Home prices could dip another 6% to 7%, before hitting rock bottom in early 2012, according to analysts at JPMorgan Chase (JPM). If that is the case, prices will fall about 37% from peak levels reached before the 2008 housing meltdown. In the banking giant’s September home price monitor report, analysts said the outlook is bleak, noting persistently weak housing demand. The firm said existing home sales in July hit a disappointing annualized pace of 4.67 million units, while mortgage applications plunged 14% in August. JPMorgan Chase analysts warned policymakers are running out of tools to boost housing demand. The fed funds rate has been near zero for a few years, and Federal Reserve Chairman Ben Bernanke has committed to keeping the rate low through 2013. However on Thursday, Bernanke said the central bank is prepared to use several tools to boost the economy. But GDP estimates for the first half of 2011 were revised lower to anemic levels, and analysts have ratcheted projections lower, as well. JPMorgan analysts forecast a home sales pace of 5 million housing units for 2011, but remain cautious saying the estimate may move toward the downside. Write to: Kerri Panchuk.
JPMorgan expects further drop in home prices
Most Popular Articles
Latest Articles
Pennsylvania home sales surge in March
Even as the spring homebuying season got off to a slow start across much of the U.S., one of the most populous states saw increased activity.
-
Ginnie Mae expands its monthly single-family reporting
-
Freddie Mac’s proposed home equity product could unlock $850B in originations
-
Brian Icenhower on impact of commission lawsuits and low volume
-
Opinion: If you’re chasing volume, you’re chasing the wrong carrot
-
Why are existing home prices rising when sales are still so low?