Real estate investors aren’t as active as they were a few years ago but that doesn’t mean they aren’t a factor. In fact, a new report from the National Association of Realtors’ consumer website found investors are both paying a premium for properties in high-cost areas and targeting affordable homes in lower-priced regions. In both cases, real estate investors can be tough competition for buyers. Danielle Hale, the website’s chief economist, says investors don’t have the same challenges. “Even as investors pull back from pandemic-era activity, they’re facing fewer headwinds than many typical buyers,” Hale said. “With affordability still stretched and inventory tight, many would-be buyers remain sidelined, giving investors a larger share of the market and, in some areas, more influence over prices.” But while investor activity can cause issues for buyers, it remains a small share of the overall market. During the second quarter, investors’ overall market share increased slightly but remained just under 11 percent of all buyers. (source)
