia real estate market is pretty much competitive.
The average months of home supply are 3 months YoY. A market with fewer months of supply indicates a seller’s market. However, in July, the number of homes sold increased by 3.3% year-over-year. In July 2024, 11,468 homes were sold, up from 11,097 homes last year.
Such inactivity in the market is mainly due to the recent NAR settlement. People are anxious about the selling prices and agents’ compensation.
The NAR settlement has removed the buyers’ agent compensation and many MLSs have followed suit. It will probably reduce the home selling prices. As a result, buyers will enjoy better affordability and low mortgage rates. Here are some tips to help you stay competitive in the market:
- If You Are a Home Buyer: The number of homes for sale (50,674) is up by 5.8%. Combined with the expected drop in home prices, this could benefit you. The low mortgage interest rates at 6% are now in buyers’ favor. If housing demand and prices drop, you can also request seller concessions.
- If You Are a Home Seller: The correction in the home prices is long overdue. Following the NAR settlement, home prices may dip further. As a seller, you can still profit from your home sale before prices decline.
So, How Is the Real Estate Market in Georgia?
Balanced!
The number of homes for sale increased by 5.8% in July 2024 compared to the previous year. This is the 4th consecutive month the housing market has witnessed such growth. Other important facts are:
- Median Days on Market: The median days on the market for homes for sale are 38 days, up by 9 days YoY. This trend suggests a high demand in the Georgia real estate market.
- Housing Inventory and Supply: As a buyer, you have more options now as the housing inventory is up by 5.8%. There are 50,674 homes for sale in Georgia, with an average supply of 3 months.
- Average Home Prices: The median home price in Georgia is $380,000. But, it is expected to decrease due to a rise in inventory in the latter half of 2024. The sale-to-list price ratio is 98.2%, down by 0.75 pt YoY.
- Home Sales: As per July 2024 data, home sales increased by 3.3% YoY! 11,468 homes were sold, compared to 11,097 last year.
- Average Rent Prices: Rental costs vary statewide. The median rent is $2,000 with a month-over-month change is +$50.
Why Is Georgia a Seller’s Market Now?
Georgia’s real estate market has a balanced inventory of homes for sale. Besides this, a steady increase in median home prices favors home sellers. Homes spend only 38 days on the market which depicts the competitive market.
Let’s look at some more facts:
- Fewer Days on the Market: Homes are spending only 38 days on the market before going under contract. This is visible in metro cities like North Atlanta and Valdosta where the average days on the market is between 28 to 15 days.
- Multiple Offers on Homes: Valdosta got 76 in Redfin’s Compete Score. It means the housing market in Georgia is very competitive. Many homes get multiple offers, some are even sold without contingencies.
- High Sale-To-List Price: Homes often sell for 2% below the list price and go pending in 12 days. Hot homes sell for around the list price and go pending in 3 days. The average sale-to-list price ratio in Valdosta is 96.8%.
- Homes Sell Above List Price: On average, 22.3% of homes sell above list prices. This trend indicates a gradual shift toward a buyer’s market.
Georgia Housing Market Predictions 2024
Here are the predictions for Georgia’s housing market in the remaining months of 2024 and 2025:
- Number of Home Buyers Will Increase: As inventory grows and homes stay on the market, more home shoppers are expected to re-enter the market. The historically high interest rates averted buyers in 2023. But the easing inflation and stabilizing rates will bring back house hunters.
- Home Prices Will Continue to Rise: Home prices rose steadily in the top metros across GA YoY, reaching $380K in July 2024. Cities like Toccoa and Thomaston expect a home price surge of 4.5% and 6.4% by April 2025.
- New Home Construction Sales Will Increase: As per the Building Permits Survey, 41,347 new private housing units were authorized, in July 2024. Georgia’s housing market’s high demand will be served with the new constructions.
- iBuyers Will Continue to Make Lowball Offers: iBuyers like Opendoor and Offerpad, which once offered 104.1% of market value in 2021, now offer around 70%. Such lowball offers to sellers will increase opportunities for individual buyers.
Bonus Predictions: Buyer Broker Commissions Will Be Zero!
In a shocking turn of events, the NAR settlement has completely eliminated buyer agent fees from the MLS. Let’s understand its impact:
- Buyer Agents Will Be Affected: With buyers now responsible for directly paying their agents, many may choose to find their homes on their own. This may very soon render buyer agents obsolete.
- Seller Concession Will Increase: Without the obligation to pay buyer agent commissions, sellers might see increased requests for seller concessions and offline transactions. Additionally, builders are offering significant concessions to attract buyers, further influencing the market dynamics.
- Builders Will Compete More: Home builders are persuading buyers to buy new construction homes with mortgage buydowns worth $30K!
- Sellers May Offer Fees for Services: Sellers may offer at least 1%-2% fees to the buyer agents in order to sell their homes quickly. Increasing competition from builders may also cause sellers to pay extra fees to buyer agents.
Curious what the NAR lawsuit is about?
Check out our video to find out why NAR chose to settle and eliminate the buyer-broker compensation rule.
When Will the Housing Market Crash in Georgia?
A housing market crash in the Peach State is unlikely.
Georgia boasts one of the nation’s most thriving economies. Its affordable cost of living will keep drawing businesses and people. GA has the 24th highest household income in the U.S. which is $71,355.
South Fulton’s population has increased by 13% since 2017, reaching around 108,600 residents in 2023. Stonecrest is the second fastest-growing city in Georgia, with its population surging 10% to nearly 59,900.
Georgia is a haven for several businesses and industries. Cities like Stonecrest, Warner Robins, and Columbus offer a variety of activities. You can visit parks, enjoy local cuisine, and explore arts and entertainment.
Georgia’s job market is also strong. The unemployment rate declined by 1.1 pt year-over-year. The average cost of living in Georgia is $43,482. The median household income is $73,000. Living near the rolling hills and verdant forests of Georgia is SO AFFORDABLE. It is unlikely that Georgia’s housing market will crash anytime soon.
2024: Is It a Buyer’s or Seller’s Market Now?
Georgia real estate market favors sellers in 2024. (And buyers, too!). The Georgia real estate market is expected to lean more in favor of the buyers in the latter half of 2024.
Home prices are rising slowly, and the number of homes for sale has increased by 5.8% YoY. Buyers now have more choices. With mortgage rates around 6%, buyers also have more purchasing power.
Consequently, more homeowners are likely to list their homes on Georgia MLS. So, whether you are looking for a condo in Taccoa or a single-family primary home in Thomaston, you will find your dream home in the coming months.
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Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only. It does not constitute an offer, solicitation of an offer, or any advice or recommendation. Houzeo doesn’t provide any legal or financial advice. The views and opinions expressed herein are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of Houzeo Corp., its affiliates, or its employees. However, the author does not make any representation or warranty, express or implied, as to the information’s accuracy or completeness, nor does the author recommend that the attached information serve as the basis of any investment decision.
Frequently Asked Questions About Georgia Real Estate Market
When will the housing market crash in Georgia?
Not for the next few years. Georgia's housing market will not crash in 2024. Despite low housing demand and modest home prices, market is afloat.
What are the real estate housing market 2024 predictions for Georgia?
2024 is a balanced market with 3 months of supply and low inventory. Here's our forecast for Georgia's housing market in 2024: (1) Home buyers have returned to the market. (2) Housing inventory will increase. (3) Property prices in Georgia will increase. (4) Buyer agent commissions will be zero!
Are home prices dropping in Georgia?
Not yet! Currently the property prices in Georgia are increasing at a good rate of 3.7% YOY. However, you can still find the cheapest places to live in Georgia. You can find the value of your favorite homes on Houzeo's home value estimator.
Is it a good time to buy a house in Georgia?
Yes! Currently, there are very few buyers in the market compared to the supply of homes in Georgia. Homes for sales are up by 5.8%. The low mortgage payments have made buying a home affordable. More buyers will return in the second half of 2024, so we'd recommend you buy a house now.