Theory: Low Inventory and Low Interest Rates Are Causing Some Overqualified Buyers To Willingly Overpay For Properties


Theory: Low Inventory and Low Interest Rates Are Causing Some Overqualified Buyers To Willingly Overpay For Properties
By Scott Rogers • May 26, 2021
ALERT: Anecdotal Evidence Only! I like data. I use data quite a bit to better understand the dynamics of our local real estate market. But, sometimes I can't figure out a way to (easily) obtain data that would help to prove or a disprove a theory. So, from time to time, I'll propose theories of a current dynamic in our local market based solely on anecdotal evidence. This is one of them. Low Inventory and Low Interest Rates Are Causing Some Overqualified Buyers To Willingly Overpay For Properties I have seen this happening quite a few times on recent listings -- often where I am representing a buyer who has made an offer on a property, and misses out. Here's how that might play out, theoretically... A property worth $250K is listed for $250K. My clients views the property, loves it, and offers $250K with an escalation clause up to $260K. Basically, they are willing to pay $10K more than they think the house is worth, because they really like the house and they have been trying to find the right house for a while and have missed out on offers on several other houses. The listing agent receives (10) offers, most with escalation clauses. There is an offer of $280K with an escalation clause going $5K above other offers up to $290K. There is an offer of $285K with an escalation clause going $5K above other offers up to $295K. The property goes under contract for $295K!?! The buyer who has contracted to buy the home for $295K was qualified to buy a home up to $400K. Two quick caveats... This is not happening on every property or even on most properties, but I am seeing it happen. But what about the appraisal, you ask? The buyer who has contracted to pay $295K will probably be fine if the appraisal comes in at $270K because they could have paid up to $400K for a house and thus have the resources to cover that gap in the appraised value and contract price. So, why is this happening!? LOW INVENTORY - This problem (overqualified buyers overpaying for houses) is at least partially brought on by low inventory levels. If there were plenty of homes on the market between $350K and $400K then perhaps this buyer who can pay up to $400K wouldn't be making an offer on a house listed for $250K. LOW INTEREST RATES - The extremely low mortgage interest rates (3% on 30 year fixed as I type) are allowing buyers to afford more house than ever. This has lots of buyers able to higher on price than they could have in some past years when interest rates were higher. So long as we have overqualified buyers in the mix -- willingly overpaying for houses -- it will be hard for appropriately qualified buyers ($250K buyers wanting to pay $250K for $250K houses) to buy homes. OK, I'll stop there for now. It's a theory, after all -- overqualified buyers willingly overpaying for houses. What do you think? Have you seen it happen? Heard about it happening? Have you been a participant in such a transaction? :-) Drop me a line at scott@hhtdy.com with some details. Or, yes, if you disagree and think I'm totally wrong, email me with that feedback as well. :-) Receive Updates by Email Recent Articles: There Are Plenty Of Types Of Houses That Exist That Just Are Not Available To Purchase Home Sales By Price Range In The City Of Harrisonburg Are You Compromising On Aspects Of Your Next Home That You Can Or Cannot Change Later? How Much Slower Are The Winter Months In Our Local Housing Market? Rockingham County and New Home Sales Drive Surge in Area Housing Market Find The Balance Between Optimistic And Realistic Home Pricing Room Size Is Difficult To Understand Solely From Real Estate Photos How Much Would You Value Not Having To Prepare Your Home For Showings? One Out Of Four Homes Is Taking Longer Than A Month To Sell Consider The Cost Of Your Planned Renovations When Planning Your Offer
Have any questions? Contact Scott Rogers at 540-578-0102 or scott@funkhousergroup.com
Based on information from the Harrisonburg-Rockingham Association of REALTORS® or its MLS, for the period Jan 1, 2000 through Nov 22, 2024 (unless otherwise noted).
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