Is The Real Estate Market Picking Up? Real Estate Information For Agoura, Oak Park, Westlake, CA

Is The Real Estate Market Picking Up? Real Estate Information For Agoura, Oak Park, Westlake, CA

Okay, so this is not scientific information, or a true statistical analysis with beta analyses and reporting of standard deviations, or anything (especially since I hated statistics, both on an undergrad and graduate level). jthis is ust a gut feel. And the answer to the above question seems to be yes. Agents in my office, Coldwell Banker Residential, Westlake, with over 200 agents) myself included, seem to be busier, out showing more properties to more buyers.

Homes that have been on the market for awhile are going into escrow. (This includes a property in Westlake that was listed at $13,900,000 that finally went into escrow after over 2 1/2 years on the market!). In January of this year, 2008, 26 properties in Oak Park, Agoura, and Westlake went into escrow. Compare this to December 2007 when 2 homes went into escrow, or a year ago, January when no homes went into escrow. (From Ventura County MLS, Rappatoni, information deemed reliable but not guaranteed.)

What does this mean for buyers and sellers? For buyers, my advice is to get off the fence. The real estate market is still good for buyers. Prices are still low, interest rates are low. However, you want to buy before the market hits bottom, whenever that may be. (And no ones knows, no bell is rung at the bottom.) Prices are still down, as are interest rates. Once the market is perceived as going up, you, the buyer, have lost your strength as a negotiator.

For sellers, hang tight. The desire to live here in the Conejo Valley, especially the communities of Oak Park, Agoura, and Westlake continues to be strong because of the excellent schools and the warmth and safety of the neighborhoods. Your home will sell. Price it well. Hire a realtor who will market the property aggressively, and a strong negotiator. And remember, Carol Lee, your realtor in Agoura, Oak Park, and Westlake, will get you where you want to go.