It’s no surprise that 70% of buyers hit pause on their home search last year. If you were one of them, no hard feelings – conditions were tough.
Inventory was low, prices were high, and mortgage rates were all over the place. Finding a home you loved and could actually afford felt impossible. And selling? Well, if you didn’t know where you’d go next, it wasn’t worth it.
But here’s the good news: the market is shifting, and it might be time to start looking again.
The Perfect Inventory Balance
More homeowners are getting back into the market this year, and builders are wrapping up more homes. Together, they’re creating a stronger supply of options for buyers like you – maybe even that dream home you’ve been waiting for.
More homes = more choices.
But there’s more to it than just having more options. When you sell, you don’t want to feel like finding your next place is impossible. At the same time, you don’t want to flood the market with so many homes that yours takes forever to sell. Right now, you’re in the sweet spot.
Here’s why: According to Realtor.com, inventory is up 28.5% from last year. While this is a significant jump, it’s still below pre-pandemic levels in most areas – which is why it’s such a perfect time to make your move (see the graph below).
You get the best of both worlds: more homes to choose from when you move, but not so many that you struggle to sell your current one. Work with a good agent to ensure your home is priced right and ready to impress, and it should sell quickly.
More options, less hassle, and steady demand – that’s the sweet spot right now.
But here’s something to keep in mind: data from Realtor.com shows inventory has been rising for 17 straight months. Experts believe this trend will continue through the rest of the year. Lance Lambert, Co-Founder of ResiClub, explains:
“The fact that inventory is rising year-over-year suggests that national active housing inventory for sale is likely to end the year even higher.”
So, this might actually be the best time to sell. Your home may stand out more now than it would later in the year as inventory keeps growing. Wait too long, and you could be competing with more homes.
Bottom Line: If you’ve been waiting for the right moment to make a move, this is it. Whether you’re upgrading, downsizing, or relocating, this market balance might just be the opportunity you’ve been waiting for.