Nancy Nino

The Surprising Trend in the Number of Homes Coming onto the Market

by Nancy Nino

If you’re thinking about moving, it’s important to know what’s happening in the housing market. Here’s an update on the supply of homes currently for sale. Whether you’re buying or selling, the number of homes in your area is something you should pay attention to.

In the housing market, there are regular patterns that happen every year, called seasonality. Spring is the peak homebuying season and also when the most homes are typically listed for sale (homes coming onto the market are known in the industry as new listings). In the second half of each year, the number of new listings typically decreases as the pace of sales slows down.

The graph below uses data from Realtor.com to provide a visual of this seasonality. It shows how this year (the black line) is breaking from the norm (see graph below):

Looking at this graph, three things become clear:

2017-2019 (the blue and gray lines) follow the same general pattern. These years were very typical in the housing market and their lines on the graph show normal, seasonal trends.
Starting in 2020, the data broke from the normal trend. The big drop down in 2020 (the orange line) signals when the pandemic hit and many sellers paused their plans to move. 2021 (the green line) and 2022 (the red line) follow the normal trend a bit more, but still are abnormal in their own ways.
This year (the black line) is truly unique. The steep drop off in new listings that usually occurs this time of year hasn’t happened. If 2023 followed the norm, the line representing this year would look more like the dotted black line. Instead, what’s happening is the number of new listings is stabilizing. And, there are even more new listings coming to the market this year compared to the same time last year.

What Does This Mean for You?

For buyers, new listings stabilizing is a positive sign. It means you have a more steady stream of options coming onto the market and more choices for your next home than you would have at the same time last year. This opens up possibilities and allows you to explore a variety of homes that suit your needs.
For sellers, while new listings are breaking seasonal norms, inventory is still well below where it was before the pandemic. If you look again at the graph, you’ll see the black line for this year is still lower than normal, meaning inventory isn’t going up dramatically and prices aren’t heading for a crash. And with less competition from other sellers than you’d see in a more typical year, your house has a better chance to be in the spotlight and attract eager buyers.

Bottom Line

Whether you’re on the hunt for your next home or thinking of selling, now might just be the perfect time to make your move. If you have questions or concerns about the availability of homes in our local area, let’s connect.

30 Questions to Ask Around the Thanksgiving Table

by Nancy Nino

The blog “Of the Hearth” shares inspirational “stuff of life” and this list they shared in 2017 is no exception.

If you could thank one person (living or dead) for his or her influence on your life, who would you thank?
What is one thing that you really appreciate about someone at the table?
What is the most valuable lesson you’ve learned this year?
What are three things that always make you smile?
What is your favorite part of Thanksgiving?
What random acts of kindness have you received this year?
What is your favorite Thanksgiving memory?
What made you laugh the hardest this past year?
What is one thing you would like to accomplish in the coming year?
Who is the most grateful person you know?
What book, article, or blog post are you most grateful for this year?
What do you appreciate about the change in seasons?
What is one thing you really love to do as a family?
What is one unusual tradition or ritual you’d like to make part of your Thanksgiving celebration?
What is the biggest struggle in your life right now?
How do you stay focused on gratitude throughout the year?
Which of your qualities make you a good friend?
If you could share Thanksgiving dinner with one famous historical figure, who would you choose?
What song or poem sums up your life over the past year?
What is the best compliment you’ve been given this last year?
If you could invent a holiday, what would it be called and what would it celebrate?
What is your favorite holiday and why is it your favorite?
When was one time this past year that you did the right thing, even when it was difficult?
What family member or friend do you wish was with us at the table today?
What characteristic of someone at the table do you really admire?
If you could learn a new skill this coming year, what would it be?
What is your favorite family tradition?
What is one way you’ve used your talents to serve others this past year?
What does the term “give thanks” mean to you?
What pieces of advice would you pass on to the next generation as they establish their own Thanksgiving traditions?

Most of these questions aren’t specific to Thanksgiving (nor is the flourish on the printable cards). Therefore, they can be used at other holidays or at any other family gathering! I’ve left a couple of blank cards on the printable, so you can add in a few questions of your own.

There are numerous ways that you can use these cards. Here are a couple of ideas:

Add a name to each card and use them as place cards.
Put the cards in a hat and have each family member draw one and answer the question it contains.
Choose one or two of the questions and have each family member answer them.
Read one question at breakfast during each day in November. Discuss your answers over dinner each night.

Get creative and enjoy the opportunity to learn more about your loved ones!

What questions would you add? What does your family discuss around the Thanksgiving table?

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I’d like to express gratitude to Shannon, creator of OF THE HEARTH for putting this list together. Go here for the original post.