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Is the Current Surge in Available Homes Fact or Fiction?
Whether you are considering a move or just staying informed about the housing market, having the latest information is crucial. With all the latest headlines you might find yourself wondering, “is the current surge in available homes fact or fiction?” Let us help provide you some insight, follow along for a current update on the supply of homes for sale in your area. Whether you are in the market to buy or sell, the available inventory plays a significant role. Dive into the details below for insights.
The Truth About Today’s Housing Inventory:
The narrative the past few years has been centered around the scarcity of homes on the market. However, recent national data demonstrates a twist to the story that if your like most might have you questioning the truth. According to Realtor.com, inventory is showing signs of growth month-over-month in numerous regions across the country (highlighted in blue on the map below).
Looking at the map, nationally, the housing supply has increased just over 5% last month alone.
Does This Mean the Days of Limited Housing Inventory is Over?
Many people are wondering if the days of limited housing supply is behind us. This is a fantastic question. The short answer is no. Understanding the full picture here is important. Headlines are stating that inventory is up. The statement is true when compared to the most recent market, but when you look further back, data shows that there are still significantly less homes for sale now than typically listed in a more normal market.
Let’s discuss the graph below.
This graph demonstrates homes listed for sale during the month of October for the three most recent normal years compared to homes listed in the month of October in 2023. As you can see there are significantly less homes listed in 2023 than in that of a normal market. Viewing this helps explain comments like the one ResiClub Analytics, founder, Lance Lambert made where he said, “Housing market inventory is so far below pre-pandemic levels that October’s big jump is still just a drop in the bucket.”
At the end of the day, real estate is hyper-local and changes vastly between locations. It is of the utmost importance, especially in times like these, to look to your trusted real estate agent for clarification of the market as they will help you gain better understanding of the inventory situations in your specific market. Don’t have an agent? Connect with us here.
If You Are Looking to Buy:
You might discover more options than you have in the most recent months. However, it would behoove you to prepare yourself for low inventory. Find yourself a great agent that will share their expertise and strategies that have helped others navigate today’s ongoing low housing.
If You Are Looking to Sell:
Know that you have not missed your window of opportunity to potentially get multiple offers or see your house sell quickly. While inventory has picked up some nationally, overall, it is still low. Having a professional Realtor on your side can help you significantly in understanding the market you are in. A great agent can craft your home a unique marketing plan that meets the requirements of the market to get your home sold.
Regardless of weather you are looking to buy or sell a home, let’s connect so that you are up to date on all of the latest trends that could potentially impact your move.
Low Housing Inventory Explained
If you are considering moving in today’s market, you are probably wondering why it is so hard to find a house to buy. The lack of inventory might leave you feeling a bit defeated and likely on the verge of giving up and waiting to try again when there are more options. But… that is NOT the best idea. Let us explain why.
The lack of inventory we are experiencing has been a problem for years and is likely to continue for quite some time. Follow along as we expose some of the long-term and short-term factors that contributed to the limited supply we are feeling in our housing inventory.
Shortage of New Construction
Changes in our economy and other contributing factors have slowed the rate at which builders are building new construction. For more than a decade, new construction has been below the national average. Consider the graph below. It demonstrates the past 5 decades of new construction of single-family homes.
Looking at the chart, the orange shows that builders did not construct enough homes to meet the historical average for the past 14 years. Underbuilding significantly contributed to the inventory deficit and will take a lot of work to get the housing market back to where it once was. While the graph shows improvement this last year, the long-term inventory shortage will not snap back overnight.
Owners are Locked in at Low Rates
Several factors of today have created stumbling blocks for returning to a healthy market. One of the most obvious challenges is the mortgage rate lock-in effect. You might be wondering what the mortgage rate lock-effect is. We are here to explain. When mortgage rates were at all time lows, home owners locked in at incredibly low rates making their monthly house payments significantly less each month than what someone buying a home with todays rates would be. Many owners are hesitant to sell because mortgage rates are higher today. Homeowners don’t want to take on the higher mortgage rates and loose their low mortgage rate. The image below demonstrates how many homeowners are finding themselves in this predicament.
Homeowners are faced between low mortgage rates and their needs. Many are sacrificing their needs to keep their low interest rates. What homeowners need to keep in mind is that their needs may be just as important as the financial aspects of their move. A difficult predicament for sure. If you have found yourself faced with this situation and would like to schedule a personalized review of your unique situation and what options you might have available to you connect with us here.
Media Creates Unnecessary Fear
Have you ever heard the saying, “Don’t believe everything you read, see, or hear.” This statement couldn’t be more true. Media has fabricated fear surrounding the housing market that has people fearful of making any move and unsure of what to believe. You probably have been bombarded with headlines promising a housing crash or that home prices will fall by 20%, yet neither of those things came true. Regardless, the stories blemished your confidence just enough to keep you holding off just a little bit longer. Co-Founder and Chief Data Officer of Parcl, Jason Lewris articulated it perfectly saying:
“In the absence of trustworthy, up-to-date information, real estate decisions are increasingly being driven by fear, uncertainty, and doubt.”
This increasing fear leads to decreasing housing inventory because people who would otherwise make a move are now hesitant to do so. The market is not doom and gloom though. Even if the headlines say that they are. Our realtors can help you decipher the facts from the fiction and help identify opportunities in your unique situation. If you are not currently working with an agent and would like to be connected with one, connect with us here.
Why This Should Matter to You
You might be wondering why any of this matters to you. The answer differs for both buyers and sellers and can vary depending on your personal situation. Talking with an agent is the best thing you can do. However, we will offer you an overview.
If you are a buyer:
Due to the limited number of homes available on the market you will need to seriously consider all of your options. Keep an open mind to different locations and housing types. A skilled professional will help you explore all of your options and what is available to you to help you find the home that best fits your needs. If you are not currently working with an agent and would like to be connected with one of our trusted realtors click here. Our agents will help expand your search and determine a solution that best fits your needs.
If you are a seller:
This market actually benefits you more than you might realize. The low housing inventory means that your home wont get lost amongst the other homes. Your home will stand out in this market. Connect with your agent to discover why it is especially worth your while to sell in todays housing conditions.
At the end of the day, low housing supply is not a new challenge. Both long-term and short-term factors have contributed to the inventory deficit we are experiencing. If you are considering making a move, let’s talk. Regardless of whether or not you decide to buy or sell you have an expert on your side and will have made an educated decision best for you.
