Are Homes Under $250,000 Nearing Extinction?

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NEW YORK – According to a recent report by economic research consultancy Capital Economics, the number of vacant single-family homes on the market priced under $250,000 has halved since 2012.

There were only 550,000 vacant homes on the market nationwide priced under $250,000 at the start of the third quarter of 2019.

Capital Economics attributes this to two things: a lower overall housing inventory and a shortage of cheaper homes in particular. It also notes that the number of vacant single-family homes for sale dropped 25% since 2012, and while the homeowner vacancy rate rose slightly in the third quarter, it was up from a 40-year low in the second quarter.

A lack of affordable homes could hamper the home buying prospects of the younger generations. Capital Economics expects that rental vacancy rates will stay fairly low, preventing a sharp fall in rental growth as the economy slows. However, the report also notes that household formation rates are strong, as 2.9 million new households were formed in the last two years, up from 1.9 million households formed in the two years to the third quarter of 2017.

Household formation could lead to more people being ready to buy a home, but the report warns that new households will find it increasingly difficult to find an affordable home. The report also notes that tight credit conditions will make it more difficult for potential home buyers to stretch their budgets until home builders ramp up production of cheaper properties.

Source: HousingWire (11/06/19) Smith, Maleesa

Home prices continue to rise, albeit at a slower pace: FHFA

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Prices were up 0.2% month-over-month in August and 4.6% year-over-year, according to data released Wednesday

Single-family home prices climbed 0.2 percent month-over-month in August and were up 4.6 percent year-over-year, according to the latest data from the Federal Housing Finance Agency (FHFA). Despite the increases, price appreciation is actually slowing across the country.

Prices increased annually in all nine census divisions that FHFA tracks, with the Pacific division reporting the highest increase at 6.5 percent and the Middle Atlantic reporting the smallest increase at 3.9 percent.

Information courtesy of Inman.com

 

 

4 Tips to Make Your Home Sell Faster

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Since June of last year, we have seen an increase in the inventory of homes for sale month per month. Every spring and summer, the inventory increases because people want to sell their home. For those with children, they may want to be in their new home for the beginning of the school year.

If you are one of those sellers, you may find these 4 tips helpful in getting your home sold more quickly.

1. Make buyers feel at home

Declutter your home! Pack away all personal items like pictures, awards, and sentimental belongings. Make them feel like they belong in this house! According to the Profile of Home Staging by the National Association of Realtors,

“83% of buyers’ agents said staging a home made it easier for a buyer to visualize the property as a future home.”

Not only will your house spend less time on the market, but the same report mentioned that,

“One-quarter of buyers’ agents said that staging a home increased the dollar value offered between 1 – 5%, compared to other similar homes on the market that were not staged.”

2. Keep it organized

Since you took the time to declutter, keep it organized! Before the buyers show up, pick up toys, make the bed, and put away clean dishes. It is also a good idea to put out some cookies fresh from the oven or a scented candle. Buyers will remember the smell of your home! According to the same report, the kitchen is one of the most important rooms to stage in order to attract more buyers.

3. Give buyers full access

One of the top four elements when selling your home is access! If your home is available anytime, that opens up more opportunity to find a buyer right away. Some buyers, especially those relocating, don’t have much time available. If they cannot get into the house, they will move on to the next one.

4. Price it right

As we mentioned at the beginning, more inventory coming into the market guarantees there will be some competition. You want to make sure your home is noticed. The key to selling your house in 2019 is ensuring it is Priced to Sell Immediately (PTSI). That way, your home will be seen by the greatest amount of buyers and will sell at a great price before more competition comes to market!

Bottom Line

If you want to sell your house in the least amount of time at the best price with as little hassle as possible, a local real estate professional is a useful guide. Call them today to find out what you need to do to sell your home more quickly.