Latest CoreLogic report shows prices falling moving into 2015. However, experts say we’re still poised for a strong year.

National home prices climbed yet another rung on the industry ladder in November, according to CoreLogic’s latest home price report. Researchers recorded a 5.5 percent increase, including distressed sales, from November 2013 to November 2014, which represents an impressive 33 consecutive months of year-over-year gains. Month-over-month prices rose by a negligible 0.1 percent.

Increases were particular acute in Houston, where home prices, including distressed sales, eclipsed national figures, rising 10.6 percent, and 9 percent, excluding distressed. Increases were similarly pronounced statewide, with prices, including distressed, rising 8.5 percent. However, prices in Texas excluding distressed rose only 7.9 percent – likely a reflection of the caliber of available foreclosed properties, and a sign of an overall healthier market. Still, continued price increases are elevating prices to a level that many already consider overvalued. Unless droping oil prices drive down prices in 2015, which they’re currently expected to do, Houston could ultimately be facing a second bubble.

National Prices High, But Still Well Below Peak

Nationally, prices are casually strolling along a more balanced, beaten path. However, some states are flirting with prices approaching overvalued.

• Including distressed, all states and the District of Columbia experienced year-over-year price appreciation in November.
• Home prices are projected to increase by 4.6 percent from November 2014 to November 2015.
• National home prices, while climbing, are still 12.9 percent lower than their April 2006 peak.

CoreLogic CEO Predicts Strong 2015

Heading into fall, prices took a tumbling, leveling out to a more modest 5 to 6 percent pace, where prices have remained for the last several months.

“After decelerating for most of the year, home price growth has been holding firm,” Sam Khater, deputy chief economist at CoreLogic, said. “However, pockets of weakness are clear in Baltimore and Washington D. C., and three of the top four states with the highest price appreciation are energy intensive and had been benefitting from the energy boom, which is currently receding as oil prices trend downwards.”

In its latest report, CoreLogic found that prices in 29 states are at or within 10 percent of their peak, and seven states have reached new highs.

Anand Nallathambi, CEO of CoreLogic, went on to further acknowledge the late year lull in price appreciation, but remarked that the trend was likely only temporary.

“While the CoreLogic HPI Forecast shows a slight dip in prices next month,” he said, “we believe that prices will be up a year from now as continued economic growth fuels buyer confidence and their willingness to purchase a home and invest in their future.”