{"id":3472,"date":"2018-04-20T11:14:57","date_gmt":"2018-04-20T15:14:57","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/dankrell.com\/blog\/?p=3472"},"modified":"2019-07-18T06:47:56","modified_gmt":"2019-07-18T10:47:56","slug":"housing-inventory-crisis","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/dankrell.com\/blog\/2018\/04\/20\/housing-inventory-crisis\/","title":{"rendered":"Housing inventory crisis?"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
\"housing<\/a><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

The low housing inventory crisis has plagued the housing market<\/a> for about six years.  Low inventory has frustrated home buyers and all but eliminated move up home buyers.  The ongoing housing inventory crisis is an obstacle to a balanced housing market.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

As a result of the ongoing housing inventory crisis, existing home sales may see a decline in the next few months, when spring sales should be strong.\u00a0 Seasonal increases are a given, as National Association of Realtors (nar.realtor) data indicated a 3.0 percent month-over-month increase for February existing home sales<\/a> and a 3.1 percent month-over-month increase in the Pending Home Sale Index (the Pending Home Sales Index is a forward-looking dataset indicating the number of homes that are under contract).\u00a0 However, February sales only increased 1.1 percent from last year.\u00a0 But the tell of slowing activity is the 4.1 percent decrease in pending home sales<\/a> from last year.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Most experts blame the sluggish home sale activity<\/a> on low housing inventory.  NAR\u2019s reporting that February\u2019s seasonal month-over-month 4.6 percent increase of total housing inventory is expected.  However, the 8.1 percent decrease in housing inventory compared to last year is worrisome.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Greater Capital Area Association of Realtors (gcaar.com) March 2018 data for single family home sales in Montgomery County indicated a decline in activity across the board.\u00a0 Listings decreased 11.1 percent month-over-month and 7.8 from last year.\u00a0 Contracts decreased 6.6 percent month-over-month and 6.9 percent from last year.\u00a0 While closings only decreased 3.8 percent month-over-month, there was a 7.8 percent decrease from last year.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Another sign that that the housing market is in crisis is last week\u2019s announcement from Zillow.  If you have not yet heard, Zillow is expanding their Instant Offer program and plans to jump into the housing market<\/a> (zillow.com).  They plan to fix and flip homes by making cash offers and buying houses like other investors who participate in their IO program. The homes will be listed for sale with real estate agents who subscribe to Zillow\u2019s Premier Agent program, as well as select partner brokers.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Zillow Chief Marketing Officer Jeremy Wacksman stated, <\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

“Even in today’s hot market, many sellers are stressed and searching for a more seamless way to sell their homes…They want help, and while most prefer to sell their home on the open market with an agent, some value convenience and time over price. This expansion of Instant Offers, and Zillow’s entrance into the marketplace, will help us better serve both types of consumers as well as provide an opportunity for Premier Agents to connect with sellers. This is expected to be a vibrant line of business for us and for our partners in the real estate industry, while providing homeowners with more choices and information.”<\/p><\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n

The venture into flipping is a huge deviation for the internet juggernaut<\/a>, whose revenue is mostly generated by selling advertising and leads to real estate agents and loan officers.  The reaction in the industry is mixed, however Zillow\u2019s stock dropped 7 percent the day after the announcement<\/a>.  Critics, including experienced real estate investors, scoffed at Zillow\u2019s ambitious plan to flip a house within ninety days.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In a market where home owners are reluctant to sell, and frustrated home buyers are dropping out, Zillow needs to find ways to increase lead generation to grow subscribers (see why tech models looking for alternate revenue<\/a>).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

While being ridiculed by many, Zillow\u2019s flipping plan may be a brilliant strategy to generate home seller leads for agents.  Zillow acknowledges in their press release<\/a> that \u201cthe vast majority of sellers who requested an Instant Offer ended up selling their home with an agent, making Instant Offers an excellent source of seller leads for Premier Agents and brokerage partners<\/em>.\u201d  If Zillow\u2019s plan works, it could also grease the wheels of the housing market by turning reluctant home owners into sellers.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

As a home seller, the home sale inventory shortage limits your competition<\/a>.  But be aware that it\u2019s not entirely a seller\u2019s market<\/a>.  Your home\u2019s condition can significantly lower the sales price, or even prevent a sale.  Serious consideration should also be given to your listing price.  Additionally, you should focus your attention to preparing your home to show to home buyers.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

By Dan Krell
Copyright \u00a9 2018<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you like this post, do not copy; instead please:
link to the article<\/a>,
like it on facebook<\/a>
or re-tweet<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Protected<\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Disclaimer<\/a>. This article is not intended to provide nor should it be relied upon for legal and financial advice. Readers should not rely solely on the information contained herein, as it does not purport to be comprehensive or render specific advice. Readers should consult with an attorney regarding local real estate laws and customs as they vary by state and jurisdiction. Using this article without permission is a violation of copyright laws.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

The low housing inventory crisis has plagued the housing market for about six years.  Low inventory has frustrated home buyers and all but eliminated move up home buyers.  The ongoing housing inventory crisis is an obstacle to a balanced housing market. As a result of the ongoing housing inventory crisis, existing home sales may see … <\/p>\n

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