Saturday, June 12, 2010

The Anlyan Report. Marin County Real Estate 6.12.10

Hello Everyone,

Bumpy week for the U.S. economy. Jobs report showed only 41,000 new real jobs
after subtracting temporary hirings of Census Workers. Stock market reacted with extreme volatility to this and continuing concerns over the possibility that troubles with the Euro may spread to other countries. In the background, the BP disaster acting as a drag on people's spirits as they wonder how bad it will get before it is under control and what it will take to clean it up.

Included in this week's report are the recently added monthly Condo and Single Family Market Action Reports. If you haven't seen them yet, take a look. Also, the monthly City-by-City report showing the percentage in contract down in ten of thirteen listed Marin County cities and towns, up in two, and one, San Rafael with no change.
Marin real estate market sending mixed signals

Single Family Residences (SFR) percentage in contract down in all categories except for a very slight increase (about half a percentage point) in the $2-$3million dollar segment. Market segment under $1million still doing well at 35% in contract but continues to be quite price sensitive. One Central Marin home last week received 3 offers and still did not get to list price. Buyers looking for value. Average sold price up a bit from this time last year at $1,059,749 vs. $948,599, and days on market (DOM) at 94, down from111 at the same time in '09. YTD units sold at 757 as of June 8, vs. last year's 531, an increase of 42%. Keep in mind, the figure was 46% two weeks ago, so actually represents a slight decline. Having said that, CB MarketQuest shows accepted offers at 100% of new listings for May. Report also shows a 5.6 month supply of inventory for SFR's, the lowest since December, when many sellers typically take their homes off the market for the Holidays. Active SFR inventory at 1,053 units at the end of May vs. last year's 1,267.

Condominiums percentage in contract down in all categories too. The under- $1million segment, representing all but a handfull of units listed for sale, hanging in there at 34.59% in contract. Little if any room for sellers to push price in this market either. Average sold price also up a bit from this time last year at $405,528 vs. $364,733. Days on market (DOM) at 117, up just a bit from 114 at the same time in '09. YTD units sold at 214 as of June 8, vs. last year's 189, an increase of 13%. This also represents a slight decline from the 13.3% figure in our last report so market may be losing a bit of momentum here too. CB MarketQuest shows accepted offers at 91.4 of new listings for May and a 5.7 month supply of inventory for Condo's, again, the best figures since December. Active Condo inventory at 285 units at the end of May vs. last year's 328.
(Note: discrepancy between figures from MLS and MarketQuest due to the difference in the way the two organizations count active listings. Figures consistent within reports)

Local real estate offices quite active with a steady stream of new open escrows. Agents and managers optimistic. In spite of all the ups and downs, the market seems to be improving. Most deals still being negotiated carefully between buyers and sellers. Buyers not throwing money at deals even in multiple offer situations. They are not inclined to do so, and the banks won't let them. Appraisal guidelines continue to be strict. Buyers are buying but again, they are buying value. Buyers and sellers alike benefit from the experience and market knowledge of local REALTORS, familiar with their specific market.

More next time.
Until then, best wishes to all,
Fred
p.s for access to spreadsheets please see http://www.fredanlyan.com

No comments: