Triangle Property Lines: What's Slowing Down the Housing Market?

The housing crisis is finally in the rear view mirror as the real estate market moves down the road to a complete recovery. Home values are up. Home sales are up. Distressed sales (foreclosures and short sales) have fallen dramatically. It seems that 2016 will be the year that the housing market again races forward.

However, there is one thing that may cause the industry to tap the brakes: a lack of housing inventory. While buyer demand looks like it will remain strong throughout this winter, supply is not keeping up.

Here are the thoughts of a few industry experts on the subject:

Calculated Risk:

“Low inventory is probably holding down sales in many areas.”

Capital Economics:

“A lack of housing inventory continues to drive developments in the market. As demand has slowly recovered, low inventory levels have weighed on home sales.”

Frank Nothaft, Chief Economist for CoreLogic:

“Many markets have experienced a low inventory of homes for sale along with strong buyer demand... These conditions are likely to persist as we enter 2016.”

Doug Duncan,Chief Economist at Fannie Mae:

“Several factors point to constrained housing affordability in 2016, particularly for first-time home buyers, including slow single-family supply response and limited inventory of starter homes on the market.”

Lawrence Yun, Chief Economist at NAR:

“Sparse inventory and affordability issues continue to impede a large pool of buyers’ ability to buy, which is holding back sales.”

Elizabeth Scott, The Smart Realtor:

“If you are a BUYER, be prepared with your lender approval letter in hand and know that in most cases in our Triangle NC market, you will have to meet asking price or even enter into a bidding competition. If you are a SELLER, you still have to stage the home and have it show ready. Be prepared for a quick sale if you do everything right!"

If you are thinking of selling, now is a great time. Demand for your house will be strong as there is very little competition. Call me today to find out the value of your home in today's market and how I will help you meet your goals.

Elizabeth Scott, Realtor®, Broker