About Highlands County, FL

Buying Foreclosures in Highlands County - Going, going, going

We didn't think it would stay on the market for too long when we listed it just a few weeks ago. This forclosure in exceptional shaped started receiving showings almost immediately and we were not surprised. Built in 1995, it has a pleasing floorplan, cathedral ceilings, plant shelving, a bonus room in the back. Unlike most foreclosures, it didn't have any damage to it.

Even though the previous owners took all appliances with them, they did take good care of the home. Close to shopping and all conveniences, this home is located in a quiet neighborhood with all surrounding homes being in great shape and well maintained. Arched windows and landscaping add instant curb appeal.

The buyers didn't wait around and made an offer quickly. The property had been shown a lot, even while we were already negotiating the contract. Working with the bank/owner went quickly. We had an accepted offer almost within hours. We are expecting to close by the end of the month.


Greetings, Andrea Mills, MillsRealEstate.net

This article was originally posted at HIGHLANDS COUNTY TALK

We hope this article about buying foreclosures in Highlands County was helpful to you!

Looking back 12 months, more homes are selling faster and for a lot less money than in January 2008. Now is the time to get back into the game as we are nearing the bottom of the market. The Absorption Rate has gone down by 4 month since December, by 8 months since November. We currently have 21.85 month of inventory on the market. On average, 82 homes are being sold each month. Prices had a monthly average decline of 25% in 2008. The average sale price only declined by a little less than 4% in January. Most transactions in January were cash (29), 26 conventional, 6 FHA, 2 VA, 1 assumption. The hot spots in Highlands County are Sun'n'Lake, Sebring Hills and Harder Hall. 166 transactions are currently still pending/contingent.

Wow! I'm very excited about our real estate market in Highlands County. We have been busy, busy, busy working with buyers. Our phones are ringing off the hook, in the office as well. There's plenty of walk ins to go around too. Yes, we do have an increase in residents this time of the year but there is far more activity compared to last winter.

The big question is, have we bottomed out? We are watching closely!

SFH - Single Family Home
MH - Mobile Home on owned land
TH - Townhouse

Data per MLS for Highlands County Florida. Data is deemed accurate but not guaranteed.

With 132 sales pending and 25 closed so far there is not really a reason to complain. Sales remain the strongest in the lower prices ranges. Distress sales at bargain prices continue to keep prices down and we expect Short Sales and Foreclosure Sales to dictate prices throughout 2009.

NOW is the time to buy!

Greetings,

Andrea Mills
www.millsrealestate.net

It seems that with the drop of the ball on Time Square the market activity in Highlands County has been picking up tremendously. Sellers want to sell and for reasonable prices, buyers want to buy (also for reasonable prices). With the interest rates still that low and all the inventory on the market, it's no wonder buyers are eager to scoop up the bargains available - buyers are finally "getting" it.

I can't wait to do my "Halftime" report this month (due tomorrow) and I'm beginning to get very excited about our market. Our average sale price in December was back to 2004 levels, but with a longer DOM and also a much greater absorption rate.

How about your market? Is your phone ringing off the hood yet? Do you see an increase in activity?

Greetings,

Andrea Mills, who's busy!!!!

www.millsrealestate.net