Real Estate News | Housing Inventory Remains Low while Buyer Demand Remains High
According to Zillow.com, real estate inventory remains low
in the US housing market nationwide. With such
a significant shortage in inventory and such high demand; homes are becoming
more difficult to come by for many first-time buyers. Low inventory continues
to be a collective frustration in the real estate market, specifically in the
affordable price bracket. According to Zillow Real Estate Market Reports, the
inventory constraints on the affordable side of the market make it particularly
tough for entry level buyers.
Buyers are not
finding ample options, while the costs of
affordable homes continue to rise.
Reports indicate that
in addition to the low numbers of affordable homes for sale, home buyers with
traditional financing are still competing
with all cash buyers in today’s market. According to Zillow, “more than one third of all sales
of the lowest-priced homes were made with cash.” In cities such as Tampa Bay,
Miami, and Detroit, more than eighty percent of all home sales in the
affordable price bracket were cash transactions.
On the bright side, the increase in home prices has helped
to boost an impressive surge in builder confidence. CNBC News cites
a monthly sentiment from the National
Association of Home Builders reached an all
time high in the month of July. This is the highest level builder confidence has
been since January, which is great news for buyers in the real estate market. David
Crowe, Chief Economist of the NAHB notes
that builders across the country have been expressing a positive outlook on
current sales conditions. The amount of consumer traffic is more than builders
nationwide have seen in the last five years. Stuart Hoffman, Chief Economist
at PNC Financial Services Group suspects that although inventory is low, the
increase in home prices will eventually bring more homes into the market. Prospective
sellers will gain confidence to sell their homes, which will satisfy the
growing demand of buyers.
Despite low inventory conditions in the real estate
market, 2014 is still a great year to purchase a home in Tampa Bay. The National Association of Realtors has named Tampa one of the ten housing markets it believes will see a housing turnaround. Take advantage of these positive
market conditions, and see what Tampa Bay has to offer. SI Real Estate serves
clients both locally and internationally. With over 40 years of experience, and
extensive knowledge of the Tampa Bay area; SI Real Estate is here to answer any
of your real estate questions, and assist you with any of your real estate
needs. Call us today at 813.631.5144.
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Lee Arnold