Douglas Elliman Realtor Elaine Richheimer has noticed that the South Shore of Long Island is buzzing with real estate activity despite continuing efforts to recover from the water damage of November 2012’s Super Storm Sandy. In fact, home sales have increased 48.5% in the region stretching from Queens to the Hamptons.

“Although sales of waterfront properties are quieter, pricing is attractive and, as a result, living in a house on the water overlooking the South Shore is more obtainable now,” Richheimer told MainStreet.

Richheimer’s optimistic glow on home sales in New York reflects an estimated 56% of real estate agents who say now is a good time to buy compared to 55% in the fourth quarter of 2013, according to Redfin data.

While 71% of current homeowners are contemplating selling in 2014, according to a Lending Tree survey, buyers continue to be frustrated by housing shortages with 87% of Redfin realtors citing limited inventory as the biggest challenge for buyers.

“The housing crash lead new home construction to fall off dramatically, restricting the number of homes available for sale,” said Ellen Haberle, economist with Redfin, a national real estate brokerage. “New home construction has increased slowly over the past two years, but factors such as a lack of developed lots and skilled labor, expensive materials and tight credit conditions have challenged builders’ ability to boost construction quickly.”

http://www.mainstreet.com/article/real-estate/housing-shortage-highest-these-cities