After months of debates, rallies, and endorsements, Election Day is officially here. The 2024 ballot has a lot on the line, but is the real estate market one of them? Well, it depends on who you ask. According to McKenzie Ryan of Douglas Elliman, there historically hasn’t been a shift in the real estate market post-election. Rather, it’s a mental shift that gives people the confidence to buy—one that she’s been noticing before the polls close.
“In the last 24 hours, I have received a flurry of offers on my listings, which demonstrates that buyers are already feeling a sense of post-election ease,” Ryan says, citing the change in mortgage rates as a potential driver. “As they decreased in the last three months, we have seen buyer traffic increase and contract signings increase—which is resulting in prices increasing as well.”
Bryson Taggart, agent partnership manager at Opendoor, says aspiring homeowners should always buy on their schedule—but caveats the current news cycle may have some sway. “The election is top of mind for most Americans right now, and the housing market can be affected by the outcomes,” he says. In fact, a recent Opendoor report found that 49 percent of baby boomers said the results of the 2024 U.S. presidential election could be influential in their decision to move in the next five years. But to where?
While Ryan notices a heightened interest in Florida—noting the “an incredible lifestyle, burgeoning real-estate market, and no individual income tax”—she also says some people choose where to live based on their political stances.
“It’s actually called ‘political sorting,'” she says. “This can happen at the state or even county level, influenced by factors like local policies, tax structures, and lifestyle preferences that resonate with specific political beliefs.”
Regardless of when (and where) you choose to move, Ryan says it’s essential to do your research. Look into mortgage rates, housing inventory levels, and any new policies that have been voted on. “These changes may take time to roll out, but understanding their potential impact on the market and your investment can help you make a more informed decision,” she says. “Work with knowledgeable real estate agents who understand both the local market and the potential impacts of post-election policies to make an informed investment.”
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