The South Coast Real Estate Round-Up

Inventory Nightmare

In the ever-evolving landscape of real estate, there's a question that's been on many minds lately: "Where did all the houses go?" It's a query that strikes at the heart of housing shortages, affordability challenges, and shifting patterns in homeownership. Recently, a new statistic from Redfin has shed light on this phenomenon, revealing that today, the typical homeowner spends an average of 11.9 years in their home, a significant increase from the 6.5 years reported two decades ago. But what's driving this trend, and what does it mean for prospective buyers and sellers?

One key factor contributing to the longer tenure of homeowners is the changing nature of the real estate market. In quarter 4 of 2021, investors purchased a staggering 26.1% of lower-priced homes, up from 24% the year before. This surge in investor activity has had a ripple effect, further reducing opportunities for owner-occupied single-family home buyers. With investors snapping up properties for rental income or resale, the pool of available homes for traditional buyers has diminished, leading to increased competition and higher prices.

This trend has profound implications for both buyers and sellers. For prospective homeowners, especially first-time buyers or those looking to upgrade, the reduced inventory can make finding the right property a daunting task. With fewer options available, buyers may face bidding wars and inflated prices, making homeownership feel increasingly out of reach. On the other hand, for current homeowners considering selling, the scarcity of listings could present a lucrative opportunity. With high demand and limited supply, sellers may find themselves in a favorable position, able to command top dollar for their properties.

However, it's essential to recognize that while these market dynamics may present challenges, they also underscore the importance of strategic planning and informed decision-making. For buyers, working closely with a knowledgeable real estate agent who understands local market trends and can offer guidance on navigating competitive landscapes is crucial. Additionally, exploring alternative housing options such as townhomes, condos, or new construction developments may provide viable alternatives in areas where single-family homes are scarce.

For sellers, timing and pricing are key considerations. While high demand can work in favor of sellers, it's essential to strike the right balance between maximizing profit and attracting qualified buyers. Collaborating with a seasoned real estate professional who can help stage the home effectively, market it to the right audience, and negotiate favorable terms is invaluable in achieving a successful sale.

Ultimately, the phenomenon of homeowners staying in their properties longer and investors exerting greater influence on the market reflects the dynamic nature of real estate. By staying informed, adaptable, and proactive, both buyers and sellers can navigate these challenges and capitalize on opportunities in today's evolving landscape.

While the question of "Where did all the houses go?" may seem perplexing at first glance, a closer examination reveals a complex interplay of factors shaping the current state of homeownership. From shifting market dynamics to increased investor activity, understanding these forces is essential for anyone navigating the real estate landscape. By staying informed, leveraging expert guidance, and approaching transactions with patience and strategy, buyers and sellers alike can navigate this ever-changing terrain with confidence.

Posted by Christopher Terry on February 16th, 2024 6:10 PM

What is the number 1 question both buyers and sellers are asking right now? I bet you know what it is...

With Covid-19 running rampant, work stoppage and skyrocketing unemployment, and with mortgage lending getting tighter and tighter everyone wants to know what is going to happen to the real estate market. But what they are really asking is what will happen to the price of homes.

I wish I could answer that question, but I can tell you that based on the amount of available inventory I would say that I don't believe it will go down, at least not in any significant way. Take a look at this chart of Inventory of Single Family Homes in Bristol County spanning the last 5 years:

Notice the number of listing units. One of the biggest issues we have had over the last few years is lack of inventory. Now look at the inventory level for 2020. It is down 25% from this time last year and down 45% from 5 years ago. 

Now look at the months of supply. A stable market, a market in balance (equal number of buyers and sellers) is usually indicated when there is a 6 month supply of homes available. We are currently at 1.7 months of supply. 

Now, let's take a look at this chart for Multi-Family homes in Bristol County:

 

See a trend here? Very similar statistics as the single family chart. Now let's look at condominiums:

Again, similar story. 

There is no doubt that the effects of the corona virus will have a chilling effect on the economy and the number of home buyers in the market place but with so little inventory the likelihood of any long term and significant downward pressure on pricing is low. 

However, if there is one constant in real estate it's change! I do expect that once we are on the other side of this, and businesses are able to re-open and we all start to become more accustom to this new normal that there will be a flood of homes hitting the market. So when that happens we will have to see how the market responds.

Stay Safe,

 

Christopher Terry
EZ Home Search Real Estate
508-646-4777
chris@ezhomesearch.net

Posted by Christopher Terry on April 19th, 2020 2:29 PM

The 2008 crash was caused by subprime loans and speculators. Together, they drove prices to unsustainable levels. It was a perfect storm of events that had a devastating impact. 

But if you think we’re headed for the same rough waters today — think again. 

Today’s housing market is much different than it was in 2008 — and therefore more stable today. 

There are key differences in this market then 2008. Don’t believe me?  Check out this article that shows 8 Reasons the Coronavirus Won’t Crash the Housing Market. 

Buying and selling real estate is still a good idea right now — if you have the right agent on your side. 

Contact me to find out how we can guide you through these uncharted waters.

 

Christopher Terry
EZ Home Search Real Estate
508-646-4777
chris@ezhomesearch.net

Posted by Christopher Terry on March 26th, 2020 12:45 PM

One Minute Housing Market
Take one minute to update yourself on what is happening in the local housing world.

Welcome to the most current Housing Trends eNewsletter. This eNewsletter is specially designed for you, with national and local housing information that you may find useful whether you’re in the market for a home, thinking about selling your home, or just interested in homeowner issues in general. 

Please click on this link to view the Housing Trends February 2017 Newsletter http://ezhomesearch.housingtrendsenewsletter.com  

The Housing Trends eNewsletter contains the latest information from the National Association of REALTORS®, the U.S. Census Bureau, Realtor.org reports and other sources. 

Housing Trends eNewsletter is filled with local and national real estate sales and price activity provided by MLSs and the National Association of Realtors, U.S. Census Bureau key market indicators, consumer videos, blogs, real estate glossary, mortgage rates and calculators, consumer articles, and REALTOR.com local community reports. 

If you are interested in determining the value of your home, click the “Home Evaluator” link for a free evaluation report: 

http://www.ezhomesearch.net/FreeHomeValuation

Sound decisions can only be made with accurate and reliable information, and I am happy to be a trusted resource for you. Thank you for the opportunity to provide you with this monthly eNewsletter, and I look forward to answering any questions you may have and to the opportunity to be your REALTOR® in the future. 

Sincerely yours, 

Christopher Terry

Broker/Owner/Founder
E Z Home Search Real Estate

Christopher Terry is a licensed real estate broker in Ma and RI, has completed the Accredited Buyer Representative Certification, is a graduate of the Certified Distressed Property Institute, holds the prestigious CDPE designation, is a 4-Time winner of the Master Sales Society's 5/50 Award and is the founder of EZ Home Search Real Estate Inc. 
Posted by Christopher Terry on March 14th, 2017 11:14 AM
Welcome to the most current Housing Trends eNewsletter. This eNewsletter is specially designed for you, with national and local housing information that you may find useful whether you’re in the market for a home, thinking about selling your home, or just interested in homeowner issues in general. 

Please click on this link to view the Housing Trends December 2016 Newsletter http://ezhomesearch.housingtrendsenewsletter.com 

The Housing Trends eNewsletter contains the latest information from the National Association of REALTORS®, the U.S. Census Bureau, Realtor.org reports and other sources. 

Housing Trends eNewsletter is filled with local and national real estate sales and price activity provided by MLSs and the National Association of Realtors, U.S. Census Bureau key market indicators, consumer videos, blogs, real estate glossary, mortgage rates and calculators, consumer articles, and REALTOR.com local community reports. 

If you are interested in determining the value of your home, click the “Home Evaluator” link for a free evaluation report: 

http://www.ezhomesearch.net/FreeHomeValuation

Sound decisions can only be made with accurate and reliable information, and I am happy to be a trusted resource for you. Thank you for the opportunity to provide you with this monthly eNewsletter, and I look forward to answering any questions you may have and to the opportunity to be your REALTOR® in the future. 

Sincerely yours, 

Christopher Terry
E Z Home Search Real Estate
798 Stafford Rd Fall River MA 02721 508-646-4777 105 | chris@ezhomesearch.net 



Posted by Christopher Terry on January 5th, 2017 7:13 PM
Hot of the Press! The Massachusetts Association of Realtors® (MAR) releases November's Year-Over-Year single family and condominium statistics and it looks like all of the election news didn't stop home buyers from being in the market pushing the state wide single family median sales prices to the highest level for November since 2004.

Meanwhile inventory of detached single family homes continued its downward trend reaching it's lowest levels since January 2004.

Median prices and sales for condominiums both rose for the month.

November Closed Sales:
Single Family  November 2016 November 2015 % Change 
Sales 4,7843,990 +19.9%
Median $ $365,000$344,500+6.0%
Closed sales have been flat or up 10 of the last 12 months. Median prices have been flat or up 11 of the last 12 months.

Condominium  November 2016 November 2015 % Change
Sales 1,723 1,505+14.5%
Median $ $339,900$335,000+1.5%
Closed sales have been up for 10 of the last 12 months. Median prices have been up or flat 11 out of the last 12 months.

Inventory and Days on Market:
Single Family November 2016 November 2015 % Change 
 Inventory14,30021,862-34.6% 
 Months of Supply 2.94.9 -40.8% 
 Days on Market75 95 -21.1% 
 New Listings4,090 4,179 -2.1 
58 straight months of year-over-year inventory decreases. New listings added to the market are down for the eighth straight month.

CondominiumNovember 2016 November 2015 % Change 
 Inventory3,887 5,592 -30.5% 
 Months of Supply 2.1 3.2 -34.4% 
 Days of Market59 73 -19.2% 
 New Listings1,5681,530 +2.5% 
Inventory has been down 11 out of the last 12 months. New listings added to the market has been up for the fifth time in 12 months.

The Massachusetts Association of Realtors® is a professional trade organization with more than 24,000 members and was organized in 1924. The term Realtor® is registered as the exclusive designation of members of the National Association of Realtors® who subscribe to a strict code of ethics and enjoy continuing education programs
Posted by Christopher Terry on January 3rd, 2017 5:38 PM
Welcome to the most current Housing Trends eNewsletter. This eNewsletter is specially designed for you, with national and local housing information that you may find useful whether you’re in the market for a home, thinking about selling your home, or just interested in homeowner issues in general. 

Please click on this link to view the Housing Trends  for November 2016 Newsletter: http://ezhomesearch.housingtrendsenewsletter.com 

The Housing Trends eNewsletter contains the latest information from the National Association of REALTORS®, the U.S. Census Bureau, Realtor.org reports and other sources. 

Housing Trends eNewsletter is filled with local and national real estate sales and price activity provided by MLSs and the National Association of Realtors, U.S. Census Bureau key market indicators, consumer videos, blogs, real estate glossary, mortgage rates and calculators, consumer articles, and REALTOR.com local community reports. 

If you are interested in determining the value of your home, click the “Home Evaluator” link for a free evaluation report: 

http://www.ezhomesearch.net/FreeHomeValuation

Sound decisions can only be made with accurate and reliable information, and I am happy to be a trusted resource for you. Thank you for the opportunity to provide you with this monthly eNewsletter, and I look forward to answering any questions you may have and to the opportunity to be your REALTOR® in the future. 

Christopher Terry
E Z Home Search Real Estate
798 Stafford Rd Fall River MA 02721 508-646-4777 105 | chris@ezhomesearch.net 

Posted by Christopher Terry on December 12th, 2016 6:07 PM
Welcome to Octobers Edition of our Housing Trends eNewsletter. This eNewsletter is specially designed for you, with national and local housing information that you may find useful whether you’re in the market for a home, thinking about selling your home, or just interested in homeowner issues in general. 

Please click on this link to view the Housing Trends October 2016 Newsletter http://ezhomesearch.housingtrendsenewsletter.com 

The Housing Trends eNewsletter contains the latest information from the National Association of REALTORS®, the U.S. Census Bureau, Realtor.org reports and other sources. 

Housing Trends eNewsletter is filled with local and national real estate sales and price activity provided by MLSs and the National Association of Realtors, U.S. Census Bureau key market indicators, consumer videos, blogs, real estate glossary, mortgage rates and calculators, consumer articles, and REALTOR.com local community reports. 

If you are interested in determining the value of your home, click the “Home Evaluator” link for a free evaluation report: 

http://www.ezhomesearch.net/FreeHomeValuation

Sound decisions can only be made with accurate and reliable information, and I am happy to be a trusted resource for you. Thank you for the opportunity to provide you with this monthly eNewsletter, and I look forward to answering any questions you may have and to the opportunity to be your REALTOR® in the future. 

Christopher Terry
E Z Home Search Real Estate
798 Stafford Rd Fall River MA 02721 508-646-4777 105 | chris@ezhomesearch.net 
Posted by Christopher Terry on November 8th, 2016 5:54 PM
Welcome to the most current Housing Trends eNewsletter. This eNewsletter is specially designed for you, with national and local housing information that you may find useful whether you’re in the market for a home, thinking about selling your home, or just interested in homeowner issues in general. 

Please click on this link to view the Housing Trends September 2016 Newsletterhttp://ezhomesearch.housingtrendsenewsletter.com 

The Housing Trends eNewsletter contains the latest information from the National Association of REALTORS®, the U.S. Census Bureau, Realtor.org reports and other sources. 

Housing Trends eNewsletter is filled with local and national real estate sales and price activity provided by MLSs and the National Association of Realtors, U.S. Census Bureau key market indicators, consumer videos, blogs, real estate glossary, mortgage rates and calculators, consumer articles, and REALTOR.com local community reports. 

If you are interested in determining the value of your home, click the “Home Evaluator” link for a free evaluation report: 

http://www.ezhomesearch.net/FreeHomeValuation

Sound decisions can only be made with accurate and reliable information, and I am happy to be a trusted resource for you. Thank you for the opportunity to provide you with this monthly eNewsletter, and I look forward to answering any questions you may have and to the opportunity to be your REALTOR® in the future. 

Christopher Terry
E Z Home Search Real Estate
798 Stafford Rd Fall River MA 02721 508-646-4777 105 | chris@ezhomesearch.net 
Posted by Christopher Terry on October 7th, 2016 7:25 AM

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