5 Homebuying Lessons From Last Year’s Unsuccessful Buyers

Buying a home in 2022 won't be easy, but learning from last year's challenges might give you the edge that you need to succeed.

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Updated · 4 min read
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Written by Elizabeth Renter
Senior Economist
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Edited by Mary Makarushka
Assigning Editor
Fact Checked

Record-low housing inventory, high prices and low mortgage rates made an interesting backdrop for the 2021 real estate market. Millions fought tooth and nail to close on homes throughout the year, but millions more were unsuccessful in their attempts.

The 2021 housing market was booming, but that doesn’t mean buying a house was a breeze. In fact, 66% of Americans who started last year with intentions to buy were unsuccessful, according to NerdWallet’s 2022 Home Buyer Report. With a lofty 26 million planning to buy homes this year, according to the survey, the lessons from failed 2021 attempts may contain guidance for this year’s shoppers.

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