Supply Chains & Limited Inventory: The Latest Housing Market Updates
Editor’s Note (Updated 2025): This article was originally published in 2022, when supply chains and inventory were under extreme pressure. While some conditions have improved, buyers in 2025 are still navigating tight inventory, elevated prices, and higher mortgage rates. Here’s what today’s market means—especially if you’re considering a new Ernest home in Coastal Georgia.
Real estate markets constantly change, responding to larger economic forces. Over the last few years, buyers have seen supply chain disruptions, limited home inventory, rising prices, and higher interest rates. Even with these challenges, a thoughtfully built new home can still be a smart long-term decision.
If you’re searching for a new home in 2025, here’s what you need to know.
Supply chain issues are easing, but costs are still elevated
In 2021–2022, shortages of lumber, windows, appliances, and other building materials added weeks—or months—to construction timelines and pushed costs sharply higher. Since then, global supply chains have gradually stabilized, and price spikes have cooled, but many material and labor costs remain above pre-2020 levels. Builders are working with more predictable schedules again, yet the overall cost to build a home is still higher than it was a few years ago.
At Ernest Homes, we continue to monitor lead times, lock in pricing with trusted trade partners when possible, and plan carefully so your new home stays on track from contract to closing.
Inventory is growing, but still tight
Across much of the country, the number of homes for sale has been increasing compared to the ultra-low levels of 2021–2022, but overall inventory is still below long-term norms in many markets. That means buyers often have more choices than they did a couple of years ago—but well-priced homes in desirable communities can still move quickly.
In Coastal Georgia, new construction continues to play a key role in giving buyers options. Our Ernest Homes communities help fill the gap with thoughtfully designed, energy-efficient homes in locations people truly want to live.
Mortgage rates are higher than a few years ago—but still manageable
After sitting near historic lows in 2020–2021, average 30-year mortgage rates have risen into the mid-single digits nationally. While today’s rates are higher than what buyers saw a few years ago, they’re still low compared to many past decades, and they continue to move up and down with economic conditions.
The key is to understand what your monthly payment looks like at today’s rates and to work with a lender who can walk you through options like buying points, choosing different loan terms, or refinancing in the future if rates come down.
Why new construction can still be a smart choice
Even with elevated prices and higher rates, a new construction home offers advantages that many resale (“used”) homes simply can’t match:
- Lower maintenance and repair costs. New systems, new roofs, and modern materials mean fewer surprise expenses in the early years of homeownership.
- Better energy efficiency. Today’s building codes, insulation, windows, and HVAC technology help keep your home comfortable and your utility bills more predictable.
- Modern layouts and finishes. Open-concept living areas, flexible spaces, and on-trend finishes are built in from the start instead of requiring costly renovations.
- Builder warranties and peace of mind. With an Ernest home, you have a team standing behind the workmanship and structure of your home.
By contrast, resale homes in a tight market may come with multiple offers, bidding wars, waived inspections, or hidden repair needs. With a new Ernest home, you know you are getting a well-built home designed for how families live today.
How to be ready in a competitive market
If you’re serious about buying this year, preparation makes a huge difference. Here are a few steps to take before you start touring homes:
- Get pre-approved, not just pre-qualified. A full pre-approval from a reputable lender shows exactly how much you can comfortably afford and strengthens any offer you make.
- Organize your financial paperwork. Gather pay stubs, W-2s or tax returns, bank statements, and any documentation of savings or gift funds. This helps your lender move quickly once you’ve chosen a home.
- Define your must-haves and nice-to-haves. Decide on your preferred locations, bedroom and bathroom counts, work-from-home needs, and budget range before you shop so you can act confidently when the right home appears.
- Join community interest lists. If you find a community you love, sign up for VIP or interest lists. New homes are often released in phases, and early notifications can give you a head start.
Ready when you are
Even in a changing market, your dream of homeownership in Coastal Georgia is still within reach. With the right preparation—and the right builder—you can navigate supply, inventory, and interest-rate shifts and still choose a home that fits your life for years to come.
If you’re ready, we’re ready. Contact us today to learn more about our available homes, upcoming releases, and building a new Ernest home in one of our Coastal Georgia communities.
