We have spent the last 2 months trying to educate the public on what is going on with the housing market and the moving industry, and some of the root causes. What we have discovered, and what we have found to be extremely frustrating is the lack of real information available, as well as a ton of misinformation being put out there, and finally the fact that there is a level of greed that is only making things worse. We have tried to keep things simple, keep painful political discussions out of it, and provide data that hopefully have enabled some of you to make informed decisions.

What Exactly Are the Permitting Issues?

So, a question we get asked a lot is what exactly are the permitting issues? The permitting process is slow and outdated, only exceeded by the zoning process. The permitting process is just one hurdle that builders face, and it’s not just the permit for a home. It can be a state road project that requires answers and permits from the state; a county permit for the road you put in, a tree permit for reforestation. These are just a few, and all these agencies require a permit, which can make it a 3- or 4-year process. It is also very costly, and well, there is a huge supply shortage, so MAYBE the disastrous permitting regulations need to be updated and streamlined!

The Bigger Problem: Home Building Challenges

What’s the problem with the home building issue? This is a bit more complicated. In addition to the exploding new construction costs, states such as Pennsylvania have an abundance of older housing stock. So, the construction premium (the price difference between new and existing homes) is almost 90%. That is a tremendous gap to building versus just moving into an existing home. Pennsylvania accounted for just 1.2% of national housing permits in 2024. A stunning statistic: America is now short more than 4.7 million homes!

Signs of Hope – And a Need for Cooperation

There is definitely some light at the end of the tunnel to affordability, but it is going to take some cooperation from existing homeowners – mainly to perhaps control the greed factor.

For the 1st time since 2012, a majority of U.S. homes have depreciated – 53% in fact, over the last 12 months. Inventory has climbed to levels not seen since 2019. Great! Home prices have dropped 9.7% from their peak valuations. It is now considered a buyer’s market, with an estimated 36.8 million more buyers than sellers. Great again!

The Catch: Seller Expectations

Herein lies the rub though. It is only a buyer’s market if sellers can afford a reasonable price for a home. Prices have risen by roughly 50% in the last 5 years alone! Median prices are up 67% since the last sale (the price that the home was purchased for). So, I think homeowners have made out quite well!

Taking homes off of the market because you don’t like the current price, or you won’t make an incredible 50% markup in 5 years is just ridiculous. Buyers are actually taking their home off of the market! This only worsens the supply issue—where else can you make that kind of profit in that short of time? Owning a home is still a wonderful investment. There just needs to be a little common sense involved and a look at the big picture. There is also the risk over the next year of home prices dropping further. Why risk the huge gain?

Looking Ahead

Many analysts are predicting an increase in home sales of over 14% next year, finally. That would be wonderful.

Planning a Long-Distance or Interstate Move? We’re Here to Help

At O’Brien’s Moving & Storage, we know how challenging the current housing market can be — especially for those relocating out of state in search of better affordability, new opportunities, or a fresh start. Long-distance moving is our specialty, and we take pride in helping families transition smoothly no matter where they’re headed.

  • Trusted interstate and cross-country moving services
  • Professional packing, loading, and secure transport
  • Coordinated logistics for long-distance relocations
  • Transparent communication and dependable delivery timelines
  • Customized moving plans tailored to your needs and destination

As an Allied Van Lines agent, we’ve helped countless families move safely across the country. If you’re preparing for an out-of-state move, let our experienced team handle the heavy lifting so you can focus on settling into your new home and your next chapter.