Market Conditions for the Branson/Tri-Lakes Area, Jan-June 2008

Below are two charts derived from our MLS system which covers all of Stone and Taney counties including Table Rock Lake, plus parts of Barry & Christian counties as well as a few Arkansas properties.

This first report compares sales in the 2^nd quarter of 2008 to the same time period in 2007. It also compares sales in the 1^st half of 2008 to the same time period on 2007. Each comparison is divided into 3 categories: 1)Residential/Condo; 2)Vacant Land; 3)Commercial.

The second chart shows the list to sale percentage for Residential Sales and the average days on the market before the property closes.

For the year, sales of residential/condo properties are down 24% and number of listings sold is down by 246. If you are a buyer, something to keep in mind is 2007 was one of several very good years in the real estate market here in the Branson area. So a 24% drop in sales doesn't mean that sellers are experiencing depreciating values and dropping their prices drastically.

In fact, the average sales price has increased by 3.54%. Also, the list to sell price ratio is 95.4%, meaning that, on average, sellers aren't taking more than 5% less than asking price for their homes.

The biggest hurdle we've had this year is the misconception spread by the national media. They focus on the negative markets, yet don't mention that all real estate markets are NOT the same. Therefore, prospective buyers anticipate that they'll be able to make a very low offer and buy a home. That rarely happens.

Real estate in Branson and the surrounding communities continues to be a sound investment. Our properties have experienced a healthy, gradual increase in value in the past several years and, I believe, will continue to do so.

Please contact me if you have any questions regarding our local real estate market at: tammie@BransonMoRealEstate.com or at 417-337-4422.