May 16, 2017
We have had a decent recovery for the real estate market over the past decade. The recovery has been slow, but steady. While slow and steady may be frustrating for some, it is actually a good thing when you compare it to the real estate boom of 2001 to 2005, which created a housing “bubble” because of rapidly escalating housing prices. A steady increase is more sustainable in the long run.
However, there is no doubt that the market recovery is being held back by a real estate listing shortage, especially in the lower price ranges. The Millennials are coming of age and are ready to buy. However, the Baby Boomers are working longer than ever and are not quite ready to give up their homes. If a Baby Boomer has not paid off their home as of yet, they are likely to have exceptionally low interest rates through refinancing and thus living in their home is typically cheaper than renting. The question is–how will this “stalemate” be broken?
The answer is — gradually. Commercial and residential Real Estate Builders continue to slowly increase their production and this new inventory is sorely needed in most areas of the country. Again, a slow increase is more orderly than a building boom, even though we are not building enough to satisfy present demand. And the Baby Boomers will gradually retire and have to leave their properties as they age. Some of these homes will be handed down to heirs and others will hit the markets. In the long run, the real estate listing shortage will be resolved. In the short run, purchasing a home in the lower-to-moderate price ranges is a very competitive game for those entering the market for the first time.
Source: Origination Pro