About Hamilton County, TN

The Hixson and Soddy Daisy Labor Market

Well, it happened today. The national unemployment rate broker the 10% mark. 10.2% to be exact. A high number, but a significant physiological barrier as well.

The pace of layoffs seems to be slowing. However, that is little consolation for those facing a tough job market.

News for Hamilton County, Tennessee, including Hixson and Soddy Daisy, is relatively better. The unemployment rate for last month (this month's figures are not out yet) stood around 8.7%. That is far from a great number, but better by comparison to other counties, and lower than the previous month.

The nearby counties Rhea, Marion and Sequatchie counties had rates of 12.7%, 12.1% and 12.8% respectively.

On a bit of an upside, the Hixson and Soddy Daisy areas have good things on the horizon. Construction of Volkswagon's facilities continues as the company ramps up its hiring in the coming months.

Enjoy the show

Did you know...

It is important to make your property easy to show. Remember your home has competition. So, the more notice sellers require, the more time buyers have to look elsewhere (think other nearby listings). Therefore, it is good to keep showing arrangements as flexible as possible. Get those buyers in promptly.

Congratulations to the Red Bank Lions football team. Last week they finished regular season play undefeated and with the number 1 ranking in the state.

Tomorrow they begin their playoff run.

Anything can happen of course, but this is a special team.

Great job and good luck tomorrow.

Hixson and Soddy Daisy Home Buyers - Tip of the Week

What time is it?

Did you know...

To really get to know the neighborhood of a prospective home, visit at different times. Try driving through in the morning, afternoons, evenings and weekends. That way you will get an idea of what the neighborhood is like when there are commuters, school kids, gardeners, and so on, are present.

These stats are pulled from the 37421 & 37363 ZIP codes

All Ooltewah & East Brainerd Residential Real Estate Sales through the Chattanooga MLS

All active listings as of 11/5/09: 720

Pending or contingent listings (under contract) as of 11/5/09: 155

Residential listings closed (sold) during October 2009: 76

Number of months to sell current actives at October's sales pace: 9.5

Under $100,000

Active, residential listings: 29

Pending or contingent listings: 9

Residential listings closed during October 2009: 7

Number of months to sell current actives at October's sales pace: 4.1

$100,000-200,000

Active, residential listings: 266

Pending or contingent listings: 77

Residential listings closed during October 2009: 43

Number of months to sell current actives at October's sales pace: 6.2

$200,000-400,000

Active, residential listings: 315

Pending or contingent listings: 60

Residential listings closed during October 2009: 23

Number of months to sell current actives at October's sales pace: 13.7

Over $400,000

Active, residential listings: 110

Pending or contingent listings: 9

Residential listings closed during October 2009: 3

Number of months to sell current actives at October's sales pace: 36.7

What does all of this mean? It's been pretty hard to find anything for less than about $125k in this area for a while now and that shows in the 4.1 month supply of homes for under $100k. When something comes on the market it gets scooped up pretty quickly. Even going up to $200k, there's still only a 6 month supply. Of course, there's a disproportionate number of upscale and luxury homes in this area so you would expect it to be a little depressed given the state of the luxury real estate market in Chattanooga/Hamilton County. The upper end here is actually faring a little better than the rest of the area with a 37 month supply. Not great, but hey, I'm a glass half full kinda gal.