What is happening to our local real estate market? This actually can be a challenge to answer, especially as numbers and reports are published frequently, and in so many different places. This is especially true when it comes to getting your arms around pricing and value. There is a big difference in “average” price vs “median” price when it comes to looking at what has sold recently. In many cases not spending time to dig through the details can lead to bad interpretations of the market.
For most buyers, price by itself is not the only key factor
when a purchase is being considered. This is because most buyers compare the
features and benefits to other properties and do not simply make their purchase
decision based solely on a property's price. In essence when a purchase
situation arises, price is one of several variables buyers evaluate when they
mentally assess a property's overall value.
As a reminder, the median is the midpoint, which is something
completely different from the average. A rise in the median does not
necessarily indicate an overall increase in prices across the board. Rather, it
is reflective of more activity at higher price ranges than had been experienced
in the recent past - just as a lower price would be indicative of the opposite.
Considering our low inventory of properties for sale, sellers
who are thinking of listing their homes are positioned to sell quickly. A sense
of urgency has driven traditional buyers hoping to take advantage of
still-affordable home prices and historically low mortgage rates. Buyers found
selection limited and were often forced into bidding wars with investors and
other buyers. Sellers are reaping the rewards in terms of quick sales, often
above the asking price.
How all of this impacts our current market
Buyers
Still, with historic low interest rates, potential new homeowners
are entering the market excited but finding a lot of disappointment. There are
fewer homes for sale, sometimes resulting in months of searching, dozens of
showings, and rejected offers. Some buyers have had to compromise on the size.
and features they require for their new home and in many cases waiving their
contingency for a home inspection. The lack of affordable homes is the biggest
challenge many potential homeowners face.
Many homes are selling extremely fast and far above asking
price. Buyers on a strict budget have little room for negotiation and repairs.
Sellers
It’s a “seller’s market” but being a seller is hard, too.
While a homeowner can sell their home faster and at a higher price, the real
struggle begins when they need to find a home that fits all of their needs, in
their specific time frame. The equity is lucrative, the stress of the unknown
of where to go is overwhelming.
It is not all doom and gloom. With the right advice of your
local Realtor® and lender, both buyers and sellers can have success with this
riveting real estate market. As I have said since the beginning, please call a
local REALTOR® for all your real estate needs no matter how big or small. We
are trained professionals here to make your life easier. It's best to surround
yourself with the right team of professionals that can continuously give you
the right advice for all your circumstances.
Lisa DiBiase is a Broker/Owner at Landing Real
Estate. She and her company represent buyers and sellers in the Greater
Portland area. For all your real estate needs, please contact Lisa at (207)
653-0823 or lisa@landinghomesmaine.com
No comments:
Post a Comment