The number of homes for sale across the country is at the lowest levels since 1999, leading to bidding wars and a surge in prices, the New York Times reports.
The number of homes for sale nationwide is at the lowest level since 1999.
Courtney Sacco | AnnArbor.com
When a house is listed for sale, it is often snatched off the market in a matter of days and buyers are willing to pay above listing price. Inventory is low because the economy is improving and more people are looking to buy, but still, many homeowners are reluctant to put their houses up for sale, the report says.
Washtenaw County is no exception: Sale prices in January were up 33.7 percent over the same period last year, and many house hunters and Realtors are frustrated with the county’s lack of inventory.
Meanwhile, new home construction is making a comeback and U.S. housing permits are at their highest level since 2008.
Lizzy Alfs is a business reporter for AnnArbor.com. Reach her at 734-623-2584 or email her at lizzyalfs@annarbor.com. Follow her on Twitter at http://twitter.com/lizzyalfs.