Real estate markets constantly change, responding to larger economic forces, but the last two years have completely roiled the housing industry from coast to coast. For new home buyers, the challenges have included ongoing supply chain issues, rising home prices and interest rates, and complications getting pre-qualified for a mortgage. 

If you’re going to be searching for a new home in 2022, here’s what you need to know.   

Buying a New Home in 2022

• Supply Chain Issues.Shortagesand volatile lumber prices continue to complicate the housing industry, adding weeks to building timelines. Building material prices have risen 34% (and counting) since December 2020, and everything from appliances to the smallest pieces of pipe have become even harder to come by as the global supply chain issues continue. Builders are doing what they can to keep things moving. 

• Availability.Lack of inventory has driven up demand for new housing. (The market is so tight that homes go under contract in a matter of days.) The housing market was particularly robust in 2021, with high demand for homes in almost every area of the nation. The same trend will follow in 2022.Market predictionsindicate that while inventory will remain tight in 2022, price appreciation will be slower. 

• Mortgage Rates & Home Prices.Low mortgage rates (combined with tight inventory) have created a red-hot housing market.Industry expertsare predicting that mortgage rates are expected to increase but remain historically low, while home sales will reach a 16-year high.Over the past year, national home prices have increased by nearly 20%.Affordability remains a concern, as home prices continue to rise, but at a slower pace than in 2021.

Why Now is Still a Great Time to Buy

​​The good news is that interest rates are STILL historically low, which makes building your new home in 2022 a smart decision.Even with the added cost of lumber and materials, you can still afford “more house” than you imagine. 

“Used” or existing homes continue to be hard to come by… not to mention dealing with multiple offers over asking price and buyers willing to waive inspections. With a Homes By Dickerson home, you know you are getting a well-built home that was designed by you, for you!

Here are some tips to ensure that you hit the ground running when looking for a new home: 

• If you are ready to start your new home search, be prepared to act quickly! You need to have everything in order —mortgage pre-qualification,financial paperwork, your list of wants & needs. This is no time for disorganization or indecision! (If you’d like to speak with one of our preferred lenders to start the mortgage process, please contact us.)  
• If you find a community or home you like, join their interest lists. (Once homes are released they go FAST. The earlier you join, the better chance you have!)  

Homes By Dickerson Continues to Build High-Quality, Custom Homes

At Homes By Dickerson, we’re here to take the stress out of building your custom home. Let our professionals guide you through thedesign and building process. As a leading local home builder in the Raleigh, Pinehurst, and Charleston markets, our strong relationships with our trade partners and vendors allow us to continue offering custom home options, and to keep construction moving. While build times can be a bit longer if we need to wait for a delayed product, the result is still a masterfully-built, custom home delivered with the same world-class experience that we’re known for.

We’re also able to offer quick move-in homes inRaleigh,Pinehurst, andCharlestonthat are finished and available for purchase now. These brand new, never-lived-in homes are complete with beautiful details and finishes that have been curated by our award-winning design team.

Prices and interest rates are on the rise. Now is the RIGHT time to build.Contact us today to learn more about moving into The Home of Your Life sooner than you ever expected.