ROCHESTER, N.Y. — Rochester ranks as the toughest homebuying market in the country, according to a new analysis by Bankrate.

The financial services company analyzed the 100 largest housing markets in the country. Six of the top 10 toughest markets for homebuyers are in the Northeast, with Rochester taking the number one spot.

The main problem is supply. Homebuilders are flocking to areas of the country with booming job growth, and Rochester is not one of them.

“So right now the median days on market is seven. It’s very very tight,” Jessica DeCotis said. DeCotis is a realtor with Howard Hanna.

The tight market means homes are selling fast. A 1957 colonial in Brighton is one example of a hot commodity in a market where there are so few homes for sale.

DeCotis said buyers need to be prepared before they start looking.

“Make sure that you are financially ready. Check with a loan officer make sure that you’re financially healthy,” DeCotis said.

That means having a loan pre-approval letter before you even hit the first front door. Shannon Scally knows this well.

After a months-long search, she enlisted the expert help of a realtor. A five-bedroom Brighton home fits all her needs.

But even as Scally toured upstairs, there were other prospective buyers downstairs. According to Bankrate, Rochester is the toughest market in the country for homebuyers because the area has seen stagnant growth.

“That means that homebuilders are not feeling like building a lot in those markets. So there hasn’t been a lot of new construction in Rochester. And so that just means there isn’t a lot of supply,” DeCotis said.

The lack of supply creates intense competition.

“You might have to act very quickly. You might have to bid more than the asking price. You might be competing with other bidders,” DeCotis said.

That’s certainly the case in Monroe County where most homes sell for more than the asking price.

“We want to really be smart about it. And I’ll tell ya. It’s an emotional roller coaster,” Scally said.

At the end of her home tour, Scally was impressed.

“This is a gorgeous house. I would love to put in offer in on this house,” Scally said.

And she’s likely not the only one. But Scally has the right mindset.

“Trusting the process. And knowing that it will come. Ya gotta have faith,” Scally said.

DeCotis offered additional tips for buyers in this tough market:

• Make a list of needs and just wants.
• Set a budget and stick to it.
• Don’t be tempted to go over budget in a bidding war.
• Be flexible about the area where you want to live.

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