Record-low housing inventory, high prices and low mortgage rates made an interesting backdrop for the 2021 real estate market. Millions fought tooth and nail to close on homes throughout the year, but millions more were unsuccessful in their attempts.
The 2021 housing market was booming, but that doesn’t mean buying a house was a breeze. In fact, 66% of Americans who started last year with intentions to buy were unsuccessful, according to NerdWallet’s 2022 Home Buyer Report. With a lofty 26 million planning to buy homes this year, according to the survey, the lessons from failed 2021 attempts may contain guidance for this year’s shoppers.
More than one-third (35%) of Americans who planned to buy a home in 2021 but didn’t do so say they postponed or canceled those plans due to the pandemic or related effects. Of course, there’s very little individual buyers can do about the broad public health and economic impacts we’re all experiencing, but that doesn’t mean all hope is lost.
Studying the most common barriers to buying in 2021 may give prospective homeowners the edge they need to close a deal this year.
1. Competitive offers close deals
Low inventory amid high demand makes for a competitive market, and in that regard, 2022 will be similar to 2021. One-fourth (25%) of Americans who planned, but failed, to buy a home in 2021 say they made an offer on at least one home but didn’t ultimately go under contract.
A competitive offer isn’t only the highest offer. Sure, money talks, and you’re more likely to be successful if you can outbid the competition. But there are other ways to make your offer stand out.
Make the transaction look as easy as possible by keeping it simple and convenient for the seller. Demonstrate your ability to pay with a mortgage preapproval, suggest a speedy closing and let the seller choose the date, and offer to buy the home as-is after it’s professionally inspected. Your real estate agent can help you write an offer that gets moved to the top of the pile, without putting you at undue risk.
See: Emboldened by a hot property market, sellers push real-estate agents to lower commission fees
2. Available homes may not be perfect homes
The greater the housing shortage, the more flexible potential buyers will need to be.
One-fourth (25%) of unsuccessful buyers in 2021 say they held off on their plans because they couldn’t find a home that met their needs. There’s a good chance the line between wants and needs, for many in this group, isn’t clearly defined.
Before you begin shopping, make a list of all …….