Is It Safe to Sell Now?

Is it Safe to Sell Now?

Yes, it is safe to sell now and the market is definitely improving!  Most homes that are listed for sale on the Central Coast are being sold, contrary to what you may be hearing from other sources.

The inventory of homes currently for sale is low and we are frequently experiencing multiple offer situations.  Sellers are no longer having to compete to the same degree with foreclosures as they have had to over the past few years.  One reason is that many buyers are tired of looking at distressed properties that are in disgusting condition, while searching for the best deal.

In addition, more sellers are abandoning the notion that property prices will return to where they were anytime soon and the ones that are pricing their homes at current market value are selling.

You can be sure that we will continue to see foreclosures and short sales over the next year or so, but regular sales are definitely on the rise.  One word of advice is to be sure to get your home priced right the first time.  If you wait too long to price it right, you will probably end up getting less later as buyers will often slash the price of their offers if they feel it has been on the market too long.

Nancy Puder is the owner and broker of Signature Properties, a prestigious real estate sales and property management firm in Arroyo Grande, CA.  You may reach her at 805.710.2415 or email Nancy@NancyPuder.com. Website: www.SignatureProperties1.com. We always enjoy hearing from you!

Freddie Mac Reports a Market Revival

Spring is finally here!

If we take the time to look, we see signs everywhere that represent a new beginning and hope of things to come. Whether we are experiencing it in our gardens or just driving along our beautiful Coast, we see signs of life appearing everywhere. I think it's timely, that now we are seeing the green sprouts of recovery in our housing market.

A major player in the finance world, Freddie Mac, released a report in March that shows signs the housing market is awakening from its depression-like condition of the past few years and beginning to slowly make a recovery. The report also showed that stronger economic growth this
year should translate into a reduction in the unemployment rate to below 8.3
percent.

This is great news whether you are in the housing market or not. You won't have to look hard,
though, to find someone who will contradict this important information. I call them the "yes, but" people. They are the ones who will always find a reason not to have hope. Spring has sprung! Enjoy the season and it's promise of all things new.

Nancy Puder is the owner and broker of Signature Properties, a prestigious real estate sales and property management firm in Arroyo Grande, CA. Nancy is endorsed as a trusted Realtor by Dave Ramsey, well known speaker and author. You may reach her at 805.710.2415 or email Nancy@NancyPuder.com. Website: www.SignatureProperties1.com. We always enjoy hearing from you.

Sales Up Foreclosures Down

The past two months of home sales are at the highest levels in 5 years if you don't count the temporary spikes we had when the government was offering tax incentives in 2009 and 2010.
I find it interesting to see that vacation home sales have surged along with investment sales. In close to half of these sales, buyers have paid with all cash. Foreclosure sales are finally down a bit, and all signs are indicating that the housing economy is on the move to recovery. The report from NAR on vacation home sales is good news for homeowners on the Central Coast. I think we all know that many vacation home buyers will seek to buy in our area as it is still one of the most
beautiful areas in the world to live. Savvy investors are snatching up the most competitively priced homes, causing a bit of a buying frenzy in certain price ranges.

How this will affect your particular situation? If you are thinking about buying, you should realize that the deals are disappearing fast. When you find the home you want, don't be surprised if there are several offers on it at the same time. Be prepared to possibly pay over the asking price if it is priced particularly low. This has become a common scenario.

If you are selling your home, be encouraged because if sales remain strong, you will have a much better chance of getting your price this year, than last year. With foreclosure activity finally easing a bit, hopefully, we will see more regular sales, therefore making the playing field a little more even and "fair" for the average seller. My advice is to contact a professional to determine what your property would sell for in today 's market and be sure to ask them what your net
proceeds will be after the costs of sale.

Nancy Puder is the owner and broker of Signature Properties, a prestigious real estate sales and property management firm in Arroyo Grande, CA. Nancy is endorsed as a trusted Realtor by Dave Ramsey, well known speaker and author. You may reach her at 805.710.2415 or email Nancy@NancyPuder.com. Website: http://www.signatureproperties1.com/. We always enjoy hearing from you!