"Sales are up, but inventory numbers remain low and are thereby pushing up
home prices."
The best time to sell anything is when demand for that item is high and the supply of that item is limited. The latest Existing-Home Sales Report released by the National Association of Realtors (NAR), reveals that demand for housing continues to be strong, but the supply is struggling to keep pace. With this trend likely continuing throughout 2020, now is a great time to sell your house.
THE EXISTING-HOME SALES REPORT
The most important data revealed in this report was not actually sales. In reality, it was the inventory of homes for sale (supply). The report explained:
- Total housing inventory at the end of August decreased 2.6% to 1.86 million homes available for sale.
- Unsold inventory is lower than the 4.3-month figure recorded in August 2018.
- This represents a 1-month supply at the current sales pace.
According to Lawrence Yun, Chief Economist at NAR,
“Sales are up, but inventory numbers remain low and are thereby pushing up
home prices.”
In real estate, there is a simple guideline that often applies here. Essentially, when there is less than a 6-month supply of inventory available, we are in a seller’s market and we will see greater appreciation. Between a 6 to 7-month supply is a neutral market, where prices will increase at the rate of inflation. More than a 7-month supply means we are in a buyer’s market and can expect depreciation in home values (see below):
As we mentioned before, there is currently a 4.1-month supply of homes on the market, and houses are going under contract fast. The Existing Home Sales Report also shows that 49% of properties were on the market for less than a month when they were sold. In August, properties sold nationally were typically on the market for 31 days. As Yun notes, this should continue,
“As expected, buyers are finding it hard to resist the current rates…The desire to take advantage of these promising conditions is leading more buyers to the market.”
Takeaway: Inventory of homes for sale is still well below the 6-month supply needed for a normal market, and supply will fail to catch up with demand if a sizable supply does not enter the market.
Bottom Line
If you are going to sell, now may be the time to take advantage of the ready, willing, and able buyers who are out there searching for your house to become their dream home.
To view original article, visit Keeping Current Matters.
More Homes, Better Prices: A Buyer’s Summer
Sellers are reading market conditions and are pricing accordingly from the start rather than listing high and cutting later, and buyers are taking note and making bids.
The “Take It or Leave It” Attitude Is Fading from the Market – What That Means for You
That’s why whether you’re buying or selling today, there are two terms you’ll hear a lot: concession and incentive.
What Buying or Selling a Home Gives Back to Your Community
Want to know what a move would mean where you live? A local agent can show you the figure close to home.
The 1 Factor That Explains Everything Happening with Home Prices Right Now
The national average of 1.7% price growth is accurate, but it’s an average of two very different stories happening at the same time – the few areas experiencing mild declines and the overwhelming majority that are still seeing prices rise.
That House That’s Been Sitting Could Be Your Best Shot at a Deal
A local agent has the context to tell which homes are the real opportunities and which are skippable.
Could Moving a Bit Further Out Change Everything About Your Budget?
Every market has more affordable pockets that most buyers never think to explore. A great local real estate agent knows exactly where those places are.