Low Housing Inventory

What Record-Low Housing Inventory Means for You

With low housing inventory, what does it mean to you if you are buying or selling a home? Although the real estate market is expected to do very well in 2021, one challenge to the housing industry is the lack of homes available for sale today. Last week, the National Association of Realtors (NAR) released their Existing Home Sales Report, which shows that the inventory of homes for sale is currently at an all-time low. The report explains:

“Total housing inventory at the end of December totaled 1.07 million units, down 16.4% from November and down 23% from one year ago (1.39 million). Unsold inventory sits at an all-time low 1.9-month supply at the current sales pace, down from 2.3 months in November and down from the 3.0-month figure recorded in December 2019. NAR first began tracking the single-family home supply in 1982.”
(See graph below):

What Does This Mean for You?

If You’re a Home Buyer:

Be patient during your home search. It may take time to find a home you love. Once you do, however, be ready to move forward quickly. Unless you are paying cash, be sure get pre-approved for a mortgage, be prepared to make a competitive offer from the start, and know that a shortage in inventory could mean you’ll enter a bidding war. Calculate just how far you’re willing to go to secure a home and lean on your real estate professional as an expert guide along the way. The good news is, more inventory is likely headed to the market soon, Lawrence Yun, Chief Economist at NAR, notes:

“To their credit, homebuilders and construction companies have increased efforts to build, with housing starts hitting an annual rate of near 1.7 million in December, with more focus on single-family homes…However, it will take vigorous new home construction in 2021 and in 2022 to adequately furnish the market to properly meet the demand.”

If You’re a Home Seller:

Realize that, in some ways, you’re in the driver’s seat. When there’s a shortage of an item at the same time there’s a strong demand for it, the seller is in a good position to negotiate the best possible terms. Whether it’s the price, moving date, possible repairs, or anything else, you’ll be able to request more from a potential purchaser at a time like this – especially if you have multiple interested buyers. Don’t be unreasonable, but understand you probably have the upper hand.

So, the housing market will remain strong throughout 2021. Know what that means for you, whether you’re buying, selling, or doing both.

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Begin Your Own Search for a Vacation Home or Second Home in Naples Florida:

So, if you’re ready to begin your search for your dream home or condo in Southwest Florida, we encourage you to explore our website to find information about communities in the area. If golf is your game, we specialize in golf community real estate.

There are more than 150 different golf communities in our area and most of them have a private golf course within the community. It can be challenging to navigate the plethora of communities, membership options, golf course design, amenities and more. We will help provide you with a list of the top private golf communities which match your lifestyle.

Also, if you are considering new construction, remember the contractor’s real estate agent represents the builder’s best interest, not yours. There is no cost for you to have an agent represent you. In fact, we may be able to help you save money and negotiate for extras which the builder may not let you know about.

Lastly, we will handle all contract negotiations via paperless transactions for your property from offer to close!

Bottom Line:

If you’re looking for a focused and results-oriented Realtor in Naples, Bonita Springs, Estero or Fort Myers who will help you achieve your Real Estate needs, please reach out to us directly. Additionally, if you are looking for a golf community expert or you are considering buying or selling a home, a luxury home, vacation home, second home, golf home or dream home, call or text 239-370-0892 or email Matt@NaplesGolfGuy.com