A shortage of existing-home inventory is driving more people to the market for newly built homes. 

Increased mortgage rates have sidelined many would-be buyers, allowing inventory levels to increase. As a result, buyers can now “shop around” more than during the peak of the pandemic, putting the burden of concessions back on sellers.

Homebuilders expressed “cautious optimism” that the lack of existing inventory would drive demand for new homes despite high construction costs and interest rates, the National Association of Home Builders reported.    

There are 58 less million-dollar cities in the U.S. than there were in July of last year, according to a new report from Zillow.

The Mortgage Bankers Association noted the increase in borrowing activity came despite the 30-year fixed mortgage rate climbing to its highest level since November 2022. 

As rising mortgage rates cool the market, the share of U.S. homes worth at least $1 million has fallen from an all-time high last year, according to a new Redfin report.

“Many homebuyers are making their buying decisions now while inventory is available,” said Frank Leach, broker and owner at RE/MAX Platinum Services in Silverdale and board member for the NWMLS.

In January, home prices were up 5.5% annually and down 0.2% monthly, CoreLogic reported, citing its monthly Home Price Insights report. 

Buyers have more choices as inventory makes a fast recovery, according to a new Realtor.com report.

People staying in their homes longer is contributing to the lack of inventory that continues to impact buyers.

The S&P CoreLogic Case-Shiller U.S. National Home Price Index rose 5.8% year-over-year in December, compared to a 7.6% gain in November.

The 8.1% month-over-month increase in the National Association of REALTORS® Pending Home Sales Index was the largest gain since June 2020. 

The median sales price of a new home declined on both a monthly and yearly basis, however, the U.S. Census Bureau and the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development reported.        

The RE/MAX National Housing Report shows that increasing numbers of Seattle-area homes are selling below their list price.

Here’s a look at the 10 most expensive listings posted in the last 30 days in Seattle, as well as the brokers who listed them.

The 30-year fixed-rate mortgage averaged 6.32% as of Feb. 16, up from 6.12% a week before and 3.92% a year earlier.