I’ve been running into the same thing with lenders—feels like every detail gets double-checked now. I had to pull together way more paperwork than I expected, and even then, they kept asking follow-ups. It’s making me second-guess whether now’s the right time to buy, honestly. The idea of banning corporate buyers sounds interesting, but I’m not sure it’ll actually help with prices unless sellers adjust too.
It’s making me second-guess whether now’s the right time to buy, honestly. The idea of banning corporate buyers sounds interesting, but I’m not sure it’ll actually help with prices unless sellers adjust too.
That’s a fair concern. Underwriting standards really have tightened up lately, and it does seem like every application is under a microscope. I’ve seen clients surprised by how much documentation is required now, even for straightforward situations. It’s definitely adding stress to an already tough market.
About the corporate buyer ban—interesting proposal, but I keep wondering how much impact it would actually have on affordability. If institutional investors are pushed out, but sellers hold out for the same prices, would we just see homes sitting longer, or would prices actually drop? There’s also the question of who fills that gap in demand. Would individual buyers be able to absorb that inventory, or would we see unintended consequences, like fewer homes being built?
Has anyone noticed any shift in their local market—like less competition from cash offers or big investment firms? Or is it still just as competitive as ever?
Not sure banning corporate buyers is the silver bullet some folks think it is. In my experience, institutional investors aren’t the only reason prices are high—there’s just not enough supply, period. If you take them out of the equation, you might see a bit less competition, but unless more homes get built or sellers start adjusting expectations, affordability won’t magically improve. I’ve actually seen some neighborhoods where investor activity dropped off, but prices barely budged. It’s a complex puzzle, and I’m skeptical a ban alone would move the needle much.
“I’ve actually seen some neighborhoods where investor activity dropped off, but prices barely budged.”
I’ve noticed the same thing. Had a client last year who was hoping for a price dip after a big investor pulled out of their area—didn’t really happen. Inventory’s just too tight. Even with fewer corporate buyers, regular folks still end up bidding against each other. Until there’s more to choose from, I doubt much changes on the affordability front.
Yeah, I get where you’re coming from. I refinanced last year thinking maybe the market would cool off a bit, but honestly, it’s been the same story—hardly any listings, and the ones that do pop up get snapped up fast. Even when those big investors back off, it doesn’t seem to make a dent if there’s nothing new hitting the market. I guess unless we see a real jump in inventory, prices just kind of hold steady... frustrating, but that’s what I’ve seen too.
