Why Is Housing Inventory So Low?

If you're thinking about making a move today, one thing on your mind is: Why is it so difficult to find a house to buy? While it may be tempting to wait until you have more options, this is definitely not the best course of action. This is why.

There aren't enough homes for sale, but the shortage isn't only a current issue. It's been a struggle for years. Let's look at some of the long-term and short-term reasons that have contributed to this scarcity.

Underbuilding Is a Long-Standing Problem

One of the main causes of the low inventory is that builders haven't built enough homes in recent years. The graph below depicts new single-family home development during the last five decades, including the long-term average for housing units completed:

For 14 straight years, builders didn’t construct enough homes to meet the historical average (shown in red). That underbuilding created a significant inventory deficit. And while new home construction is back on track and meeting the historical average right now, the long-term inventory problem isn’t going to be solved overnight. 

Today’s Mortgage Rates Create a Lock-In Effect

There are a few more things at work in today's market that contribute to the inventory dilemma. The first is the effect of mortgage rate lock-in. Simply put, some homeowners are hesitant to sell because of the current state of mortgage rates. They don't want to move and take on a greater interest rate than they have on their current property. The graph below shows how many homeowners may find themselves in this situation:

Those homeowners need to remember that their needs may matter just as much as the financial aspects of their move.

Misinformation in the Media Is Creating Unnecessary Fear

Another thing that’s limiting inventory right now is the fear that’s been created by the media. You’ve likely seen the negative headlines calling for a housing crash, or the ones saying home prices would fall by 20%. While neither of those things happened, the stories may have dinged your confidence enough for you to think it’s better to hold off and wait for things to calm down. As Jason Lewris, Co-Founder and Chief Data Officer at Parcl, says:

“In the absence of trustworthy, up-to-date information, real estate decisions are increasingly being driven by fear, uncertainty, and doubt.”

That’s further limiting inventory because people who would make a move otherwise now feel hesitant to do so. But the market isn’t doom and gloom, even if the headlines are. An agent can help you separate fact from fiction. 

How This Impacts You

If you’re wondering how today’s low inventory affects you, it depends on if you’re selling or buying a home, or both.

• For buyers: A limited number of homes for sale means you’ll want to seriously consider all of your options, including various areas and housing types. A skilled professional will help you explore all of what’s available and find the home that best fits your needs. They can even coach you through casting a broader net if you need to expand your search.
• For sellers: Today’s low inventory actually offers incredible benefits because your house will stand out. A real estate agent can walk you through why it’s especially worthwhile to sell with these conditions. And since many sellers are also buyers, that agent is also an essential resource to help you stay up to date on the latest homes available for sale in your area so you can find your next dream home. 

Bottom Line

The low supply of homes for sale isn’t a new challenge. There are a number of long-term and short-term factors leading to the current inventory deficit. If you’re looking to make a move, let’s connect. That way, you’ll have an expert on your side to explain how this impacts you and what’s happening with housing inventory in our area.