Category: Real Estate Market

Have You Given Up on Owning a Home?

This isn’t 2021. Or even 2023 or 2024.

If you stepped back from your home search over the past few years, you’re not alone.

But the good news today is that things have changed, and you might want to take another look. With more homes to choose from, prices leveling off in many areas, and mortgage rates easing, today’s market is offering something you haven’t had in a while: options.

Experts agree, buyers are in a better spot right now than they’ve been in quite a long time. Here’s what they have to say.

Affordability Is Finally Improving 

Lisa Sturtevant, Chief Economist at Bright MLS, says affordability is finally starting to turn the corner:

“Slower price growth coupled with a slight drop in mortgage rates will improve affordability and create a window for some buyers to get into the market.”

Mortgage rates have eased from their recent highs, price growth has slowed, and that one-two combo is making homes more affordable than they’ve been in months.

And please don’t get discouraged when you see what the “median sales price” is. The median is the price in the middle. There are just as many homes for sale below that number as above.

There Are More Homes on The Market

Prices are easing because there are more homes on the market. According to the latest from Realtor.com, there are 17% more homes for sale today than there were at this time last year. That means more options, less competition with other buyers, and a chance to find the space that actually works for you.

Lawrence Yun, Chief Economist at the National Association of Realtors (NAR), says:

“Homebuyers are in the best position in more than five years to find the right home and negotiate for a better price. Current inventory is at its highest since May 2020, during the COVID lockdown.” 

Take a look at the numbers.

As Yun notes, inventory is up everywhere. Compared to this time last year, every region of the country has more homes on the market than at this time last year (see graph below):

On Cape Cod, there are more homes and condos for sales, too.

So, when you step back and look at the bigger picture, this means more choices for everyone.

And with fewer buyers in the market and more homes for sale, sellers are willing to negotiate to get a deal done.

All of this adds up to a win if you’ve been thinking about buying.

If you stepped away from your search because things felt too competitive, too pricey, you were worried about finding a home, or it was all just too much to process, this could be your moment to take another look.

And if you’re not quite ready to go all in, that’s okay too. You can start by planning ahead. We’re here to work with you. We can help you break down your budget, narrow your search, and make sure you’re prepped and ready when the right home hits the market.

If prices on Cape Cod aren’t for you? Where else would you consider living? We can help you with that, too, as Today Real Estate has realtors throughout New England.

Bottom Line

Let’s talk.

Because this isn’t 2021.

This isn’t even 2023 or 2024.

This is a new market – and you might be surprised by what you could find.

Mari and Hank

Nothing herein should be construed as investment advice. You should always conduct your own research and due diligence and obtain professional advice before making any investment decision.

Why Homes Seem to Cost So Much

Even though data shows it’s not true, nearly half of Americans think investors are the top reason housing feels so expensive. 

Scroll through your feed and you’ll see plenty of finger-pointing about why homes cost so much. And according to a national survey, a lot of people believe big investors are to blame.

Even though data shows that’s not true, nearly half of Americans surveyed think investors are the top reason housing feels so expensive (see graph below):

But that opinion doesn’t hold up if you look at the data.

The Truth About Investors

Investors do play a role in the housing market, especially in certain areas. But they’re not buying up all the homes like so many people on social media say.

Nationwide, Realtor.com found only 2.8% of all home purchases last year were made by big investors (who own more than 50 properties). That means roughly 97% of homes were bought and sold by regular people, not corporate giants. Danielle Hale, Chief Economist at Realtor.com, explains:

“Investors do own significant shares of the housing stock in some neighborhoods, but nationwide, the share of investor-owned housing is not a major concern.”

The majority of “investors” are people like many of us who own a second home, or who have purchased a few properties as an investment. They’re not big, bad, faceless corporations.

So, if it’s not investors, why are home prices so high?

What’s Really Behind Today’s Home Prices

The real story behind rising prices has less to do with who’s buying and more to do with what’s missing: enough homes. Robert Dietz, Chief Economist at the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB), says:

“It’s been popular among some to blame investors, but with housing, the economics of that don’t make a lot of sense. The fundamental driver of housing costs is the shortage itself—it’s driven by the fact that there’s a mismatch between the number of households and the actual size of the housing stock.”

There simply haven’t been enough homes for sale to meet buyer demand. And that shortage, not investor activity, is what’s pushed prices higher just about everywhere.

Bottom Line

It’s easy to believe investors caused today’s housing challenges. But the truth is, the market just needs more homes, and that’s finally starting to happen as inventory is increasing.

As more options hit the market, buying may feel a bit more realistic again for those of you who have been waiting.

We can tell you what happening on Cape Cod and over the bridges, as well. You can find us at 508-388-1994 or msennott@todayrealestate.com.

We’re here to help.

Mari and Hank

Nothing herein should be construed as investment advice. You should always conduct your own research and due diligence and obtain professional advice before making any investment decision.

What to Expect Next Year

Mortgage rates could continue to ease.

After a couple of years where the housing market felt stuck in neutral, 2026 may be the year things shift back into gear. Expert forecasts show more people are expected to move – and that could open the door for you to do the same.

More Homes Will Sell

With all of the affordability challenges at play over the past few years, many would-be movers pressed pause. But that can’t last forever. There are always people who need to move. And experts think more of them will start to act in 2026 (see graph below):

What’s behind the change? Two key factors: mortgage rates and home prices. Let’s dive into the latest expert forecasts for both, so you can see why more people are expected to move next year.

Mortgage Rates Could Continue To Ease

The #1 thing just about every buyer has been looking for is lower mortgage rates. And after peaking near 7% earlier this year, rates have started to ease.

The latest forecasts show that could continue throughout 2026, but it won’t be a straight line down (see graph below):

There’s a saying: when rates go up, they take the escalator. But when they come down, they take the stairs. And that’s an important thing to remember. It’ll be a slow and bumpy process.

Expect modest improvement in mortgage rates over the next year but be ready for some volatility. This can happen as new economic data comes out. Just don’t let it distract you from the bigger picture: the overall trend will be a slight decline. Forecasts say we could hit the low 6s, or maybe even the high 5s. Your rate could be even lower depending on your individual situation.

And remember, there doesn’t have to be a big drop for you to feel a change. Even a smaller dip helps your bottom line.

If you compare where rates are now to when they were at 7% earlier this year, you’re already saving hundreds on your future mortgage payment. And that’s a really good thing. It’s enough to make a real difference in affordability for some.

Home Price Growth Will Be Moderate

What about prices? On a national scale, forecasts say they’re still going to rise, just not by a lot. With rates down from their peak earlier this year, more buyers will re-enter the market. And that increased demand will keep some upward pressure on prices nationally – and prevent prices from tumbling down.

So, even though some markets are already seeing slight price declines, you can rest easy that a big crash just isn’t in the cards. Thanks to how much prices rose over the last 5 years, even the markets seeing declines right now are still up compared to just a few years ago.

Of course, price trends will depend on local markets. Inventory is a big driver in why some places are going to see varying levels of appreciation going forward. But experts agree we’ll see prices grow at the national level (see graph below): 

This is yet another good sign for buyers and overall affordability. While prices will still go up nationally, it’ll be at a much more sustainable pace. And that predictability makes it easier to plan your budget. It also gives you peace of mind that prices won’t suddenly skyrocket overnight.

On Cape Cod we continue to deal with over pricing which gives the impression with each “improvement” that prices are falling. That’s not the case. Asking prices are just being brought down to where they should be. (And not at the level a neighbor got three years ago.)

Remember, prices in one market may not be the same in another. If the cost of a home on Cape Cod, for example, is too steep for you, there are other parts of the Massachusetts or nearby Rhode Island, for example, that may better fit your budget. In fact, you may be able to afford more house elsewhere.

If you’re interested in expanding your search, Today Real Estate now reaches other parts of Massachusetts and the rest of New England. Mari will also be getting her Rhode Island real estate license soon. Please let us know how we can help.

Bottom Line

After a quieter couple of years, 2026 is expected to bring more movement – and more opportunity. With sales projected to rise, mortgage rates trending lower, and price growth slowing down, the stage is set for a healthier, more active market.

So, the big question: will you be one of the movers who makes 2026 your year?

Let’s connect if you want to get ready. It’s mid-October. 2026 is a little more than two months away.

You can find us at 508-388-1994 or msennott@todayrealestate.com. We’re happy to help.

Mari and Hank

PS: The latest edition of our Mashpee TV program “How’s the Market?” features Patti Lotane from Cape Cod Five, who will be talking about mortgage rates. We’ll be posting it soon on our social media platforms. Please watch for it.

The information contained, and the opinions expressed, in this article are not intended to be construed as investment advice. Nothing herein should be construed as investment advice. You should always conduct your own research and due diligence and obtain professional advice before making any investment decision.

Unrealistic Pricing Can Cost You

The risk isn’t just missing out on offers, it’s missing out on the move you needed to make in the first place.

As inventory increases, you need to get your home priced right when you are ready to sell. Honestly, it’s more important than ever. Why? While you may want to list high just to see what happens, that’s a plan that can easily backfire, and it’s going to cost you in today’s market.

And the risk isn’t just missing out on offers, it’s missing out on the move you needed to make in the first place.

The Real Pitfall of Overpricing

Many homeowners remember what their neighbor’s house sold for a few years ago, and they want to chase that same sky-high number. The problem is, that was a different market.

Today, there are more homes for sale. Buyers have more options to choose from. They don’t have to get into bidding wars where they offer way over asking just to compete. Now they can come in at, or even below, list price. And if you’re not open to that, they’ll move on. Lisa Sturtevant, Chief Economist at Bright MLS, explains:

“Buyers will have more leverage in many, but not all, markets. Sellers will need to adjust price expectations to reflect the transitioning market.”

But here’s the good news. You still have one big advantage as a seller. According to the Federal Housing Finance Agency (FHFA), home values went up by a staggering 54% over the last 5 years. So, even if you compromise just a little bit on your sale price today, odds are you’ll still come out way ahead.

The challenge? Most sellers aren’t thinking about it that way. They’re stuck on what a neighbor got months or years ago – and that’s a costly mistake.

Overpricing Can Stall Your Whole Move

Here’s what happens. A seller lists too high. Buyers stay away. No offers come in. The house sits. And suddenly, that seller is facing a tough decision. Do they cut the price? Stick it out? Or give up altogether?

Unfortunately, a late price cut may not be enough. Buyers often see that as a red flag that something’s wrong with the house. That’s why some sellers are opting to just pull their listing off the market entirely.

In a recent survey from John Burns Research and Consulting (JBREC) and Keeping Current Matters (KCM) over half of agents (54%) say there are more homes being taken off the market than usual.

And the top reasons for that? According to the agents, homeowners didn’t get any offers they felt were fair. The survey from JBREC and KCM explains it like this:

“Sellers holding onto high price expectations is the leading reason they are delisting their homes.”

BrightMLS data backs this up:

“. . . sellers are delisting after having their home on the market and finding they are not getting the price they hoped for.”

It’s more proof pricing too high does more than turn buyers away, it puts your whole move at risk. Because if no one looks at your home or makes an offer, how are you going to sell it?

Remember: all realtors who are doing their jobs generally speaking look at the same comps. If your realtor advises you that the price you “want” is high, other realtors will be telling their buyers the same thing. With competition being what it is, you don’t want your home immediately eliminated because of price.

The Secret To Making Your Move Happen

If you’re selling to relocate for a job, need more space for your growing family, or have to be closer to your relatives as they age, you can’t afford to get stuck. You need a pricing strategy that helps you move forward – and that starts with us.

The sellers who are winning right now are the ones working with experienced real estate professionals who know the current market and aren’t afraid to have honest conversations about price.

Bottom Line

Pricing your house for today’s market isn’t just about getting it sold. It’s about making sure your move doesn’t stall before it starts.

Let’s talk through what buyers are really paying right now, and how to price your home to match.

You can find us at 508-388-1994 or msennott@todayrealestate.com. We’re here to help…

Mari and Hank

Nothing herein should be construed as investment advice. You should always conduct your own research and due diligence and obtain professional advice before making any investment decision.

The Best Time to Buy is Here!

Homebuyers are in the best position in more than five years to find the right home and negotiate for a better price. 

If you’ve been watching from the sidelines, now’s the time to lean in. It’s officially the best time to buy this year. According to Realtor.com, this October will have the most buyer-friendly conditions of any month in 2025:

“By mid-October, buyers may finally find the combination of inventory, pricing, and negotiating power they’ve been waiting for—a rare opportunity in a market that has been tight for most of the past decade.”

So, if you’re ready and able to buy this month this means you should see:

  • More homes to choose from
  • Less competition from other buyers
  • More time to browse
  • Better home prices
  • Sellers who are more willing to negotiate

While October 12-18 is the national “best week,” conditions are in place now for buyers who have been waiting to upsize, downsize or right size to find the properties they’ve been looking for at prices that they’re willing to pay.

Here on Cape Cod, inventory is increasing as are days on market for listed properties. This means sellers should be interested in negotiating prices and terms so they can move on with their lives. Mortgage interest rates are also the lowest that they have been in a year helping buyers afford what are still high prices.

And remember home prices are lower elsewhere in other parts of Massachusetts, as well as New England and the country as a whole. So, you don’t have to limit your search to just on Cape. Through the various connections we have with realtors off Cape and elsewhere, we can refer you to a very qualified Realtor who can help you with your search.

What the Experts Are Saying

Realtor.com isn’t the only one saying you’ve got an opportunity if you move now. Lawrence Yun, Chief Economist at the National Association of Realtors (NAR), explains:

“Homebuyers are in the best position in more than five years to find the right home and negotiate for a better price. Current inventory is at its highest since May 2020, during the COVID lockdown.”

Daryl Fairweather, Chief Economist at Redfin, puts it like this:

“Nationally, now is a good time to buy, if you can afford it . . . with falling mortgage rates and significantly more inventory, buyers have an upper hand in negotiations.”

And NerdWallet says:

“This fall just might be the best window for home buyers in the past five years.”

How To Get Ready

To make sure you’re ready to jump, talk to us now. We can give you the information you need to decide if this is the time for you to buy. We can discuss timing, strategy, and how you may be able to buy your new home before selling your current one.

You can find us at 508-388-1994 or msennott@todayrealestate.com. We’re here to help…

BTW…Hank’s new book of short stories will be available soon. Please watch for it. Copies “signed by the author” can be purchased via Venmo. Contact Mari for details. Thanks.

Nothing herein should be construed as investment advice. You should always conduct your own research and due diligence and obtain professional advice before making any investment decision.

How to Downsize without Debt

Downsizing is about upgrading your quality of life

If you’ve been thinking about downsizing to lower your expenses, be closer to family, or just make life easier, here’s a trend worth paying attention to:

More homeowners are buying their next house outright, without taking on a new mortgage. And, if you’ve owned your home for a while, you may be able to do the same. No mortgage. No monthly housing payments.

A Record Share of Homeowners Are Mortgage-Free

According to analysis from ResiClub of Census data, more than 40% of U.S. owner-occupied homes are mortgage-free – an all-time high for this data series. That means 4 in 10 homeowners own their homes free and clear (see graph below):

One big reason for this trend? Demographics. As Baby Boomers age and stay in their homes longer, many have had the time to fully pay off their mortgages. You might be in that group too and not even realize just how much buying power you now have. It’s time to change that.

How Downsizers Are Turning Equity into Buying Power

As a homeowner, your equity is your biggest advantage in today’s market. If you’re mortgage-free (or close to it), it could give you the power to buy your next home in cash. That means you’d still have no mortgage payment in retirement, plus:

  • Less financial stress as you age
  • More cash flow, if you purchase a less expensive home
  • And it would likely be a faster, simpler transaction

Here’s how it works. You’d sell your current house and use the proceeds to buy your next house in cash. And while that may sound like something you thought would never be possible for you, it’s more realistic than you may think.

In the latest survey from John Burns Research and Consulting (JBREC) and Keeping Current Matters (KCM), agents reported the share of purchases with all-cash buyers is climbing nationally. And those agents are seeing increases in almost every region of the country (see graph below):

For Baby Boomers especially, buying in cash gives you more control over your next chapter. You could buy a smaller, less expensive home and have lower costs, less upkeep, and more flexibility to enjoy what matters most. All while staying debt and stress free.

Because downsizing isn’t about downgrading your home. It’s about upgrading your quality of life. And that’s something worth exploring.

Bottom Line

You’ve worked hard for your home. Now it might be time for it to work hard for you.

Let’s talk about what your house is worth, and how that could fund where’s next for you. You can find us at 508-388-1994 or msennott@todayrealestate.com.

There’s no need to stay in your current home that is too big, too small, or not where you want to be because you think you can’t afford to move.

Mari and Hank

Nothing herein should be construed as investment advice. You should always conduct your own research and due diligence and obtain professional advice before making any investment decision.

Why Now Is a Key Moment to Sell Your Home

As affordability improves, so does buyer demand.

Mortgage rates are finally heading in the right direction – and buyers are starting to jump back in.

According to the data, buyer demand picked up considerably once mortgage rates hit a new low for 2025. The Mortgage Bankers Association (MBA) reports that applications for home loans were up 23% compared to the first week of September last year.

If you’ve been waiting to sell, or your listing recently expired because the market was slower than you hoped it would be, now’s the time to reconsider your move. Buyer demand is the highest it’s been since July – and you don’t want to miss this window.

When Rates Drop, Buyers React

Here’s what’s happening. The 30-year mortgage rate has dropped nationally to 6.13%. And that’s the lowest it has been since October 2024. On Cape Cod, banks like Cape Cod Five are offering even lower rates.

That decline followed weak job growth and other economic indicators. The Federal Reserve cut the Federal Funds Rate last week and experts speculate that they may do it again before the year is out. And that opens the door for more buyers to act.

Since today’s buyers are looking at every angle to make home purchases more affordable, they’re much more sensitive to even the slightest movement in mortgage rates. Basically, it boils down to this. As affordability improves, so does buyer demand (see graph below):

And that’s a change you’re going to feel – in a good way. Since about this time last year, we’ve been in a plateau of “limited” buyer demand. But now that rates are coming down, buyer demand is getting better.

What This Means for You

If you’re looking to move, it’s time to get serious about what’s happening in the market, and how you can use these key moments to your advantage. Maybe you have an expired listing that sat without offers earlier this year, or you held off on selling altogether, thinking buyers weren’t out there. This is your signal – they’re coming back. Now, it’s not in the big surge the market saw a few years ago, but this could be your window.

Here’s the opportunity. You can list, while buyer activity is rising and before more sellers in your neighborhood do too. Other homeowners may not see this shift for a while, so you can get a leg up on your competition if you act now.

On the flip side, if you wait, sure there may be more buyers if rates continue to inch down. But there are also going to be more sellers too. So, why take that risk?

We can assess your home’s market value, fine-tune your pricing strategy, and make sure it stands out to the serious buyers who are taking action today. And remember, what your neighbor got three years ago for their home is not relevant to today’s market.

Bottom Line

Buyers are watching rates, weighing their options, and starting to get off the sidelines. If you’re thinking about selling, this may be your chance to get ahead.

Want to make sure your house shows up for the right buyers, at the right time?

Let’s connect and walk through the steps together so you can make the most of this moment. You can find us at 508-388-1994 or msennott@todayrealestate.com. We’re ready to help.

Mari and Hank

Nothing herein should be construed as investment advice. You should always conduct your own research and due diligence and obtain professional advice before making any investment decision.

Mortgage Rates Just Saw Their Biggest Drop in a Year

If you’ve been feeling stuck, this is the break you’ve been waiting for.

You’ve been waiting for what feels like forever for mortgage rates to finally budge. And last week, they did – in a big way.

On Friday, September 5th, the average 30-year fixed mortgage rate fell to the lowest since October 2024. It was the biggest one-day decline in over a year.

What Sparked the Drop?

According to Mortgage News Daily, this was a reaction to the August jobs report, which was weaker than expected for a second month in a row. That sent signals across the financial markets, and then mortgage rates came down as a result.

Basically, we’re seeing signs the economy may be slowing down, and as certainty grows in the direction the economy is going, the markets are reacting to what is likely ahead. That historically brings mortgage rates down.

Why Buyers Should Pay Attention Now

But this isn’t just about one day of headlines or one report. It’s about what the drop means for you.

This recent change saves you money when you buy a home. The chart below shows you an example of what a monthly mortgage payment (principal and interest) would be at 7% (where mortgage rates were in May) versus where rates roughly are now:

Compared to just 4 months ago, your future monthly payment would be almost $200 less per month. That’s close to $2,400 a year in savings.

Locally, Cape Cod Five has announced 30 and 15 year rates below 6%.

How Long Will It Last?

That really depends on where the economy and inflation go from here. Rates could drop lower, or they could inch up slightly. 

So, make sure you stay in touch with us and your lender. We’ll be keeping a close eye on inflation indicators, job market updates, and reactions to upcoming Fed policy to gauge where mortgage rates may go from here.

But for now, focus on this. While no one can say for sure where rates are headed, the fact that rates broke out of their months-long rut is a good thing. If you’ve been feeling stuck, this could make the start of a new chapter. As Diana Olick, Senior Real Estate and Climate Correspondent at CNBC, says:

“Rates are finally breaking out of the high 6% range, where they’ve been stuck for months.” 

And that’s gives you more reason to hope than you’ve had in quite some time.

Bottom Line

This is the shift you’ve been waiting for.

Mortgage rates just saw their biggest decline in over a year. And if rates stay near this level, it could make a home you couldn’t afford just a few months ago feel possible again.

With inventory increasing, is this finally the time for you to make the change you know you need to whether buying, selling or both?

Questions? Concerns? You can find us at 508-388-1994 or msennott@todayrealestate.com. We’re here to help.

Mari and Hank

Nothing herein should be construed as investment advice. You should always conduct your own research and due diligence and obtain professional advice before making any investment decision.

The Accidental Landlord

The number of homeowners turning into accidental landlords is rising.

Sometimes sellers will say they’ve decided to rent their homes if the properties been on the market for what they’ve consider too long or if the offers they’re receiving aren’t what “they want.”

There’s a term for this in the industry, and it’s called an accidental landlord. Here’s how Yahoo Finance defines it:

“These ‘accidental landlords’ are homeowners who tried to sell but couldn’t fetch the price they wanted — and instead have decided to rent out their homes until conditions improve.”

Why This Is Happening

The number of homeowners turning into accidental landlords is rising. Business Insider explains why:

“While there have always been accidental landlords . . . an era of middling home sales brought on by a steep rise in borrowing rates — is minting a new wave of reluctant rental owners.”

Basically, sales have slowed down as buyers struggle with today’s affordability challenges. That’s leaving some homeowners with listings that sit and go stale. And if they don’t want to drop their price to try to appeal to buyers, some homeowners may believe that renting is a better option.

Let’s be honest, you can’t blame them for thinking about it. The rents that some properties can command are certainly enticing.

But here’s what you need to remember if renting your house has crossed your mind. If becoming a landlord wasn’t your original plan, there’s probably a reason for that. It comes with a lot more responsibility (and risk) than most people expect.

So, if you find yourself toying with that option, ask yourself these questions first:

1. Does Your House Have Potential as a Profitable Rental?

Just because you can rent it doesn’t mean you should. For example:

  • Are you moving out of state? Managing maintenance from far away isn’t easy.
  • Does the home need repairs before it’s rental-ready? Do you have the time or the funds for that? The house you were attempting to sell “as is,” may not be suitable as a rental property until the improvements you’re trying to avoid making are completed.
  • Is your neighborhood one that typically attracts renters, and would your house be profitable as one?

If any of those give you pause, it’s a sign selling might be the better move.

2. Are You Ready To Be a Landlord?

On paper, renting sounds like easy passive income. In reality, it often looks more like this:

  • Midnight calls about clogged toilets or broken air conditioners
  • Chasing down missed rent payments
  • Damage you’ll have to fix between tenants
  • Calls from former neighbors with complaints about your renters, whether the calls are justified or not.

As Redfin notes:

“Landlords have to fix things like broken pipes, defunct HVAC systems, and structural damage, among other essential repairs. If you don’t have a few thousand dollars on hand to take care of these repairs, you could end up in a bind.”

3. Have You Thought Through the True Costs?

According to Bankrate, here are just a few of the hidden costs that come with renting out your home:

  • A higher insurance premium (landlord insurance typically costs about 25% more)
  • Management fees (if you use a property manager, they typically charge around 10% of the rent)
  • Maintenance and advertising to find tenants
  • Gaps between tenants, where you cover the mortgage without rental income coming in

All of that adds up, fast.

While renting can be a smart move for the right person with the right house, if you’re only considering it because your listing didn’t get traction, there may be a better solution: revisiting the pricing strategy on your house.

Bottom Line

Before you decide to rent your house, make sure to carefully weigh the pros and cons of becoming a landlord. If you do not have an active listing agreement with a real estate professional, please consider contacting us. A fresh set of eyes may offer a different perspective. The issue may not be the price. It could be marketing or other factors.

You can find us at 508-388-1994 or msennott@todayrealestate.com.

For many homeowners, the hassle (and the expense) of renting may not be worth it. 

Mari and Hank

The information contained, and the opinions expressed, in this article are not intended to be construed as investment advice. You should always conduct your own research and due diligence and obtain professional advice before making any investment decision.

Did Uncle Bob Give You Bad Advice This Weekend?

Everyone loves to talk about the real estate market.

We hope you were able to enjoy the Labor Day Weekend with family and friends.

When people get together it’s pretty common for them to talk about the issues of the day and everyone loves to talk about the real estate market.

Your Uncle Bob who “knows a little something about real estate” may have commented over the weekend that new home inventory is at its highest level since the crash. And that was a bad sign.

If you lived through the crash back in 2008, hearing that new construction is up may feel a little scary.

But here’s what you need to remember: a lot of what you see online is designed to get clicks. Of course, the more sensational the more likely the headline is to be repeated by people like your Uncle Bob. (With all due respect to everyone’s Uncle Bob!)

So, you may not be getting the full story. A closer look at the data and a little expert insight can change your perspective completely.

Why This Isn’t Like 2008

While it’s true the number of new homes on the market hit its highest level since the crash, that’s not a reason to worry. That’s because new builds are just one piece of the puzzle. They don’t tell the full story of what’s happening today.

To get the real picture of how much inventory we have and how it compares to the surplus we saw back then, you’ve got to look at both new homes and existing homes (homes that were lived in by a previous owner).

When you combine those two numbers, it’s clear overall supply  looks very different today than it did around the crash (see graph below):

So, saying we’re near 2008 levels for new construction isn’t the same as the inventory surplus we had the last time.

Builders Have Actually Underbuilt for Over a Decade

And here’s some other important perspective you’re not going to get from those headlines. After the 2008 crash, builders slammed on the brakes. For 15 years, they didn’t build enough homes to keep up with demand. That long stretch of underbuilding created a major housing shortage, which we’re still dealing with today.

The graph below uses Census data to show the overbuilding leading up to the crash (in red), and the period of underbuilding that followed (in orange):

Basically, we had more than 15 straight years of underbuilding – and we’re only recently starting to slowly climb out of that hole. But there’s still a long way to go (even with the growth we’ve seen lately). Experts at Realtor.com say it would roughly 7.5 years to build enough homes to close the gap.

Of course, like anything else in real estate, the level of supply and demand is going to vary by market. Some markets may have more homes for sale, some less. But nationally, this isn’t like the last time.

Bottom Line

Just because there are more new homes for sale right now, it doesn’t mean we’re headed for a crash. The data shows today’s overall inventory situation is different.

If you have questions or want to talk about what builders are doing on Cape Cod, let’s connect at 508-388-1994 or msennott@todayrealestate.com.

We’ll talk to Uncle Bob, too!

Mari and Hank

The information contained, and the opinions expressed, in this article are not intended to be construed as investment advice. You should always conduct your own research and due diligence and obtain professional advice before making any investment decision.