Between Thanksgiving and mid-February, the housing inventory takes a deep dive. 

If you’re house hunting during this time, you might be wondering about the best  strategies.

Many clients need to move for various reasons, such as relocating, getting married, having babies, or selling their homes. Despite the low inventory, there are proactive and creative house-hunting approaches to secure a great home.

So if you need to move forward with buying a home during this typical lull in the market, don’t worry!  You can still find a great home! 

Domino Effect on Buyers and Sellers

Low inventory affects both buyers and sellers. Despite being financially prepared, buyers face limited options. Sellers, too, find it challenging to move with so few homes available. However, staying positive is crucial, as this quieter market brings advantages like no bidding wars and reduced competition.

Out-of-the-Box Strategies to Find Your Home Now

To cope with the limited supply, specific strategies are employed during this low-inventory period.

For buyers —

• Be very clear about what you are looking for in a home. Having more clarity can help us look for off-market homes for you.  Yes, homes that aren’t officially listed.
• Understand that this isn’t your usual market.  Your plans will still come to fruition; they just may be delayed, but not forever.

For sellers —

• Be open to new strategies. We can come up with a plan that matches the right buyers for your home, who aren’t casual buyers but determined buyers.
• Stay positive about prices negotiation. Know that prices can remain strong since inventory is limited, and you may have potential buyers of your home willing to negotiate.

Matching Buyers to Potential Sellers

Creativity and proactivity come into play when inventory is low: It’s a win -win for everyone.

1.) Off-market forums and groups. Posting my buyer clients’ needs and working with other agents in the area who may have listings that are not on the market yet can be a productive way to find homes.

2.) Reach out to my homeowner clients.  I reach out to past clients who have expressed an interest to sell at some point and are prepping their homes for sale.

3.) Letter writing campaign.  For my buyers who want to live in a specific neighborhood or building, I use a letter writing campaign that’s been successful for many clients. 

Once we know exactly where you want to live, we can use this letter writing campaign effectively any time of year, but especially this time of year since so many sellers hold off from listing during the holidays.  There could be eager sellers who don’t want to wait!

4.) Being proactive vs. waiting around.  This includes reaching out to agents, past clients, and community boards for potential homes.

As you can see, being more strategic and having a plan of action that is more proactive can work when inventory is typically low during this time of year. 

If you are looking to move during this very low inventory season, reach out so we can put some of these strategies and others I have as well to work for you!