But a shortage of properties available for sale remains a hurdle and house prices have risen faster than wages, sidelining some first-time buyers.Last month, the inventory of new homes on the market fell 0.4 percent to 243,000.

I am in the Bloomington/Normal market and there is definitely no shortage of 2-4 units.

To combat this "shortage" is there going to be an era of massive new home builds?

Rates will put downward pressure on home prices but there's still a major housing shortage and people have locked in, low interest debt (mostly) so there's no need for most to sell. 

I gave up my crystal ball a long time ago, but either way there is still a very large shortage of inventory and properties are still selling :)

With UNCG and Guilford Cty publics schools as well as the hospital, Volvo trucks, Winston Salem, High Point, and the world-class furniture stores in your area as primary sources of industry there is no shortage of a strong economy, affordable housing, and a high rental rates compared to piti payments.Since your on a site like BP at 20 years old have you thought about going into Real Estate (or some aspect of it) after college to hone your skills and learn to find deals quickly?

As long as there is a housing shortage, people will fight for those resources and create demand. 

First, there is still a shortage of affordable housing.

We are experiencing another housing shortage.

Now their remains a huge shortage in inventory.