There’s no denying the last couple of years have been tough for anyone trying to buy a home because there haven’t been enough houses to go around. But things are starting to look up.
There are more homes up for grabs this year. The graph below uses the latest data from Realtor.com to show in April 2024 there were more homes for sale than there were over the last few years (2021-2023):
As Realtor.com explains:
“There were 30.4% more homes actively for sale on a typical day in April compared with the same time in 2023, marking the sixth consecutive month of annual inventory growth.”
But does this growing inventory make house hunting easier? Yes and no.
Using the latest weekly data from Calculated Risk, the graph below shows, that even with the growth lately, there are still way fewer homes for sale than there were in the last normal year in the housing market:
If you’ve been looking to buy but put your plans on hold because you just couldn’t find what you were searching for, you might see more options now than you did over the past few years – but don't expect a huge selection.
To check out your growing options, it's a good idea to work with a local real estate agent you trust. Real estate is all about location. And an agent can help you get the scoop on the homes available in the area you're interested in. Bankrate explains:
“In today’s homebuying market, it’s more important than ever to find a real estate agent who really knows your local area — down to your specific neighborhood — and can help you successfully navigate its unique quirks.”
Let's team up so you have someone who can keep you in the loop on everything that might impact your move, like how many homes are up for sale right now.
The information contained, and the opinions expressed, in this article are not intended to be construed as investment advice. The Home Run Team, Ltd. does not guarantee or warrant the accuracy or completeness of the information or opinions contained herein. Nothing herein should be construed as investment advice. You should always conduct your own research and due diligence and obtain professional advice before making any investment decision. The Home Run Team, Ltd. will not be liable for any loss or damage caused by your reliance on the information or opinions contained herein.
Expect a continued difficult, but busier housing market
One of the biggest questions on everyone’s minds right now is: when will mortgage rates come down?
Historically, the number of homes for sale tends to drop during the cooler months – and that means buyers have fewer options to choose from.
When asking yourself whether or not you should sell as is, consider these pros and cons.
Most sellers completed at least minor repairs when selling their house. But sometimes life gets in the way and that’s just not possible.
You may have seen online that people are upset with investors "buying all the homes." But that's not exactly true.
If you're looking to buy, but you're waiting for mortgage rates to come down, try to focus on what you can control.
With the holidays right around the corner, homeowners planning to move have a decision to make: sell now or wait?
Chances are you’re hearing a lot about mortgage rates right now, and all you really want to hear is that they’re coming back down.
We're here to help people live wealthier lives and enjoy more freedom by educating and guiding them through their lifelong real estate journey. Whether you're buying a home, looking to sell or relocate, or are an investor, we can help you. No agents will work harder for you, because to us, going to bat for you, isn't work. That's just what you do when you're a team.