Hi Andra - in our area, I believe the primary reasons inventory is lean is due to the lack of move-up homes coming on the market.  It used to be buyers would buy a condo/townhome or smaller home and then move up -- we're not seeing as much of that as existed in the past due to the lack of inventory.  There are some of the issues facing those who would like to "right-size" from larger homes.  Strange, I know.

Whatever, the reason, we need to keep asking the right questions to the people who want to sell or buy and keeping the pipeline flowing.  Stuff happens and we have to be ready when that contact is ready and to make sure we the the agent they choose.  

Uncertainty at multiple levels.

Coming changes putting the banks once more in control of the process multiples the uncertainty of an already shaky house of cards.

NOW is the time for agents in collaboration with local lenders to create the solutions needed to address the uncertainty that paralyzes the decision making so many.

Go and hunt for listings!

I find that Boomers are especially willing to stay put as long as they can.  For an aging Boomer, the thought of selling tends to put them into a depressed frame of mind.  They have few alternatives.  Many can't afford to retire and can't afford the sunbelt condo they dreamed of having one day.  The meltdown and economic collapse of the last decade wiped out enough of them to stunt the growth of the current recovery.

In my area, sellers aren't moving primarily due to lack of inventory. Families stay in cramped quarters, or remodel and add on. Some retirees on fixed budgets sell and move to less costly areas, or sell because they can no longer handle stairs, but most still enjoy living here and put off selling.

I try to identify those potential sellers who will shortly need to sell and show them the way.

It takes focus and work to keep the listings coming in, something we make a priority.

They are afraid they will not have a place to live if they sell their own home.

its really difficult both for Boomers who might consider selling but they can't move up because home prices are so high.  Millenials are priced out of the market (at least here in Santa Barbara) and they have seen the affect of the market crash on their parent's nest egg so they are much more tepid about buying a home.  What I do is speak them potential sellers about their goals and how to achieve them.  Sometimes I work with a financial planner to assist them in visualizing their goals and looking at ways to get them there.

For younger buyers, its much more difficult. They want to be more mobile so renting seems to be the norm.  They dont want to feel like they are house-poor.

In our area the inventory has been very low but I am personally starting to list properties (a few per week) so I can't complain.  However I believe there are still so many "could be / would be" sellers out there that are still underwater or unable to sell their homes without bringing money to the table. I believe the economy is still an issue - we need to see jobs for many - and then those first time buyers will start buying which in turn will cause the move up buyers to be able to sell and starting looking for the bigger house ...

I have increased my marketing and reach to home owners. I have met with many who either dont want to sell until they find a home. They didnt know that there was a shortage of homes and a waiting list of buyers so they were just waiting until the news told them to sell and some who are scared of what is going on from this administration. In the end those who are ready to sell but were not sure if they should list or wait, were happy to list and get a fast sale. 

I think its partially not feeling certain they have another home to go to. There are still homeowners out there who might be a bit underwater no matter how much the market has improved.

I would bet nainly the economy.  Many just can't sell - they don't have enough equity since price values went down and/or haven't climbed enough.  Most don't realize there is low inventory.

A whole section of would be trade up buyers (i.e. those that bought 5-7 yrs ago) are just stuck and can not trade up.

You get out into the neighborhoods you want listings in and knock on doors. You get out of town property owner addresses and send them propaganda about your marketing and to please remember you if they know someone thinking of buying, selling real estate Andra Fleming There is always a market, get more of it than others in it wished you did. Sellers have to replace the place.. it is a math exercise. Go after just land, small business listings, round out the real estate inventory that is available to peddle.