When you plan to purchase or sell a property, hard money might be in the idea but it is important to understand the state of the real estate market. The market can be classified as either a buyer’s market or a seller’s market, and it can influence your purchasing or selling strategy and the final price you pay or receive for the property. In this blog post, we will discuss the difference between a buyer’s market and a seller’s market and how to determine which one you are in.
What is a Buyer's Market?
A buyer’s market is a market where the supply of available properties (homes, condos, apartments, etc.) exceeds the demand from prospective buyers. In other words, there are more properties for sale than there are buyers looking for homes. This generally results in lower prices as sellers reduce their prices to attract potential buyers.
Characteristics of a Buyer's Market
In a buyer’s market, properties take longer to sell, and sellers may lower their asking prices to attract buyers. There are also fewer bidding wars, and buyers have more negotiating power, as sellers are typically more willing to accept a lower offer to get their property sold. Additionally, homes may stay on the market for an extended period, leading to a potential increase in the numbers of foreclosures in the area. These can be great opportunities to use hard money to invest at the right time.
What is a Seller's Market?
A seller’s market is where the demand for properties exceeds the supply, resulting in higher home prices and less time on the market. In a seller’s market, there are more buyers than homes for sale, giving sellers more bargaining power, as they can negotiate higher prices with potential buyers.
Characteristics of a Seller's Market
In a seller’s market, homes sell quickly, with multiple offers, often with no contingencies, and above asking prices. Bidding wars are a typical occurrence in a seller’s market. Buyers have a difficult time negotiating price and must often pay the full asking price or more to successfully purchase a home. Additionally, homes are usually on the market for a shorter period of time, leading to fewer foreclosures.
How to Determine if You're in a Buyer's or Seller's Market?
To determine what type of real estate market you are currently in, you need to analyze the current home buying and selling trends in your area. Look at the average days on the market for properties in your area, how quickly homes are getting sold, and if many homes are selling for above or below asking price. If homes are selling quickly, and bidding wars are common, then you are in a seller’s market. If homes are taking more time to sell, and prices are staying the same or dropping, then you are in a buyer’s market. When the market is right but you don’t have the funds right away, hard money could be a great alternative to get your investment going.
In conclusion, understanding the difference between a buyer’s market and a seller’s market can help you navigate the real estate market and make informed decisions. If you are a buyer, a buyer’s market allows you to negotiate better deals and ultimately pay less for the property. On the other hand, if you are a seller, a seller’s market can help you sell your property quickly and potentially get more money for it. Keep an eye on trends in your area, speak to your real estate agent, and make a strategy that works for you. With these tips, you’ll be better equipped to make the right decision for your real estate purchase or sale.
If you’re looking for professional advice on your real estate contact our experienced team here at FlipCo Financial. We offer free quotes on all our hard money loans. Call us today or fill out a form on our website.