Hello Everyone,
Another rough week on Wall Street, with the Dow closing below 10,000 at one point for the first time in several months and fluctuating several hundred points during daytime trading. Investors wary of more trouble with the Euro. More talk about a possible double-dip housing recession. MSNBC, in a May 25 article, quotes Robert Shiller, co-creator of the Case-Shiller index who predicted in 2005 that the housing bubble would burst: "It looks like a double-dip already----- There is a very real possibility of some more decline". Read the full article at
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/37333160/ns/business-economy_at_a_crossroads/
Also, read the Robert Shiller interview at
http://www.businessweek.com/magazine/content/10_15/b4173013214814.htm
San Diego-based MDA DataQuick, a real estate information service, in an article dated May 20 notes that Bay Area real estate sales (units sold) were about 1.9% lower in April than in the corresponding period last year but questions whether some of the decline might be attributable to sales that were pushed into May or June by tax credits. Article goes on to say "For months we've seen growing signs of a recovery taking hold. But plenty of challenges remain like high unemployment, the possibility of many more distressed properties hitting the market in a rising interest rate environment, and a dysfunctional jumbo loan market, which is a big deal in the Bay Area." The article also notes an almost 22 percent median Bay Area home price increase from April of 2009 which the authors attribute to more high-end activity, better (but still not good) availability of "jumbo" financing, and a decline in foreclosure activity. Read the full article at
http://www.dqnews.com/Articles/2010/News/California/Bay-Area/RRBay100520.aspx
Here in Marin County, real estate agents I have spoken with are still upbeat about the local housing market. Interest rates remain favorable. Jumbo availability has eased up a bit. Inventory is increasing slightly, following seasonal trends and showing seller willingness to participate in the current market. Buyers are out and about and making offers on desirable, well-priced homes. Local real estate offices experiencing an increase in business which may be tax stimulus induced, but we will have to wait and see. More desirable properties attracting multiple offers but pricing not racing out of control. Even multiple offers often not that far over asking price, if at all. Buyers very prudent and lenders backstopping them with stringent appraisals. Lender requests for appraisal reviews or even second appraisals not uncommon.
Overall, Marin County market conditions seem much improved from a year ago. Single Family YTD units sold at 639 as of 5.25.10, compared to 440 on the same date last year--- represents a 45% increase. Average YTD SFR list price at $1,112,706 and average sold at $1,057,652 compared to $1,010,384 and $948,226 for the same period last year. SFR days on market on a YTD basis improved from 110 in May of '09 to 96 as of 5.25.10.
Condo's up too but much less dramatic at 187 units sold by May 25 compared to last year's 165, a 13% increase. Average YTD condo prices as of 5.25.10 at $415,311 list price vs. $406,558 sold price. Compares to $372,936 list price and $359,709 sold price during the same period last year. Days on market for Condo's up slightly from 115 to 122.
Marin County housing market still extremely price-sensitive, with attractively priced and presented homes in desirable locations getting lots of action. Overpriced,poorly-presented homes often sitting for extended periods with multiple price reductions. Local professional REALTORS who know your neighborhood an invaluable source of information in the current environment.
More next time-------
Until then, best wishes to all,
Fred
p.s. for access to spreadsheets please see
htto://www.fredanlyan.com
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