Inventory is shrinking: a sure sign of better times ahead?

April 28, 2009

As of last Friday, there were just over 17,000 homes (single family, condos and townhomes) for sale in Las Vegas and Henderson.

Sounds a lot, doesn’t it? Well, not when you take into account that we are currently seeing about 900 homes going into escrow…per week!!! If this sales volume continues, we have an inventory level of about 5 months.

So who’s buying? Last year there was a survey published, showing more or less 67 million US residents were actively searching real estate.

1st. time buyers make up a significant chunk of Vegas home purchases. Not surprising when you consider that prices are low, FHA rates are running around 5%, and 1st time buyers (if you’ve not owned a home in the last 3 years, you’re a 1st time buyer) are eligible for a tax credit of $8,000.

Parents make up another sizeable portion of the home buying public. Rather than waste money on fancy cars or lavish graduation parties, a lot of kids are being “gifted” down payments to buy a home.

And finally, let’s not forget about investors. Donald Trump said recently “be bold and buy real estate now!”. Looks like a lot of folks are taking his advice.


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