Is This the Best Seller’s Market Ever?
The inventory squeeze has left home buyers with fewer options on the market than they've seen in decades. While that's bad news for them, the continuously high demand means it's one of the best times to be a seller—ever.
"I've been selling real estate for 25 years, and this is the strongest seller's market I have ever seen in my entire real estate career," David Fogg, a sales associate with Keller Williams Realty World Media Center in Burbank, Calif., told CNBC. "A lot of our sellers are optimistically pricing their homes in today's market, and I have to say, in most cases, we're getting the home sold anyway." He says he recently listed what's considered an entry-level home in the area—a three-bedroom, two-bath, 1,240-square foot home—for $789,000. The seller received three offers before Fogg held the first open house, which 100 would-be buyers attended.
"It's very tough. Most of the listings are intentionally listed a little low to get a lot of attention, and it's not uncommon to get 12 to 16 offers on one property," says Jilbert Mosessian, a renter in the Burbank area who is looking to buy a home. He says he recently put offers on three homes considerably higher than their listing prices, "and I was told that there were still five people above me and [the seller was] only going to deal with them."
The inventory of homes for sale decreased by 6.6 percent at the end of March compared to a year ago, according to the National Association of REALTORS®. Unsold housing inventory is at a 3.8-month supply. Most economists consider a balanced market to be a five- to six-month supply. Forty-eight percent of homes in March sold in less than a month.
To better compete, buyers are dropping contingencies and offering more cash down. Real estate professionals also are bracing their clients for potential appraisal issues because in hot markets, homes may appraise below the bid-up sale price.
"I'm talking to the buyers in advance about these problems so that we address the appraisal issues before we go to escrow, and nobody is surprised in three weeks when we get an appraisal that's on the lower side," Fogg says.
Rent or Buy? The Real Tradeoff Most People Don’t Talk About
Whether you’re looking to buy now or planning for the future, the first step is the same. Have a quick conversation with a local real estate agent about your goals, timeline, and budget.
The Best Week To List Your House Is Just Around the Corner
Based on analysis of historical trends, the ideal week to put your house on the market this year is: April 12–18.
Affordability Has Improved in All 50 States
When buyers have more choices, it creates a healthier balance in the market and that can help bring affordability back within reach.
The Remodel You’ve Been Dreaming About May Be Closer Than You Think
Whether the project you’ve been thinking about is on this list or not, chat with an agent to make sure it’s worth the time, money, and effort before calling in any contractors.
Renting vs. Buying: The Numbers Might Surprise You
There are thousands of down payment assistance programs available across the country, and many buyers qualify without realizing it.
How Your Equity Could Help Younger Generations Buy a Home
Even a small portion of your equity can put them in a position to finally get the keys to their first place!
Four Ways Your Home Equity Can Work for You
You want to maintain at least 20% equity in your home as a financial cushion – something many homeowners didn’t know back in the crash of 2008.
Why Townhomes Are Popular with Today’s First-Time Buyers
Townhomes are more affordable making them one of the best ways for first-time buyers to finally get their foot in the door.
Top 3 Reasons To Buy a Home Before Spring
Buying just a few weeks earlier could mean paying less, dealing with less stress, and feeling less rushed.
Home Insurance Costs Are Rising: What Buyers Should Plan For
Buying a home is one of the biggest purchases you’ll ever make. Homeowner’s insurance is what protects that investment.