Cash is no longer king in home sales

Cash buyers are a diminishing share of the overall housing market, as more supply and weaker prices give all buyers more purchasing power.

Cash is no longer king in home sales

TL;DR

  • The share of cash sales in the first four months of the year was 31.4%, down from 32.3% a year ago.
  • Total home sales decreased by 8.5% year over year, while cash sales fell by 11.2%.
  • National median home price growth slowed to 0.2% annually, a significant decrease from previous years.
  • Moderating prices and increased inventory are providing financed buyers more opportunities to compete.
  • While national cash sales are declining, Pittsburgh, Austin, and San Francisco have experienced an increase in the share of cash transactions.
  • Real estate agents report a tapering off of 'cash is king' mentality, with financed buyers successfully winning bidding wars.