After months of doule digit decreases in average sales prices, increases in inventory and days on the market we finally see some stabilization. Below are our current statistics
| SINGLE FAMILY DETACHED | Jan '08 | | Dec '08 | | Jan '09 | Yr Chg |
| | | | | | | |
| Current Closed Sales | 88 | | 89 | | 86 | -2.3 |
| Y-T-D Closed Sales | 88 | | 1371 | | 86 | -2.3 |
| Current Average Selling Price | 371,990 | | 294,005 | | 372,413 | 0.1 |
| Y-T-D Average Selling Price | 371,990 | | 351,780 | | 372,413 | 0.1 |
| Current Median Selling Price | 330,000 | | 280,000 | | 280,000 | -15.2 |
| Current Sales Dollar Volume | 32,735,120 | | 26,166,445 | | 32,027,518 | -2.2 |
| Y-T-D Sales Dollar Volume | 32,735,120 | | 482,290,658 | | 32,027,518 | -2.2 |
| | | | | | | |
| Current Average Days on Market | 151 | | 126 | | 134 | -11.3 |
| Y-T-D Average Days on Market | 151 | | 131 | | 134 | -11.3 |
| Available Listings 1st of Month | 1904 | | 1957 | | 1668 | -12.4 |
| Purchase Offers 1st of Month | 101 | | 139 | | 110 | 8.9 |
As you can see, closed sales is only down 2.3% which is a significant difference compared to the 26% last month. Now this may be a blip in the statistics, we'll need to see next months figures to know for sure but its a nice start! So what does this mean for buyers and seller? First, these states are dated, meaning the sales figures are based on negotiations that took place back in November/December and closed in January. Assuming these figures hold, we already hit a bottom. Moral of the story... don't try to time the market. Had you purchased a property in December rates where much lower and you would have purchased near the bottom (assuming these stats hold). Now rates are near 5.5% on a 30 yr fixed rate mortgage, meaning you've lost nearly $10,000 in buying power (keeping the monthly mortgage payment the same, a mortgage at 5.5% interest buys you less house than at 5%, etc..). Lastly, don't buy or sell based on the market. Yes, market conditions should play a part in anyones decision making process but you shouldn't make your decision based soley on the market. If you have an opportunity to buy a home, want to own a home, and find the perfect home.... then buy it! Don't wait to see if rates will drop or prices will continue to go down. Timing the real estate market is like timing the stock market.... not simple to do! So make your decisions based on needs and wants not buying at the perfect time.