Low Housing Inventory: Uncovering Opportunities in Todays Market

The current housing market presents an intriguing conundrum. An abundance of willing and able buyers are actively seeking properties, but there's a scarcity of homes available for sale. This imbalance between supply and demand significantly shapes the housing landscape, affecting both potential sellers and buyers.

To illustrate the severity of the housing inventory shortfall, let's delve into some of the recent data on active listings or the number of homes up for sale within a given month, and compare it to levels typically seen in a more balanced market.

A report from Realtor.com states, "On average, active inventory in June was 50.6% below pre-pandemic 2017–2019 levels." This snapshot demonstrates the stark contrast between the current market and more 'normal' times. The graph below highlights this disparity further. It leverages historical data to show the significant gap in active listings compared to the numbers we would typically see in a more balanced market.

It is important to note that the years 2020-2022, marked by the abnormality induced by the global pandemic, are not included in this graph to prevent skewed interpretation of the data.

When we compare the data for 2023 with the baseline years of 2017-2019 (which were the last 'normal' years for the housing market), we observe that the count of active listings is significantly below the average. This snapshot reveals the current deficit in housing inventory.

Implications for Potential Sellers

So, how does this impact you? If you've been considering selling your house, the current market dynamics create a favorable environment for sellers. The shortage of properties means buyers have fewer options to choose from, which significantly tilts the balance of power towards sellers.

These conditions impact several key housing market statistics. The latest Confidence Index from the National Association of Realtors (NAR) presents some heartening data for potential sellers:

• The percentage of homes that sold in less than a month rose slightly to 74%.
• The median days on the market reduced to 18 days, implying homes are still being snapped up rapidly when priced correctly.
• The average number of offers received on recently sold homes increased to 3.3 offers.

This data suggests that when inventory is low, as it is currently, your house is likely to attract greater attention. As a result, sellers are seeing their properties sell quicker and garner more offers.

Exploring the Opportunities: The Bottom Line

In a market where supply is limited, your property is likely to be thrust into the limelight. That's why sellers are witnessing their homes sell at a faster pace and attract more offers.

If you've been contemplating selling, the present market conditions offer a unique opportunity. The demand for homes is high, but the availability is low, creating an environment where sellers have the upper hand. With careful planning and professional guidance, you can navigate this market to your advantage.

Now is the time to turn your thoughts of selling into action. Let's connect to kickstart the process, capitalize on the current market dynamics, and make your home-selling journey a successful one.

7-14-2023