What homebuyers can do now to up their odds of success in the new year

It looks like it’s going to be another competitive year for homebuyers in 2022.

While the market isn’t expected to be as frenzied as this past summer, prices are still predicted to rise. Zillow is forecasting 11% home value growth in 2022, down from a projected 19.5% in 2021.

Plus, year-over-year inventory is still lower, and concern about rising mortgage rates is fueling competition in the marketplace, said Jessica Lautz, vice president of demographics and behavioral insights at the National Association of Realtors.

“If you want to get in next year or before interest rates rise, get your ducks in a row now,” she said.

To be sure, mortgage rates are…