Housing Supply Is Poised to Grow—but With Caveats
After a prolonged shortage, signs point to a more active housing market in 2024. Both new construction and resale listings are expected to rise, potentially offering some relief to frustrated buyers. However, challenges remain—and not all markets will experience this growth equally.
What’s Driving the Supply Bump
Several factors are contributing to the anticipated increase in housing inventory:
- New construction is picking up as builders respond to pent-up demand.
- Homeowners are returning to the market, encouraged by softening mortgage rates and equity growth.
- More flexible financing tools are helping would-be sellers and buyers make moves.
Headwinds Builders Still Face
Despite the uptick, housing supply isn’t likely to surge overnight. Builders continue to grapple with structural issues that limit their ability to scale quickly:
- Zoning restrictions slow down project approvals and limit where new housing can be developed.
- Ongoing labor shortages make it difficult to meet construction timelines.
- Rising material and land costs continue to eat into margins.
Many developers are also focusing on higher-margin segments like luxury housing, which may do little to address the need for more affordable options.
Markets to Watch in 2024
While national trends show overall growth, expect regional variations. Some markets are especially primed for increased activity due to demographic shifts, policy changes, or local economic strength:
- Sun Belt cities like Austin, Tampa, and Phoenix continue to attract both builders and buyers.
- Secondary metros with growing tech or education sectors (e.g., Raleigh, Salt Lake City) may see a boom in listings.
- Midwestern hubs with affordable land and pro-development attitudes are also on the radar.
That said, markets with ongoing policy constraints or high land costs—like parts of California and the Northeast—may lag behind, even if demand remains high.
Second-Tier Cities Are Stealing the Spotlight
The traditional coastal markets—think New York, Los Angeles, San Francisco—have long been seen as real estate royalty. But in 2024, a surprising twist is unfolding: buyers are looking inward.
Why Are Buyers Shifting Inland?
High home prices, remote work flexibility, and changing lifestyle priorities are driving people to reconsider where they want to live. While coastal metros remain aspirational, more practical decisions are being made elsewhere.
Key reasons behind the trend:
- Affordability: Homebuyers are priced out of high-cost cities and are finding better value in smaller markets.
- Work-from-home culture: With location less tied to employment, people are choosing communities that offer space, amenities, and lower living costs.
- Quality of life: Less traffic, better schools, and lower crime rates make many second-tier cities more appealing.
Redefining the “Hot Market”
The new real estate hotspots aren’t where you might expect. Markets in the Midwest and South are gaining momentum as inventory tightens and interest grows.
Markets to watch:
- Indianapolis, IN – With competitive prices and growing job sectors, it’s earning attention from both investors and first-time buyers.
- Boise, ID – Once under the radar, Boise has seen significant inbound migration and sustained price increases.
- Huntsville, AL – A tech-forward city with a high quality of life and rapidly appreciating home values.
- Knoxville, TN – With urban appeal and lower costs, it’s attracting young professionals and retirees alike.
Data Speaks: Emerging Markets
Several second-tier cities are climbing the charts:
- According to Redfin, Louisville, KY saw a 15% year-over-year increase in home searches from out-of-state buyers.
- Zillow named Chattanooga, TN and Columbus, OH on its list of “Most Promising Housing Markets for 2024.”
- Realtor.com highlighted Des Moines, IA for its affordability and employment growth as a top hidden gem for homebuyers.
These cities are more than affordable alternatives—they’re fast becoming destinations of choice. They offer livability, investment potential, and room to grow—all factors buyers aren’t overlooking in 2024.
The Digital Real Estate Shift: What’s Here to Stay
Digital transformation in real estate accelerated in the past few years—and it’s not slowing down. In 2024, top-producing agents are embracing innovative tools to close deals faster, reach broader audiences, and provide seamless client experiences.
AI-Powered Listings Are Raising the Bar
Artificial Intelligence is no longer a fringe experiment—it’s now part of everyday workflows for successful agents.
- Automated listing descriptions: AI tools help agents write compelling property summaries, tailored to specific buyer personas.
- Smart property recommendations: Machine learning algorithms suggest homes to potential buyers based on their browsing history and preferences.
- Market analysis & price optimization: Agents use AI to predict pricing trends and suggest accurate list prices, improving outcomes for sellers.
Virtual Closings and Digital Transactions
Paperwork fatigue is disappearing as more agents adopt fully digital transaction management systems.
- eSignatures and secure document portals make closing deals quick and convenient.
- Virtual notarization is becoming more widely accepted across states, with expanded legal infrastructure.
- Remote walkthroughs & inspections offer flexibility to buyers relocating or purchasing from afar.
How Top Agents Are Leading the Charge
The most successful agents aren’t just reacting to these changes—they’re shaping how tech is used in the field.
- They invest in platforms that offer analytics, CRM integration, and mobile capabilities.
- They prioritize client experience, using tech to enhance—not replace—human connection.
- They stay ahead by learning, testing, and refining digital tools before their competitors do.
Digital Trends That Are Here to Stay
These digital advances aren’t temporary fixes—they’re becoming foundational to how real estate is done:
- Virtual tours and 3D home staging will remain key marketing tools.
- Mobile-first communication—from texting updates to video check-ins—keeps clients engaged.
- Data-driven decision-making enables smarter investments and targeted lead generation.
In 2024 and beyond, digital fluency is no longer optional—it’s a defining trait of the modern real estate professional.
Introduction
Vlogging hasn’t just survived the digital shakeups of the past few years—it’s evolved. Between platform changes, short attention spans, and a wave of new tools, content creators have had to stay sharp. Despite it all, vlogging remains one of the most personal, flexible forms of content out there. The reason? People still crave connection. And video—raw, real, or refined—is still the fastest way to build it.
But 2024 isn’t just more of the same. Algorithms are changing, short-form isn’t enough without substance, AI is doing more of the heavy lifting, and creators are going hyper-niche to stand out. The game’s getting tighter. It’s less about gaining followers for the sake of numbers, and more about cultivating a real audience that sticks.
If you’re a creator—or trying to become one—it’s time to pay attention. The trends happening now will define who rises and who fades going into 2025. The tools are there. The platforms are watching. All that’s left is how you move.
Market Conditions Are Ripening for Small and Mid-Size Investors
A Shift in the Investment Landscape
After several years of intense competition and rapid market swings, 2024 is setting up to be a more strategic year for small and mid-size investors. As interest rates begin to stabilize and inventory levels gradually return to normal in many metro areas, the landscape is becoming more accessible to investors who previously felt priced out.
Key conditions encouraging entry:
- Softening home prices in select markets
- Fewer all-cash offers from institutions
- Increased availability of financing for smaller-scale buyers
These adjustments open new doors for investors looking to build steady income rather than bank on short-term property appreciation.
Long-Term Rentals Win Out Over Quick Flips
While flipping homes was the trend in hotter markets during the last housing peak, today’s smarter approach focuses on long-term rental returns. Investors are favoring predictable, cash-flowing assets.
Why long-term rentals are trending in 2024:
- Strong renter demand in suburban and secondary markets
- Lower risk compared to volatile flip timelines
- Cash flow and appreciation potential balanced over time
For many, the goal isn’t a quick profit—it’s sustainable growth, better tenant retention, and property value appreciation that aligns with a 5–10 year outlook.
Investor Hotspots: Where—and Why—They’re Buying
Not all markets are created equal. Investors are zeroing in on areas that offer a combination of affordability, rental demand, and exit opportunities.
Top locations gaining interest include:
- Midwest cities (e.g., Kansas City, Indianapolis): Affordable entry points, steady rent yields
- Sunbelt metros (e.g., Tampa, Charlotte): Growing populations and job markets
- Outer suburbs of major cities: Attracting renters priced out of urban cores
These areas combine realistic purchase prices with growing rental need—allowing small and mid-size investors to scale without overleveraging.
In short, well-researched investments—not speculative grabs—are defining the new wave of real estate investing in 2024.
Where Mortgage Rates Are Heading—and What That Means for You
Mortgage rates are unlikely to fall back to pandemic-era lows anytime soon. According to most housing economists, we’re settling into a new normal somewhere between 5.5% and 7% for the foreseeable future. The Fed is keeping a cautious eye on inflation, and while cuts may come, big drops aren’t guaranteed—or immediate.
For buyers, this means recalibrating expectations. If you’re waiting for rates to dip below 4%, you could be waiting a long time. Locking in at today’s numbers, especially if they’re closer to the lower end of the range, might be smarter than hoping for something better that never arrives. Sellers also need to shift gears. The days of bidding wars and waived inspections are fading. Pricing a property reasonably and offering incentives—like helping with closing costs—can go a long way.
Bottom line: Don’t stall out hoping to time the market perfectly. Smart buyers and sellers are working with what’s real—not ideal. Flexibility, preparation, and good advice are the new currency in this market.
Buyers looking to jump into real estate in 2024 need to bring more than enthusiasm—they need a sharp eye. With increased attention on contracts, zoning laws, and local ordinances, the margin for error is slim. Cities are tightening rules on everything from what can be built where to how properties are used post-purchase. This means one missed clause or overlooked zoning label can turn into a financial headache fast.
Hot markets only amplify the problem. In bidding wars, buyers can feel pressured to skip due diligence just to seal the deal. That’s a mistake. Legal pitfalls don’t care how competitive the offer was if the paperwork doesn’t hold up. Whether it’s condo restrictions, easement issues, or changes in zoning that limit future renovations, surprises cost more later.
Before signing anything, buyers should press for clarity, question vague language, and get legal review where needed. Especially in fast-moving neighborhoods, smart buyers win by slowing down long enough to protect themselves.
(For more insight, see: Real Estate Legal Tips Every Buyer Should Be Aware Of)
2025 Won’t Be a Repeat of the Last Boom—or Bust
Vlogging isn’t dying. And no, it’s not heading for the kind of wild, everyone-gets-rich moment we saw back in the platform gold rush. 2025 will be something else entirely—more grounded, more strategic. Growth isn’t coming from hype anymore. It’s coming from creators who know the terrain, stay adaptive, and double down on what actually works.
Here’s the truth: confidence in the year ahead comes from data, not guesswork. You’ve got to track performance, read platform updates, and understand audience behavior. If it feels like the old tricks aren’t working, they’re probably not.
The takeaway? Don’t chase the next trend just because someone on Twitter swears it’s the future. Learn. Adjust. Experiment with purpose. Whether you’re scaling up or just getting started, stay informed—not reactive.