About 19669247

Sales and Prices Continue to Make Gains

Both closed sales and the median average sales price continued to make gains across central Indiana during February.  Sales were up 10% over last February, and were up 8% for the 12 months just ended versus the same period ending February 2015.  Prices were up 3% over last February and 6% year-over-year.  The median average price now stands at $148,000 in the central Indiana market.  Btw, that’s the highest February number on record!

Meanwhile, the number of new listings continued to lag wKay behind the pace of sales.  Inventory is down 6% from a year ago, making available inventory for buyers slim, slim, slim.

All of that is great news for sellers.  Now, if you’d like to learn how to take advantage of this seller’s market— give me a call.

 “I work harder to make good things happen!!”
 

As Inventory Tightens Down Payments Increase

It’s basic supply and demand from Econ 101.  The number of homes for sale relative to the number of buyers, has been doing a steady march down in recent months.  That means there are fewer homes available for buyers to choose from and when they do find a good one they need to pull the trigger (if they truly want to become a home owner rather than a home shopper or renter).  On the flipside, those home owners who want to be home sellers— well, now is a good time to do just that.

One measure of the relative tightness of the market can be found in the amount of cash it takes to buy a home on contract (ie with seller financing).  A couple years ago, deals were occasionally put Ktogether with as little as $2 or 3,000.  Now, you can fuggedabout doing that.  Double the number.  $5000 is now the entry point for making a good deal work.

If you’d like to learn more about developing a winning strategy geared to today’s market— call me.

 “I work harder to make good things happen!!”
  -Bob

Mortgage Rates are Greaaaaat!

Actually, that’s an understatement.  Take a quick look at this graph and you’ll get the idea.

mortgage rates 2016

 

The average rate across the nation for a 30 year fixed rate mortgage is just 3.65%.  That makes for a $643 monthly loan payment on the median average house in central Indiana (assuming a 5% cash down payment).  Ten years ago the rate was 3% higher and the payment on the same priced house would’ve been $902.  Now that’s a huge savings!

Today’s low rates help both buyers and sellers.  Buyers can purchase more house at a low monthly cost, and that allows more sellers to sell their properties.

If you’d like a hand understanding how you can take advantage of today’s low mortgage rates— call me.

 “I work harder to make good things happen!!”
  -Bob