Homebuyer Demand Skyrockets

Despite Inventory Lows, Spill-over buyers and record-breaking industry 

lows are creating one of the most competitive buying seasons in years, according to a survey released by Realtor.com. February 2018 indicated, inventory was moving 8 percent more quickly than in February 2017. The median age of properties listed through the was 83 days.

'We're only a few weeks into March and already seeing the market heat up,'  'Holdover buyers hoping for greener pastures this spring are likely to find sparse options that require them to pay top-dollar or make other concessions.'

Even as prices continue to climb—increasing by 10 percent year-over-year—and are predicted to reach new record highs this spring and summer, buyer demand is booming. A portion of this demand is originating from buyers who are considered holdovers from last summer and previous buying seasons. The survey shows that 40 percent of today’s buyers have been searching for more than seven months, 34 percent for four to six months, while only 26 percent of those surveyed have been searching for three months or less.

Some U.S. homeowners are getting started early. Really early. Americans taking the plunge. More than 99,000 members of Generation Z — those born in 1995 and after, who are now 23 or younger — have mortgages, according to the credit agency TransUnion TRU, -1.81% Their average mortgage balance: $140,000. 

“I’m a little surprised to see the numbers as large as they are,” said Rob Dietz, chief economist and senior vice president for economics and housing policy for the National Association of Home Builders. “The traditional life cycle is to rent, especially for younger consumers who might have student loans.”

Members of Generation Z seem to value home ownership, nevertheless. Some 62% of the older members of Generation Z say owning a home is a key component of the American Dream — about the same number as the members of older generations, according to a survey released last year.

Inventory is down 8.5 percent from a year ago, and 35 percent of respondents indicated they anticipate “a lot of competition,” while 36 percent expect only “some.” When asked about strategies heading into the spring buying season, 42 percent responded that they were checking listing sites every day, while 40 percent of buyers plan to put more than 20 percent cash down. Additionally, 33 percent are setting price alerts, 31 percent plan to put a larger earnest money deposit down, while 26 percent are willing to offer above asking price.

Despite the bleak outlook, 53 percent of buyers expect to close on their future homesin less than six months, while 18 percent expect the process to take four seven to nine months, 15 percent have estimated their buying process to take  ten to twelve months, and only 15 percent expect the process to exceed more than a year.

Are you ready to Sell? The decision to rent or buy is a personal one that depends on your financial situation, future plans and lifestyle. If you’re interested on a wealth of information to help you get started visit Precision Realty & Assoc. LL or if you prefer a more personal touch, reach out to a us, CALL 801-809-9866 today.