Monday Market Snapshot 2010/05/03

Is the buying frenzy over? With the expiration of the time period for completing contracts to purchase and qualify for the federal tax incentive, what will happen in our markets? We are moving into the typically busy season so there may be continued momentum or there may be collapse. Reports I read state the recession as being over, and yet unemployment continues to be high. So, can we have recovery with high unemployment?

In Vancouver, WA, our count of 2569 active listings continues the overall trend of fewer homes available, true also for the county totals of 3604. The ratios of pending are still pretty tight with 1021 pending in the city and 1276 in the county. The trend for the number of homes under contract still generally is trending up. So, the ratios of active to pending remains small and under 3 to 1. Most of the prices around our area are still mostly down, although in a few areas and neighborhoods there actually were increases in average prices over the last month.

More than half of our market is still priced at $250,000 or below and about 37% is below $200,000. That being said, there has been definite increase in activity (listed and pending) in price points above $250,00 and $300,000. I expect this is the result of the home owners in lower price points being able to free up their equity and move up.

Whether you're looking for your first home, or possibly your last, or selling either of them, I have the patience and experience to help you make the best choice in Vancouver Washington. The Natural Choice in real estate is working with a professional real estate agent (me!) at Krogseng Real Estate who listens to your needs and works as a trusted advisor to get the best solution to your housing needs. We will give you a new attitude about real estate. If you are concerned about living a more sustainable lifestyle, Vancouver Washington may be the city for you. I specialize in knowing the neighborhoods in Vancouver Washington that have great walkscore ratings. Whether you want the low-maintenance condo lifestyle, a home that gets you off the grid, or a home that is something in between in Clark County, the natural choice in real estate will be someone that can help you find just the right home and neighborhood. If you're looking for homes that have been certified as green, you'll want to know I keep informed of the newly constructed homes and their various green certifications. Visit Krogseng Real Estate for more information.