May 1, 2018 | Bob Myers
There are many unsubstantiated theories as to why home values are continuing to increase.  From those who are worried that lending standards are again becoming too lenient (data shows this is untrue), to those who are concerned that prices are again approaching boom peaks because of “irrational exuberance” (this is also untrue as prices are not at peak levels when they are adjusted for inflation), there seems to be no shortage of opinion.

However, the increase in prices is easily explained by the theory of supply & demand.  Whenever there is a limited supply of an item that is in high demand, prices increase.

It is that simple. In real estate, it takes a six-month supply of existing salable inventory to maintain pricing stability. In most  housing markets, anything less than six months will cause home values to appreciate and anything more than seven months will cause prices to  depreciate (see chart below).
According to the Existing Home Sales Report  from the National Association of Realtors (NAR), the monthly inventory of homes for sale has been below six months for the last five years (see chart below).

Bottom Line

If buyer demand continues to outpace the current supply of existing  homes for sale, prices will continue to appreciate. Nothing nefarious is taking place.  It is simply the theory of supply & demand working as  it should.

Please  consider The Myers Team your resource for all things real estate.  We have over 30 years of real estate experience, specializing in the Montgomery County area.  If you are refinancing, want a recommendation, need a service provider or just have a home related question, please give me a call at 301-910-9910 or email me at bobmyersteam@gmail.com.
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