Five years ago, we repeatedly implored readers to keep the faith: Home prices would cease declining and would recover. We reasoned that 2010 (and 2011) was terrific time to enter the housing market - bargains abounded. You just had to keep your eye on the distant horizon.

The distant horizon is here. Times have certainly changed. Rising prices, not declining prices, is the overarching concern.  Many markets – Denver, Seattle, Washington D.C., Austin, Orange County, for instance – have seen home prices blow past previous highs.

Lack of new construction is a contributing factor to today's higher prices. Builders rightly throttled back after the 2008-2009 recession.  There was a glut of housing at the time; you don't add gasoline to a raging fire.

Today, there is a dearth of housing, which has held back both existing and new home sales.  Unfortunately, builders have yet to fully throttle up. Starts – around one million per year – are still far below the 1.6 million long-term annual average.  Policies more friendly to housing wouldn't be a bad thing at this point. After all, more supply would mean more affordable housing. More affordable housing, in turn, would mean more first-time buyers.

We understand many people don't like change (such as new housing in their neighborhood). But if failure to change means running off young first-time buyers, then failure to change means running off your future. 

 Information provided by Jessica Regan.

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When you are buying or selling property in today's Harrisburg PA real estate market, it's important to have confidence in your real estate professional. Don’s commitment as your Harrisburg PA REALTOR® is to provide you with the specialized real estate service you deserve.

When you are an informed buyer or seller, you'll make the best decisions for the most important purchase or sale in your lifetime. That's why Don’s goal is to keep you informed on trends in Harrisburg PA real estate. With property values continuing to rise, real estate is a sound investment for now and for the future.

As a local area expert with knowledge of Harrisburg PA area communities, Don’s objective is to work diligently to assist you in meeting your real estate goals.

If you are considering buying or selling a home or would just like to have additional information about real estate in your area, please don't hesitate to call me at (717) 657-8700, complete my online form, or e-mail me at don@donroth.com.