Monday, December 24, 2012

Housing may loosen up

ScottSorensonRealEstate.Com

NEW YORK – Dec. 21, 2012 – Shrinking inventories of homes for sale, which have helped drive prices higher this year, may reverse course next year, economists say.

Rising prices are likely to persuade more people to sell and builders to add more homes, which would expand supplies.

In recent years, with prices nationally down more than 30 percent from their 2006 peaks, the only people selling were people who had to sell, says economist Paul Diggle at Capital Economics. But prices have been rising, up 6.3 percent in October compared with a year earlier, CoreLogic says. More increases are likely next year.

Supplies of homes for sale are “close to a low point now,” Diggle says and will “probably turn around over the next year.”

That will help keep a check on prices. Still, Capital Economics predicts prices will rise 5 percent next year. Economists surveyed by market watcher Zillow foresee a 3.1 percent jump.

The housing market continued to show signs of strengthening in November, with existing home sales climbing to its highest level in three years, the National Association of Realtors reported Thursday.

Total sales of existing homes rose 5.9 percent in November to a seasonally adjusted annual rate of 5.04 million, up 14.5 percent from a year ago, NAR said.

Yet, the most important number in the monthly report dealt with the supply of homes for sale, says economist Patrick Newport of IHS Global Insight. Supplies have fallen to the lowest in more than seven years, based on the current pace of sales. NAR reported the supply fell to 4.8 months in November, down 38 percent from January 2011. Realtors consider a six-month supply to be a balanced market between buyers and sellers.

More people will likely step up to sell next year, assuming prices continue to rise, Newport says. “A lot of people have just been waiting.”

Phoenix, which leads the nation with a 25 percent rise in October prices year-over-year, saw its supply of active listings hit a low in June, then expand until December. That’s a normal seasonal pattern for Phoenix, but more ordinary sellers are also likely tapping into rising prices, says Mike Orr, real estate expert at Arizona State University.

A recent survey also points to more sellers. Fannie Mae’s November National Housing Survey showed the share of consumers who say now is a good time to sell a home jumped 5 percentage points in November to 23 percent. That’s the highest level since the survey began in June 2010.

Real estate website Trulia, with Harris Interactive, also recently surveyed homeowners and found that 22 percent of current homeowners said they’re at least somewhat likely to sell their homes next year.

Those most likely to sell are people who bought after 2009 and have seen prices rise, the survey showed. They will likely include “flippers” who buy distressed homes, fix them, then resell, says Trulia economist Jed Kolko.

Supplies of homes for sale have been tightening, given stronger sales and a reluctance among people to sell while prices were weak. Also, fewer distressed properties have been coming to market as the foreclosure crisis slowly abates.

© Copyright 2012 USA TODAY, a division of Gannett Co. Inc., Julie Schmit

Thursday, December 20, 2012

Fla.’s housing market continues upswing in November

ScottSorensonRealEstate.com

ORLANDO, Fla. – Dec. 20, 2012 – Closed sales, pending sales, median prices and average prices rose in Florida’s housing market in November, while the inventory of homes and condos for sale shrunk, according to the latest housing data released by Florida Realtors®.

“The sizzle is back,” said 2012 Florida Realtors President Summer Greene, describing the state of Florida’s real estate market. “With home sales strongly trending up and the supply of homes for sale drying up, the market is hot. And we expect these trends to continue into 2013 with the jobs market improving, low mortgage rates continuing and consumer confidence getting stronger.” Greene is regional manager of Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate Florida 1st in Fort Lauderdale.

Statewide closed sales of existing single-family homes totaled 17,072 in November, up 24.4 percent compared to the year-ago figure, according to data from Florida Realtors Industry Data and Analysis department and vendor partner 10K Research and Marketing. Closed sales typically occur 30 to 90 days after sales contracts are written.

Meanwhile, pending sales – contracts that are signed but not yet completed or closed – for existing single-family homes last month rose 45.8 percent over the previous November. The statewide median sales price for single-family existing homes in November was $150,000, up 11.2 percent from a year ago.

According to the National Association of Realtors® (NAR), the national median sales price for existing single-family homes in October 2012 was $178,700, up 10.9 percent from the previous year. In California, the statewide median sales price for single-family existing homes in October was $341,370; in Massachusetts, it was $287,000; in Maryland, it was $239,802; and in New York, it was $209,000.

The median is the midpoint; half the homes sold for more, half for less. Housing industry analysts note that sales of foreclosures and other distressed properties continue to downwardly distort the median price because they generally sell at a discount relative to traditional homes.

Looking at Florida’s year-to-year comparison for sales of townhome-condos, a total of 8,079 units sold statewide last month, up 18.3 percent compared to November 2011. Meanwhile, pending sales for townhome-condos in November increased 30 percent compared to the year-ago figure. The statewide median for townhome-condo properties was $112,000, up 23.1 percent over the previous year. NAR reported that the national median existing condo price in October 2012 was $177,500.

The inventory for single-family homes stood at a 5.1-months’ supply in November; inventory for townhome-condo properties was at a 5.3 months’ supply, according to Florida Realtors. Industry analysts note that a 5.5-months’ supply symbolically represents a market balanced between buyers and sellers.

“Particularly striking in this market is the degree to which prices have risen,” said Florida Realtors Chief Economist Dr. John Tuccillo. “This might be expected to be the case for median prices as investors absorb the inventory at the lower end of the market, but average prices are up dramatically as well – and that suggests we’re seeing real appreciation occur in the marketplace, another sign of how solid Florida’s real estate recovery has become.”

The interest rate for a 30-year fixed-rate mortgage averaged 3.35 percent in November 2012, down from the 3.99 percent averaged during the same month a year earlier, according to Freddie Mac.

To see the full statewide housing activity report, go to Florida Realtors website and click on the Research page; then look under Latest Housing Data, Statewide Residential Activity and get the November report. Or go to Florida Realtors Media Center (http://media.floridarealtors.org/ and download the November 2012 data report PDF under Market Data.

Friday, December 14, 2012

TIGHT INVENTORY ALLOWS HOMEOWNERS TO SELL

ScottSorensonRealEstate.Com

Naples, FL (December 14, 2012) - Inventory levels continue to decline while the overall median closed price rose 14 percent, and the overall closed sales increased 6 percent for the 12-months ending November 2012, according to a report released by the Naples Area Board of REALTORS® (NABOR®), which tracks home listings and sales within Collier County (excluding Marco Island).

Brenda Fioretti, Managing Broker at Prudential Florida Realty stated, "For property owners who wanted to sell but did not think the market was conducive to that outcome, the current trends and tight real estate inventory allow for the possibility that scenarios may have changed in their favor either through increased equity, improving Florida economic conditions, property values trending up, or historically low interest rates."

The NABOR® November report provides annual comparisons of single-family home and condominium sales (via the SunshineMLS), price ranges, and geographic segmentation and includes an Overall Market summary. The NABOR® November sales statistics are presented in chart format, with these overall (single-family and condominium units) specifics: 

 - The overall median closed price increased 14 percent from $175,000 at the end of November 2011 to $200,000 for the 12-month period ending November 2012.

- Overall pending sales increased 6 percent from 10,057 units to 10,667 units for the 12-month period ending November 2012. Overall pending sales increased 20 percent in the $500,000 to $1 million category, from 960 units to 1,153 units, and increased 11 percent in the $1 million to $2 million category, from 429 units to 478 units, for the 12-month period ending November 2012.

- Pending sales increased 100 percent in the $2 million plus category from 16 units in November 2011 to 32 units in November 2012.

- Overall inventory decreased by 15 percent, from 7,625 listed properties in November 2011 to 6,518 in November 2012. Pending sales with contingent contracts are included in the overall inventory number.

-The average DOM (Days on the Market) increased overall from 168 days in November 2011 to 181 days in November 2012. 
 
- Overall pending sales in the Naples coastal area increased 14 percent from 1,801 units to 2,045 units, and closed sales increased 10 percent, from 1,640 units to 1,804 units, for the 12-month period ending November 2012.  

"We have been in a relatively stable market year-round," said Wes Kunkle, Managing Broker of Weichert, Realtors on the Gulf. "Many buyers are coming down earlier than in past years and we are finding that they often prefer to go to contract before they return north for the holidays. In the past, they would leave and make a purchase decision after they went back up north. The tight inventory has resulted in a greater sense of urgency. This, plus the market remaining strong is positive news for the real estate industry."  

To view the entire report, visit www.NaplesArea.com 

The Naples Area Board of REALTORS® (NABOR®) is an established organization (Chartered in 1949) whose members have a positive and progressive impact on the Naples Community. NABOR® is a local board of REALTORS® and real estate professionals with a legacy of nearly 60 years serving 4,000 plus members. NABOR® is a member of the Florida Realtors and the National Association of REALTORS®, which is the largest association in the United States with more than 1.3 million members and over 1,400 local board of REALTORS® nationwide. NABOR® is structured to provide programs and services to its membership through various committees and the NABOR® Board of Directors, all of whose members are non-paid volunteers.

The term REALTOR® is a registered collective membership mark which identifies a real estate professional who is a member of the National Association of REALTORS® and who subscribe to its strict Code of Ethics.  
 


 

Monday, November 19, 2012

Fla.’s housing market continues positive trends in Oct. 2012

ScottSorensonRealEstate.Com 

ORLANDO, Fla. – Nov. 19, 2012 – Pending sales, closed sales and median prices rose, while the inventory of homes and condos for sale dropped in Florida’s housing market in October, according to the latest housing data released by Florida Realtors®.

“With Thanksgiving just around the corner, we have a lot to be thankful for here in Florida,” said 2012 Florida Realtors President Summer Greene, regional manager of Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate Florida 1st in Fort Lauderdale. “The state’s latest unemployment rate fell to 8.5 percent, the lowest in nearly four years – and combined with the momentum of the housing market, it clearly shows that Florida is on a positive path and has been for months. Pending sales, closed sales and prices are trending up.”

Statewide closed sales of existing single-family homes totaled 17,779 in October, up 25.3 percent compared to the year-ago figure, according to data from Florida Realtors Industry Data and Analysis department and vendor partner 10K Research and Marketing. Closed sales typically occur 30 to 90 days after sales contracts are written.
Meanwhile, pending sales – contracts that are signed by not yet completed or closed – of existing single-family homes last month rose 56.7 percent over the previous October. The statewide median sales price for single-family existing homes in October was $145,000, up 9 percent from a year ago.

According to the National Association of Realtors® (NAR), the national median sales price for existing single-family homes in September 2012 was $184,300, up 11.4 percent from the previous year. In California, the statewide median sales price for single-family existing homes in September was $345,000; in Massachusetts, it was $294,900; in Maryland, it was $244,357; and in New York, it was $225,000.

The median is the midpoint; half the homes sold for more, half for less. Housing industry analysts note that sales of foreclosures and other distressed properties continue to downwardly distort the median price because they generally sell at a discount relative to traditional homes.

Looking at Florida’s year-to-year comparison for sales of townhomes-condos, a total of 8,252 units sold statewide last month, up 16.4 percent compared to October 2011. Meanwhile, pending sales for townhome-condos in October increased 47.1 percent compared to the year-ago figure. The statewide median for townhome-condo properties was $107,000, up 20.2 percent over the previous year. NAR reported that the national median existing condo price in September 2012 was $181,000.

The inventory for single-family homes stood at a 5.2-months’ supply in October; inventory for townhome-condo properties was also at a 5.2-months’ supply, according to Florida Realtors. Industry analysts note that a 5.5-months’ supply symbolically represents a market balanced between buyers and sellers.

“Once again, everything that should be going up in the market is going up, and everything that should be going down is going down,” said Florida Realtors Chief Economist Dr. John Tuccillo. “As impressive as the year-over-year gains for October are, far more impressive are year-to-date gains of 2012 over 2011. They indicate the depth and resilience of this recovery.”

The interest rate for a 30-year fixed-rate mortgage averaged 3.38 percent in October 2012, down from the 4.07 percent averaged during the same month a year earlier, according to Freddie Mac.

To see the full statewide housing activity report, go to Florida Realtors website and click on the Research page; then look under Latest Housing Data, Statewide Residential Activity and get the October report. Or go to Florida Realtors Media Center and download the October 2012 data report PDF under Market Data.

© 2012 Florida Realtors®

Friday, November 16, 2012

SINGLE FAMILY HOME MEDIAN CLOSED PRICE


SINGLE FAMILY HOME MEDIAN CLOSED PRICE 

RISES IN ALL ZIP CODES  

Condo Market Remains Strong 

Naples, FL (November 16, 2012) - The single family home median closed price rose 10 percent overall with increases in all zip codes for the 12-months ending October 2012. In addition, the condominium median closed price increased 4 percent in all zip codes for the same time period, according to a report released by the Naples Area Board of REALTORS® (NABOR®), which tracks home listings and sales within Collier County (excluding Marco Island).  

Brenda Fioretti, Managing Broker at Prudential Florida Realty stated, "The overall Median Closed price of $197,000 is the highest we have seen since July 2009 and in combination with our low inventory, has continued a trend in the Naples area with the move away from a 'buyers' market to a solid 'buyers and sellers' market."

Kathy Zorn, Broker/Owner of Florida Home Realty added, "We continue to see the overall median price trend upward slowly and steadily."

The NABOR® October report provides annual comparisons of single-family home and condominium sales (via the SunshineMLS), price ranges, and geographic segmentation and includes an Overall Market summary.  

The NABOR® October sales statistics are presented in chart format, with these overall (single-family and condominium units) specifics:   

- The overall median closed price increased 11 percent from $177,000 at the end of October 2011 to $197,000 for the 12-month period ending October 2012.

- Overall pending sales increased 21 percent in the $500,000 to $1 million category, from 947 units to 1,149 units, for the 12-month period ending October 2012. Overall pending sales increased 17 percent in the $1 million to $2 million category, from 418 units to 490 units, for the 12-month period ending October 2012.

- Overall inventory decreased by 13 percent, from 7,325 listed properties in October 2011 to 6,409 in October 2012. Pending sales with contingent contracts are included in the overall inventory number. 

- The average DOM (Days on the Market) fell in all price segments except in the $0 - $300,000 price zone, resulting in a one percent increase from 169 days on the market in October 2011 to 170 days on the market in October 2012.

- Overall pending sales in the Naples coastal area increased 14 percent from 1,783 units to 2,037 units, and closed sales increased 10 percent, from 1,615 units to 1,776 units, for the 12-month period ending October 2012.

The result of the inventory decline from 12,157 in February 2007 to 6,409 in October 2012 is that buyers, in many cases, are desperate for inventory," said Jo Carter, President of Jo Carter & Associates. Plus, homes are selling more quickly, as shown by the average Days on the Market decreasing in every price category above the $300,000 range. Therefore pricing remains crucial."

To view the entire report, visit www.NaplesArea.com

The Naples Area Board of REALTORS® (NABOR®) is an established organization (Chartered in 1949) whose members have a positive and progressive impact on the Naples Community. NABOR® is a local board of REALTORS® and real estate professionals with a legacy of nearly 60 years serving 4,000 plus members. NABOR® is a member of the Florida Realtors and the National Association of REALTORS®, which is the largest association in the United States with more than 1.3 million members and over 1,400 local board of REALTORS® nationwide. NABOR® is structured to provide programs and services to its membership through various committees and the NABOR® Board of Directors, all of whose members are non-paid volunteers.

The term REALTOR® is a registered collective membership mark which identifies a real estate professional who is a member of the National Association of REALTORS® and who subscribe to its strict Code of Ethics.  

View the October 2012 Statistics 

Sunday, October 21, 2012

PENDING HOME SALES INCREASE 12 PERCENT



PENDING HOME SALES INCREASE  
12 PERCENT THIRD QUARTER

ScottSorensonRealEstate.Com   
 

Contacts:             Brenda Fioretti, NABOR Media Relations Committee Chairman, (239) 595-6219

                            Marcia Albert, NABOR Director of Marketing, (239) 597-1666

  
Naples, FL (October 19, 2012) - A 12 percent jump in overall pending sales marked the third quarter of Naples Area real estate, as compared to the third quarter 2011. In addition, overall pending sales for September 2012 increased 22 percent compared to September 2011, according to a report released by the Naples Area Board of REALTORS® (NABOR®), which tracks home listings and sales within Collier County (excluding Marco Island).
 
"The Naples area has just moved from a buyers' market to a buyers' and sellers' market with tremendous opportunities for both," stated Brenda Fioretti, NABOR Media Relations Chairman and Managing Broker of Prudential Florida Realty.
 
Cindy Carroll, Vice President of Carroll & Carroll Real Estate Appraisers & Consultants stated, "More inventory would be helpful to the market. Resale inventory continues to decline despite the fact that new home building has returned."

 John Steinwand, President of Naples Realty Services commented, "The single family home market is very hot. Pending sales of single family homes in the $500,000 to $ 1million category had a rousing increase of 15 percent from third quarter 2011 to third quarter 2012, and closed sales were up 4 percent for the same time period. The strong activity contributes to the inventory levels falling below 3,000 for single family homes."

 The third quarter report provides quarterly comparisons of single-family home and condo sales (via the SunshineMLS), price ranges, geographic segmentation and includes an overall market summary. An overall summary combines the statistics for both single family and condominium properties.

 The statistics are presented in chart format, along with the following statistics for third quarter 2012 compared to third quarter 2011:

  • Overall inventory decreased 12 percent from 7,069 for the third quarter 2011 compared to 6,195 in the third quarter 2012.

  • The overall average DOM (Days on the Market) increased 1 percent from 171 days in the third quarter 2011 to 173 days in the third quarter 2012.

  • Overall pending sales increased 12 percent from 2,103 pending sales in the third quarter 2011 to 2,362 pending sales in the third quarter 2012.

  • The median closed price increased 10 percent from $175,000 in the third quarter 2011 to $192,000 in the third quarter 2012.

  • Naples coastal area overall pending sales increased 17 percent reflecting 388 pending sales in the third quarter 2012 compared to 331 pending sales in the third quarter 2011.

 

The NABOR® September sales statistics are presented in chart format, with these overall (single-family and condominium units) specifics:  

  • Overall pending sales increased 96 percent in the $300,000 to $500,000 category from 67 pending sales in September 2011 to 131 pending sales in September 2012.

  • Overall inventory decreased by 12 percent from 7,069 in September 2011 compared to 6,195 in September 2012. Pending sales with contingent contracts are included in the overall inventory number.

  • Overall pending sales in the Naples coastal area increased 12 percent from 1,776 pending sales to 1,985 pending sales, and closed sales increased 9 percent from 1,601 closed sales to 1,748 closed sales for the 12-month period ending September 2012.

"In the $500,000 to $2 million price categories for the third quarter, there was an increase in pending and closed sales. The robust third quarter in these price categories is very encouraging," said Steve Barker, Advising Broker for Naples Realty LLC.

 

As Brenda Fioretti stated, "Now is the time for sellers and buyers to take action. With interest rates at an all time low and with Naples values increasing, it is a perfect opportunity for sellers and buyers to achieve their real estate goals. Whether you are a seller, first-time homebuyer, investor, second or vacation homebuyer, move-up buyer or someone who has decided that it is time to downsize, it is the time to take advantage of current market conditions and the American Dream of Homeownership." 

 

To view the entire report, visit www.NaplesArea.com

 

The Naples Area Board of REALTORS® (NABOR®) is an established organization (Chartered in 1949) whose members have a positive and progressive impact on the Naples Community. NABOR® is a local board of REALTORS® and real estate professionals with a legacy of nearly 60 years serving 4,000 plus members. NABOR® is a member of the Florida Realtors and the National Association of REALTORS®, which is the largest association in the United States with more than 1.3 million members and over 1,400 local board of REALTORS® nationwide. NABOR® is structured to provide programs and services to its membership through various committees and the NABOR® Board of Directors, all of whose members are non-paid volunteers.

 

The term REALTOR® is a registered collective membership mark which identifies a real estate professional who is a member of the National Association of REALTORS® and who subscribe to its strict Code of Ethics.

  

  



 


 
 

Friday, September 14, 2012

DWINDLING INVENTORY DRIVES HOME PRICES UP

ScottSorensonRealEstate.Com

Naples, FL (September 14, 2012) - The Naples area real estate median closed price increased a remarkable 10 percent for the 12-month period ending August 2012, according to a report released by the Naples Area Board of REALTORS® (NABOR®), which tracks home listings and sales within Collier County (excluding Marco Island).

 

Brenda Fioretti, NABOR Media Relations Chairman and Managing Broker of Prudential Florida Realty said, "At the NABOR Economic Summit held this past April, Dr. Lawrence Yun, chief economist of the National Association of REALTORS® predicted that he 'would not be surprised to see a 10 percent increase in home prices in southwest Florida by December.' Well, the Naples area median home price just reached a 10 percent increase in less than four short months, just as Dr. Yun predicted."

 

Cindy Carroll, Vice President of Carroll & Carroll Real Estate Appraisers & Consultants in Naples stated, "We are beginning to see the results of the inventory decline coupled with the increased median closed price. Looking at the inventory statistics it is interesting to note that in less than eight months, we reached an overall inventory of 6,043 in August 2012 from 7,860 in January 2012. The last time we saw the inventory this low was in 2005."

 

The NABOR® August report provides annual comparisons of single-family home and condominium sales (via the SunshineMLS), price ranges, and geographic segmentation and includes an overall market summary.

 

The August sales statistics are presented in chart format, with these overall (single-family and condominium units) specifics:

  • The overall median closed price increased 10 percent, from $176,000 to $194,000, for the 12-month period ending August 2012.

  • Overall pending sales increased 16 percent in the $500,000 to $1 million category, from 939 units to 1,091 units, for the 12-month period ending August 2012. Overall pending sales increased 10 percent in the $1 million to $2 million category, from 424 units to 466 units, for the 12-month period ending August 2012.

  • Overall inventory decreased by 13 percent, from 6,930 in August 2011 compared to 6,043 in August 2012. Pending sales with contingent contracts are included in the overall inventory number.

  • The average DOM (Days on the Market) decreased by six percent, from 178 days on the market in August 2011 to 167 days on the market in August 2012.

  • Overall pending sales in the Naples coastal area increased 10 percent from 1,779 units to 1,950 units, and closed sales increased 9 percent, from 1,586 units to 1,732 units, for the 12-month period ending August 2012.

"The strong numbers clearly reflect the economic model of Supply and Demand. As inventory decreases and demand for homes remains high, we are observing an increase in prices. The statistics from the last three months have capped off a strong summer. The Naples area is no longer as seasonal as it used to be," said Mike Hughes, Vice President and General Manager of Downing-Frye Realty.

 

"It is important to remember that the increase in prices can vary from zip code to zip code and neighborhood to neighborhood, so it very beneficial for people to consult a REALTOR®," said Coco Waldenmayer, Managing Broker of Engel & Völkers.

 

"The market is shifting to higher priced properties," commented Ernesto Velasquez of United Real Estate. "The number of sales under $300,000 decreased which indicates increased values of real estate and market advancement."