Over 23 percent thinking of selling. Why the hesitation?

Hesitation-KCM

Last month, the National Association of Realtors (NAR) reported that housing inventory was down 4.7 percent from the same time last year and that the month?s inventory of homes for sale stood at 4.8 ? far below the six months necessary for a normal housing market. Why is there such a shortage of inventory?

The recently released?Homeowner Sentiment Survey?suggests that the American homeowner may not be fully aware of the opportunities that exist in the current real estate market. The survey, conducted by?Edelman Berland?for?HSF Affiliates, also reports that many homeowners would be placing their home up for sale if they were better informed about today?s market.

Since the housing industry is facing a shortage of housing inventory, the survey?s findings are crucially important.

The survey reported that 23 percent of current homeowners questioned are considering selling their home but haven?t yet put it up for sale. That?s almost one out of every four houses. This is the inventory necessary to normalize the balance between ?supply & demand? in the current market.

Why are potential sellers hesitating?

The survey shows that 55 percent of the 23 percent contemplating selling ?would be more likely to put their homes on the market if given more information about the process.” What information do they need?

Here are a few of the challenges that potential sellers perceive to exist according to the survey along with what is actually happening in today?s market:

1. More than half (53 percent) don?t realize that??the number of homes for sale on the market is lower, giving buyers fewer choices.”?As a matter of fact, only 6 percent of potential sellers believe that listing inventory has recently decreased.

In reality, as we mentioned before, inventory is down from last year.

2. 80 percent think credit scores make it difficult to get a loan.?

In reality, though other studies have shown that many Americans believe that you need a credit score of at least 780 to get a loan, the actual median scores on closed loans are demonstratively lower than that.

3. 76 percent believe stricter lending requirements make it more difficult to get a mortgage.

In reality, the?Mortgage Credit Availability Index?shows lending standards have been consistently easing over the last year.

4. 68 percent think that current homeowners are trapped into their mortgages and are unable to sell their current homes.

In reality, a recent Fannie Mae study revealed that 32 percent of Americans are dramatically underestimating the current equity in their homes. Many more can afford to make the move they desire.

What?s the answer?

Every family should feel confident when they are buying or selling a home. In order to feel confident they need to truly understand their options and opportunities.?HSF Affiliates CEO Gino Blefari put it best when he addressed the findings of the survey:

?Education is essential in today?s market. The stage is set for real estate professionals to connect with consumers, learn their needs and concerns and determine the best way for sellers and buyers to capitalize on the opportunities that exist today.?

For more information or assistance, please contact The Olear Team today!