Those in the market for a new home may want to buy soon.

According to Realtor Casey Collins, of Woods Bros Realty, mortgage rates are currently sitting at lower-than-normal levels. Collins said the current market benefits renters looking to own.

“A lot of times we’re seeing people that are renting that might be paying $500 or $600 a month for a home that’s sub par getting into a mortgage and buying a home that’s updated, safer for their family and in an overall nicer neighborhood,” Collins explained. “The payments are less than they were paying for rent. Plus, it’s almost like a building savings account. That money that they’re spending every month on their mortgage is going toward the equity of their home.”

In 2013, both the number of sales and the average cost per sale increased from the year prior. In 2012, Beatrice realtors reported 118 sales totaling more than $9.6 million to the Multiple List Service (MLS). This equated to an average price of 81,913. In 2013, 126 sales were reported totaling more than $11.8 million. The average price per sale in 2013 equaled $94,063.

As of Friday, Feb. 20, there were 71 residential listings on the MLS within Beatrice city limits. Of those 71 listings, only 21 were priced above $120,000. Nineteen homes were listed under $50,000. Sixteen homes were listed between $50,000 and $80,000. Thirteen homes were listed between $80,000 and $120,000. Eleven homes were listed between $120,000 and 160,000. Two homes were listed between $160,000 and $200,000. Eight homes were listed above $200,000.

Realtor John Zarybnicky, with Homestead Land and Home, said most people looking to buy a house today are searching for homes above that $120,000 mark.

“If you break down the 71 listings, there’s 21 of them for houses above $120,000,” he said. “This is the reason it’s so hard to find houses. This is the price range that most people are going to be buying. That’s why it’s perceived that we have a shortage. That’s why it looks like there’s people that want to buy houses and can’t find them. They’re just not available.”

Realtor Connie Harting, of Harting Real Estate, said the solution to the problem is building more new homes in Beatrice.

“We need new construction for the real estate market to really thrive in our community,” she said. “We just need that group of people that will be bumping up into the new construction to free up their homes. That $100,000 to $200,000 price range is at a demand. We have plenty homes that are subsidized. We have met those needs in our community for affordable living. I would love to see a developer come in and people make commitments on new construction. That really is the best cycle for the real estate industry.”

Collins said the future looks bright for new construction in Beatrice.

“I work with several large corporations or referral companies, so we work with buyers one-on-one,” Collins said. “They’re really disappointed with what there is to offer for housing in Beatrice. I’ve started working with a homebuilder out of Lincoln, and we’re currently building a couple properties with plans of nine more in the next 12 to 16 months.”

Realtor Linda D’Andrea, of D’Andrea Realty, encouraged those with a serious interest in purchasing a home to do so sooner rather than later. She said real estate is the best investment one can make.

“Real estate is still the best thing to invest in,” D’Andrea said. “When I bought a home back in 1984, I had it for 14 years and turned around and sold it for double. I think we paid $69,000 for it. You can do that if you keep the home up. Do improvements on it, put in new windows if needed. You will get your money out of it. It’s a good thing to hold onto for retirement. Sell it, and you’ve got something to live on. I’d love to see young people invest in something like that instead of a fast car or guns. I’d rather see them invest in a house and have something that they can get equity in.”