Buying this Spring? Be Prepared for Bidding Wars
Traditionally, spring is the busiest season for real estate. Buyers come out in force and homeowners list their houses for sale hoping to capitalize on buyer activity. This year will be no different!
Buyers have already been out in force looking for their dream homes and more are on their way, but the challenge is that the inventory of homes for sale has not kept up with demand, which has lead to A LOT of competition for the homes that are available.
A recent Bloomberg article touched on the current market conditions:
“It’s the 2017 U.S. spring home-selling season, and listings are scarcer than they’ve ever been. Bidding wars common in perennially hot markets like the San Francisco Bay area, Denver and Boston are now also prevalent in the once slow-and-steady heartland, sending prices higher and sparking desperation among buyers across the country.”
Sam Khater, Deputy Chief Economist at CoreLogic went on to explain why buyers are flocking to the market in big numbers:
“In today’s market, many buyers think the trough in [interest] rates is over. If you don’t get in now, it’s just going to be worse later. Rates will be higher, prices will be higher, and maybe inventory selection will be lower.”
In some markets, “thirty-five percent of properties are selling within the first week or two of hitting the market.” Homes are selling at a rapid clip in places like:
- Denver, CO
- Seattle, WA
- Oakland, CA
- Grand Rapids, MI
- Boise, ID
- Madison, WI
- Omaha, NE
Bottom Line
Let’s get together to discuss your exact market conditions and help you create a strategy to secure your new home in this competitive atmosphere!
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Even though higher mortgage rates has caused buyer demand to moderate, home prices are going back up is because there still aren’t enough homes for sale for all the people who want to buy them.
Are Higher Mortgage Rates Here To Stay?
Experts typically recommend focusing your search on the right home purchase — not the interest rate environment.
Key Skills You Need Your Listing Agent To Have
A listing agent, also known as a seller’s agent, helps market and sell your house while advocating for you every step of the way.
Are You a Homebuyer Worried About Climate Risks?
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Unpacking the Long-Term Benefits of Homeownership
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Why Your House Didn’t Sell
For insight on why your home didn’t sell, rely on a trusted real estate agent. A great agent will offer expert advice on relisting your house with effective strategies to get it sold.
The Return of Normal Seasonality for Home Price Appreciation
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Beginning with Pre-Approval
Pre-approval gives you critical information about the homebuying process that’ll help you understand how much you may be able to borrow.
Your Home Equity Can Offset Affordability Challenges
Some homeowners are reluctant to sell and take on a higher mortgage rate on their next home, but what about home equity?