The real estate market in Chester County is going through the roof. Lack of inventory is causing bidding wars that are forcing buyers to dig much deeper into their pockets than expected, writes Fran Maye for the Daily Local News.

Prices have been increasing each month, with no end in sight, according to local realtor Steve Laret.

Several months ago, Laret sold a five-bedroom, 3.5-bathroom home in East Fallowfield Township for $300,000. Three months later, he sold a three-bedroom, 2.5-bathroom house for $320,000.

Real estate professionals are telling potential buyers to be prepared to make an offer higher than the asking price. The market is especially competitive in the $750,000-or-lower price range.

“I tell my buyers to look at houses $20,000-$30,000 under what they can afford because they have to offer that much,” said realtor Tammy Duering. “I’ve never seen anything like this in my life. It’s totally crazy.”

Read more about the real estate market in the Daily Local News.