Choosing a real estate career takes considerable patience and commitment as your income will fluctuate based on home sale commissions. Being an agent can suit those who crave independence and flexibility in their careers. Before you take a pre-licensing course and pass the licensing exam, you will need to consider where you want to work. If you want to relocate or currently live in one of the country’s hottest real estate markets, you can join a brokerage for new agents that can help you move forward in your career.
Read ahead for Realtor.com’s top 10 hottest real estate markets in 2021. Gain valuable insight on why these seller’s markets are trending as you weigh your options on the perfect place to live and work!
1. Sacramento, CA
The appeal of spacious housing, affordable cost of living, and shopping puts Sacramento in the spotlight this year. The uptick of remote jobs and the area’s population growth make this city abundant with real estate opportunities. Housing prices are cheaper than the million-dollar homes in the Bay Area and markets such as Huntington Beach and Irvine. Norada reports that the median sales price for a home hit $425,000 in August 2020, increasing 10.4% from the previous year.
2. San Jose, CA
Despite being one of the most expensive cities on this list, San Jose’s real estate market is running strong. The presence of Silicon Valley attracts high net worth entrepreneurs and technical professionals to the city of creative collaboration. The median days on the market for a home is 10 days.
3. Charlotte, NC
The Charlotte Business Journal reports that people are flocking to Charlotte from densely populated areas such as New York, New Jersey, and Chicago. The median house price is less than $300,000, and that is enticing for new residents who were used to paying a premium for their cramped condos and rentals.
4. Boise, ID
New development, a strong jobs market, and an exodus of homeowners from the California coast are all factors that make the City of Trees a hot real estate market. For 2021, Boise takes the fourth spot in Realtor.com’s top real estate market rankings list. Home prices are expected to rise by 9% and home sales by nearly 10%, according to KTVB. The average days on market for a home were just 20 days during 2020.
“I am an Idaho native and personally enjoy the Boise lifestyle,” says Realtor® Greg Hawkins with Silvercreek Realty Group. “We have so many great outdoor recreation opportunities nearby. In this industry, we do not just sell properties—we sell a lifestyle.”
5. Seattle, WA
Supply cannot keep up with demand in this competitive market. According to the Puget Sound Business Journal, there are only about two weeks of inventory for new homes in the region. Seattle and surrounding areas are known for their tourism, fine dining, competitive universities, and lush scenery. The metro area is very expensive but provides ample opportunities for professional growth as more people move to the area.
6. Phoenix, AZ
Arizona takes a spot near the top of the hottest real estate markets because of its beautiful desert scenery and growing wealth. Economist Jeff Tucker says homebuyers are flocking to sunkissed Phoenix for the generous house sizes, low mortgage rates, and the opportunity to own their first home.
7. Harrisburg, PA
This city in Pennsylvania has seen a 14.4% growth increase year over year and lands a spot on the list due to its affordable cost of living. The median home price of $262,000 is the lowest of all 10 top-ranked cities on this list and is incredibly enticing for those wanting to move out to the Eastern States without breaking the bank.
8. Oxnard, CA
Located in Ventura County in the Greater Los Angeles area, Oxnard is known for its miles of beautiful beaches and tourist attractions. Recent data shows that growth is strong at 12.5% year over year. It’s a mere 30-minute drive to its neighboring city Thousand Oaks, which features more than 75 miles of trails. The promise of high-paying tech jobs and peaceful retirement are two reasons people enjoy living in Oxnard.
9. Denver, CO
The scenic Rocky Mountains and the extensive park system are two draws of this thriving city. Although the housing market is difficult for new buyers to navigate at the start of 2021, Denver is a great place to live for anyone who enjoys sporting events, beer on tap, and the arts.
10. Riverside, CA
Riverside, located in the Inland Empire, is the tenth-ranked metro featured on the list. It’s no surprise, as similar to other California markets, tech jobs continue to soar. The proximity to Los Angeles, Orange County, and Big Bear in the mountains make this location attractive.
The Bottom Line
Real estate is a booming industry with rewarding career options for those who enjoy meeting new people, solving problems, and serving the unique needs of homebuyers and sellers. While hot markets come and go, the options to find your footing are endless, with many attractive places to live and build a client base. While you consider your options, meet experienced agents in your desired metro or city. You can request informational interviews to learn more about a housing market’s pros and cons, tour the area, or stay in a short-term rental like an Airbnb before you make a final decision.
