Although 2020 proved to be a challenging year for many industries, the real estate market was one industry that remained upright. In fact, the real estate market also avoided the typical setbacks that arise in the industry. However, 2021 is a new year, and like all industries, the previous year influences the following year’s efforts. If you’re looking to invest in the housing market or close more deals, the trick is to stay ahead of the hot home trends.
Below, we’ve compiled the top trends in the housing market slated to emerge this year. With these trends, you’ll be able to guide your clients in the right direction with confidence.
Housing Inventory Will Grow
Throughout the past two years, a lack of supply has been a reoccurring issue in the housing market. Essentially, there haven’t been enough houses to keep up with buyer demand. But there’s good news on the horizon. Economists predict that housing inventory will finally begin to grow in the second half of 2021. For real estate agents, this is excellent news.
It means you’ll have more opportunities for your clients looking for that perfect home and more sellers looking to place their houses on the market. Although we are currently in spring’s seller’s market, don’t get discouraged. New inventory is on the horizon.
Bidding Wars Will Hold Strong
According to Redfin, two-thirds of buyers faced intense bidding wars in recent months. And thanks in part to the lack of necessary inventory, the competitive bidding will hold throughout 2021. For your clients looking to invest in a new home, this is terrible news, as creative bidding will have to be used to ensure they have an edge.
Because of this, buyers must be prepared to bend on some of their requirements and possibly lose out on their top home choices. They should also be pre-approved and ready to pull the trigger at a second’s notice if they hope to outpace other potential homeowners. On the opposite end, sellers should be prepared to take advantage of having an abundance of bids on their properties. Doing so opens the door to unique opportunities like fielding all-cash offers or leasing the property back for a reduced cost.
Housing Values Will Continue Rising
A lack of homes to buy means competition. According to realtor.com, the national housing inventory decreased by 48.6% throughout 2020. That competition means that rates for listed properties steadily rose well past their initial asking prices, much to the chagrin of buyers.
Last year, the Home Price Index listed home prices at amounts 12% higher than previous years, and those numbers crept upward for nine months straight. Now, as pandemic restrictions loosen and cases decline, people are looking to move back into urban areas, which were undesirable previously for the high rates of covid transmissions.
It Will Continue to Be a Seller’s Market
Since we won’t see the new inventory of homes predicted by economists until late 2021, this home trend will likely continue into next year. So, if you have buyers with safe housing, it may be wise to advise them to wait until the market is less competitive to purchase their dream home. This will save them time, money, and the headache of competing against better-qualified buyers.
However, for those considering selling their properties, now is the time to do it! As an agent, this is also a great time to consider cold calling services to produce more qualified leads. You can use the opportunity to explain to sellers the benefits of selling their homes in a competitive market. If you need a team to assist with your cold calling efforts, Call Motivated Sellers is eager to help. We have a team of cold calling experts who can vet your list of potential sellers. Contact our team to learn how we can streamline your process!
Mortgage Rates Will Stay Low
Another benefit from the pandemic that will extend through the year is low mortgage rates. Financial Institutions work on the same principles that businesses do, supply and demand. Rates have dropped to record lows throughout the past year and are projected to stay there throughout 2021. This means, thanks to record low rates, you can stretch your budget even further when buying a home and consider properties previously out of your range.
Real Estate Has Moved Online, and Will Stay There
Open houses are a thing of the past thanks to social distancing regulations and nationwide stay-at-home orders. Many office employees moved to work remotely, and that home trend looks as if it is here to stay, even as things begin to open up.
Moving business online has increased efficiency for many industries, real estate included. The market became an entirely digital enterprise — advertising, listing, and even showings went virtual — and it’s predicted to stay that way for the foreseeable future. This shift is also in line with the growing number of potential homebuyers who do their research online. The convenience of a digital product is appealing to many potential clients, solidifying that this home trend won’t be going anywhere.
Luxury Properties Continue to Be A Hot Buy
One of the most shocking trends moving into 2021 is the rise in luxury clients. There was a significant spike in the luxury housing market in 2020, and it only continues to grow in 2021. Much like the online trend, luxury clients have sought new spaces to improve their quarantine time, and they have the money to invest in a suitable area. According to Barrons.com, homes priced between $250,000 and $500,000 made up the most significant share of homes sold at 40.1%. Sales in this category grew 27% last year.
As you can see, the housing market has held firm during the comeback and continues to rise throughout 2021. As an agent, if you were worried about job security, fear not. There are optimistic projections far and wide in the housing market in the U.S.
Call Motivated Sellers
Whether you are buying or selling a home, the process can be long, confusing, and scary. The uncertainties of the previous year left us all confused as to where to go next, but thankfully real estate trends show positive growth well past this year. At Call Motivated Sellers, we have years of experience in the real estate industry, and we can arm buyers, sellers, and agents with the correct information to get the ball rolling.
Are you interested in working with us or learning more about the services we offer? Contact our team today, and let’s talk!
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