Time Magazine ended last week with a commentary that could foreshadow how this year’s Forsyth County real estate market might differ from years past. Author Bill Saporito identified a mismatch in the real estate market that could bode well for empty nesters. Whether or not the implications will be a perfect fit for our Forsyth County real estate outlook, the “Big Picture” assessment does seem to gel with a lot of what we’re hearing and reading.
Time’s real estate market “mismatch” begins with the national assessment that the U.S. is experiencing an annual shortage of as many as 700,000 new homes. Even though the latest economic outlook is refreshingly encouraging, new home builders are only now beginning to build the capacity to expand operations. As a result, “they haven’t banked as much land” or filed enough permits to keep pace. It’s also possible that the new administration’s crackdown on illegal immigrants may materially tighten labor availability.
The upshot is to create a scenario where demand for existing homes rises, putting current homeowners in “prime position” when they decide to list. Bolstering that proposition are some national statistics which peg the supply of existing homes at a scant 3.6 months—and it’s been more than a decade since the supply was that low.
What that probably means for our local Forsyth County real estate prospects is what you expect when demand outpaces supply. When those greater conditions combine with the more immediate local factors, the overall takeaway should be good news for empty nesters (and downsizers in general). In addition to the extra energy that arrives with real estate’s traditional spring selling season, this year, in addition to the shortage of supply, the specter of rising Forsyth County mortgage costs acts as an extra prod. Time quotes the chief economist of one global group on that score: “…buyers are beginning to realize you might as well get in now.”
The good news for baby boomers, empty nesters, and downsizers of all stripes is that the new real estate starts are now disproportionately being designed with them in mind: high service, luxury condos leading the pack. What that means is even fewer new single-family homes are in the pipeline—further raising demand for their existing properties, if and when they decide to list.
In addition, Forsyth County offers tax incentives for senior homeowners not found in all Georgia counties.
If you have been considering any of the opportunities unfolding in today’s Forsyth County real estate market, I’ll be delighted to discuss ways I can help you take advantage of them. Call me for a consultation—of course it will be obligation-free.
This Cumming GA Real Estate blog is hosted by Gayle Barton of BERKSHIRE HATHAWAY HomeServices Georgia Properties.
I specialize in Real Estate sales in the following Forsyth County, North Fulton County and East Cobb cities: Cumming, Suwanee, Johns Creek, Alpharetta, Duluth, Milton, and Roswell. Other areas are serviced by request.
Gayle Barton South Forsyth Real Estate | Cumming GA Real Estate
Gayle Barton Cumming GA Real Estate | South Forsyth Real Estate