In sellers’ markets, increasing demand for homes drives up prices. Here are some of the drivers of demand:

• Economic factors – the local labor market heats up, bringing an inflow of new residents and pushing up home prices before more inventory can be built.
• Interest rates trending downward – improves home affordability, creating more buyer interest, particularly for first time home buyers who can afford bigger homes as the cost of money goes lower.
• A short-term spike in interest rates - may compel “on the fence” buyers to make a purchase if they believe the upward trend will continue. Buyers want to make a move before their purchasing power (the amount they can borrow) gets eroded.
• Low inventory - fewer homes on the market because of a lack of new construction. Prices for existing homes may go up because there are fewer units available.