Orange County Real Estate Market Update: A Strong Seller’s Market Continues

The real estate market is experiencing a dynamic shift, with several key indicators pointing to a competitive environment—especially for buyers. Let’s take a closer look at the numbers and what they mean for both buyers and sellers.

Low Inventory Driving a Seller’s Market

One of the most telling statistics is the Months Supply of Inventory, which currently sits at just 2.84 months. This number indicates how long it would take for all active listings to sell if no new homes were added to the market. A balanced market typically has around six months of inventory, meaning anything lower than that tends to favor sellers. With inventory levels this low, demand is outpacing supply, creating a highly competitive market.

Homes Are Selling Faster

Not only is inventory low, but homes are also selling at a rapid pace. The Median Days on Market is currently 48 days, meaning homes are being snatched up quickly. This is a clear indicator that buyers are eager to purchase, and properties are not sitting idle for long.

Additionally, the 12-Month Change in Months of Inventory has dropped by 19.32%, signaling a significant decrease in available homes compared to last year. This trend suggests that the housing supply is shrinking even further, making it more challenging for buyers to find suitable properties.

Rising Prices and Competitive Offers

With inventory decreasing and demand remaining strong, home prices are on the rise. The Median Sold Price now stands at $445,000, reflecting the growing competition among buyers. Low supply and high demand naturally drive up prices, meaning sellers are seeing increased returns on their properties.

Another telling metric is the Sold-to-List Price Percentage, which currently sits at 103.1%. This means that, on average, homes are selling for more than their asking price. Bidding wars are becoming increasingly common, with multiple buyers competing for the same property, often pushing final sale prices above the original list price.

What This Means for Buyers and Sellers

For Sellers:

This is an excellent time to list your home. With limited inventory and high demand, sellers are in a strong position to receive competitive offers—often above asking price. If you’ve been considering selling, now might be the perfect opportunity to capitalize on market conditions.

For Buyers:

The current market conditions require buyers to act quickly and strategically. With homes selling fast and bidding wars becoming the norm, it’s important to be prepared:
✅ Get pre-approved for a mortgage to strengthen your offer.
✅ Work with a real estate professional who understands the market.
✅ Be ready to make competitive offers, possibly above asking price, to secure the right home.

Final Thoughts

The housing market remains hot and competitive, with sellers benefiting from low inventory and rising prices. Buyers, on the other hand, need to move fast and be prepared to compete. Whether you’re looking to buy or sell, understanding these key metrics can help you navigate the market with confidence.

If you’re thinking about making a move, reach out to a real estate professional for guidance tailored to your specific needs.

Sussex County Real Estate Market Update: High Demand, Low Inventory, and Rising Prices

The real estate market remains highly competitive, with strong demand and historically low inventory levels shaping the landscape. Buyers are facing increased pressure to act quickly, while sellers are benefiting from rising prices and fast sales. Let’s break down the key metrics that define today’s market and what they mean for buyers and sellers alike.

Inventory at Record Lows, Creating a Seller’s Market

The Months Supply of Inventory is currently at just 1.67 months, meaning that if no new homes were added, the existing supply would sell out in less than two months. A balanced market typically has about six months of inventory, so this extreme shortage strongly favors sellers. With more buyers than available homes, competition is fierce, making it challenging for buyers to find and secure properties.

Adding to the tight inventory situation, the 12-Month Change in Months of Inventory has declined by -12.57%, further restricting supply compared to last year. This indicates that homes are being bought faster than new listings can replace them, making the market even more competitive.

Homes Are Selling Faster Than Ever

Not only is inventory low, but homes are also selling at record speed. The Median Days on Market is now just 29 days, meaning that most homes go under contract in less than a month. This rapid turnover suggests that serious buyers are making swift decisions, often submitting offers shortly after listings go live.

For buyers, this means hesitation can cost them the opportunity to purchase a home. Working with a knowledgeable real estate agent and securing pre-approval for a mortgage can help ensure they’re ready to act when the right property becomes available.

Home Prices Are Strong and Continuing to Rise

Low inventory and high demand naturally lead to rising prices, and the numbers reflect this trend. The Median Sold Price now stands at $417,000, underscoring the competitive nature of the market. With limited options, buyers are often willing to pay a premium to secure a home.

Additionally, the Sold-to-List Price Percentage is 102.7%, meaning that, on average, homes are selling for above their asking price. This is a strong indicator of bidding wars, as multiple buyers compete for limited inventory, driving up final sale prices.

What This Means for Buyers and Sellers

For Sellers:

If you’ve been thinking about selling, now is an excellent time. Low inventory means less competition, and homes are selling quickly—often above asking price. This market offers strong opportunities to maximize returns on your property.

For Buyers:

Navigating this competitive market requires preparation and strategy:
✅ Get pre-approved for a mortgage to strengthen your offer.
✅ Work with an experienced real estate professional to identify opportunities quickly.
✅ Be prepared to make competitive offers—possibly above asking price—to secure a home.

Final Thoughts

The current market is highly competitive, with demand far outpacing supply. Sellers have the upper hand, while buyers need to be ready to move quickly and offer strong bids to succeed. Whether you’re buying or selling, staying informed on market trends and working with a knowledgeable agent can help you navigate this fast-moving landscape with confidence.

If you’re considering making a move, now is the time to connect with a real estate professional to strategize your next steps.