10 states best for Buyers
Whats up everyone
As we know, the US housing market is all over the place. Interest rates are sky high, home prices are still going way up in some places while going down in others. The Affordability crisis is at an all time high.
Some states are handling all this upheaval better than others, and companies of all kinds are watching this closely.
CNBC’s annual competitiveness study, America’s Top States for Business have ranked each state to determine which states have the healthiest housing markets offering buyers the best value. They base their rankings on price appreciation, housing starts, foreclosure rates, and affordability.
So if you are able to work from home and are thinking about moving to a state that you get the most bang for your housing buck, this is the perfect video for you. We’ll go through the top 10.
So lets dive right in
10. Alabama
Here in the Heart of Dixie, prices are rising by double digits, according to the Federal Housing Finance Agency, but housing is still relatively affordable. Foreclosure activity in Alabama is still low, according to Attom Data Solutions, though a concerning percentage of mortgages are at risk of default.2023 Economy Rank: No. 21 (Top States grade: C)Appreciation: 10.25%Affordability score (0 to 2, with 2 being most affordable): 0.74Starts per 1,000 population: 3.8Foreclosure rate: 1 in 5,934 homesUnderwater mortgages: 3.8%
Next we have a 5 way tie!
6. (tie) Wisconsin
inThe Badger State is also seeing healthy price appreciation and relatively low foreclosure activity. According to real estate marketing firm Redfin, the number of homes sold in Wisconsin fell by 20.9% in May, more than the national average of 15.8% But that is likely to help already strong affordability.2023 Economy Rank: No. 20 (Top States grade: C)Appreciation: 10.03%Affordability score: 0.76Starts per 1,000 population: 3.6Foreclosure rate: 1 in 8,769 homesUnderwater mortgages: 4.2%
6. (tie) Ohio
The Buckeye State boasts America’s most affordable housing, according to the National Association of Realtors, though it comes at the cost of less-than-stellar price appreciation. Home buyers in Ohio are also benefitting from homeowners’ misfortune, with a high foreclosure rate and underwater mortgages on the rise.2023 Economy Rank: No. 21 (tie) (Top States grade: C)Appreciation: 8.7%Affordability score: 1.00Starts per 1,000 population: 2.6Foreclosure rate: 1 in 2,478 homesUnderwater mortgages: 5%
6. (tie) New Jersey
Find your garden in the Garden State, and a good home to go with. The New Jersey market started 2023 fairly well-balanced as home builders generally kept pace with demand. Housing helped make New Jersey this year’s Most-Improved State for Business, and underwater mortgages have been low, but an uptick in foreclosures this spring could be a sign of trouble.2023 Economy Rank: No. 19 (Top States grade: C)Appreciation: 8.3%Affordability score: 0.68Starts per 1,000 population: 4Foreclosure rate: 1 in 2,257 homesUnderwater mortgages: 2.8%
6. (tie) Indiana
The Hoosier State is typically the picture of stability. It entered 2023 with solid affordability even as home prices rose. Underwater mortgages in Indiana were relatively low in the first quarter of 2023, but foreclosures are rising.2023 Economy Rank: No. 9 (Top States grade: B)Appreciation: 9.5%Affordability score: 0.9Starts per 1,000 population: 4.2Foreclosure rate: 1 in 3,101 homesUnderwater mortgages: 3.3%
6. (tie) Georgia
The Peach State is posting some solid housing numbers across the board, including double-digit price appreciation while remaining relatively affordable. But rising foreclosures in Georgia suggest some possible signs of stress.2023 Economy Rank: No. 4 (Top States grade: A-)Appreciation: 11.4%Affordability score: 0.65Starts per 1,000 population: 7.2Foreclosure rate: 1 in 3,506 homesUnderwater mortgages: 3%
4. North Carolina
As people and companies run to the Tar Heel State, this year’s overall No. 1 State for Business, the resulting housing demand is boosting prices. Strong construction activity in North Carolina is helping to meet that demand, but not enough to keep homes within reach for much of the growing population.2023 Economy Rank: No. 3 (Top States grade: A)Appreciation: 13.4%Affordability score: 0.6Starts per 1,000 population: 8.7Foreclosure rate: 1 in 3,683 homesUnderwater mortgages: 2.5%
3. Maine
Despite its lackluster economy, home buyers have been discovering the Pine Tree State and sending prices upward. Homebuilders in Maine took the cue last year, with strong activity on a per capita basis. As a result, affordability has not gotten out of hand.2023 Economy Rank: No. 38 (Top States grade: D+)Appreciation: 12.2%Affordability score: 0.67Starts per 1,000 population: 5.2Foreclosure rate: 1 in 5,019 homesUnderwater mortgages: 2.5%
2. South Carolina
Homeowners in the Palmetto State enjoyed solid price appreciation going into 2023. But prices in South Carolina are still affordable, especially relative to the rest of the region. It helps that homebuilders are meeting the moment with strong activity. But rising foreclosures bear watching.2023 Economy Rank: No. 7 (Top States grade: B+)Appreciation: 13%Affordability score: 0.68Starts per 1,000 population: 8.8Foreclosure rate: 1 in 2,691 homesUnderwater mortgages: 3%
1. Florida
The Sunshine State’s housing market is in a class by itself. As new Floridians flock to the state, they have been sending prices soaring. That has led to a home-building boom in Florida. Underwater mortgages are rare, but rising foreclosures could be a sign of stress. That could help bring affordability back down to earth in America’s strongest housing market.2023 Economy Rank: No. 1 (Top States grade: A+)Appreciation: 15.2%Affordability score: 0.5Starts per 1,000 population: 9.7Foreclosure rate: 1 in 2,470 homesUnderwater mortgages: 1.2%
Such a diverse group of states between the midwest, south and northeast. I noticed there are no western states on the list. So what do you guys think? Mind you, these are the states that offer buyers the best value. For a list of the most affordable states, check out this next video!