Heightened interest rates are keeping the market slower than last year, however, it is historically healthy. The Latah County residential market is compressing toward the average price. As of July 15th, the average home price was $404,000 in Latah County. If you had a property priced at or within $100,000 below the average price (assuming it was priced at or near market value) you are still in a seller’s market. That means multiple offers, escalations, etc. If you were $100,000 or more above, then the market is progressively slowing in those upper price brackets. This, of course, is speaking broadly. If you have a very unique, or historically hard-to-find property, these rules may not apply.
For commercial property, the market has been slow and steady. However, if you’re talking multifamily residential property, especially duplexes to four-plexes, then the market is strong so long as the property is priced at market value. Buyers are still hungry to own multifamily property that shows good potential cash flow, especially when they can owner-occupy it. There’s a trend whereby many first-time buyers opt to buy a duplex and rent one side out to make their mortgage more affordable.
Bare land has slowed but the pricing hasn’t slumped as many expect it to. Bare land is usually owned by people who don’t have to sell and therefore the motivation to sell is much longer term. This is in comparison to a house where their equity may be tied up and they can’t buy where they want to move until their current home sells. Bare land also doesn’t care if it freezes, or snows, and the property taxes are usually much more affordable so the push to drop prices isn’t as strong.
Should interest rates start to move toward or under 6% for the average home loan, I would expect there to be increased activity. However, the timing of this will have a lot to do with it as well. If it happens in the late fall and winter you may not see much, but if it happens or stays low into late winter/spring 2025, you can expect the market to see increased activity. This may also mean an increase again in prices in all sectors of the market.
Sean Wilson 07/15/2024
Summer is in full force! Latah County is full of opportunities to get out and have fun in the community!
Check out our listings to find exactly what you’re looking for & give us a call if something catches your eye!
Request a free property valuation! Many real estate offices offer quick online valuations to give you a general idea of your property’s worth. While this is helpful, we provide free in-person valuations and discuss your selling plans to help you achieve top dollar for your property.
Compare listings
ComparePlease enter your username or email address. You will receive a link to create a new password via email.