JULY 16, 2009 ISSUE
REALTORS Report: High Country Home Sales Increase in Past Six Months
Increase Especially High for Homes Under $300K
The High Country Association of REALTORS® released statistics this week for residential homes sold through the end of June. When compared with the same time last year, the numbers show a 29.8 percent decrease in the number of homes sold and a 17.2 percent decrease in the median price of a home sold. However, the number of residential properties sold locally over the past six months has doubled. The current median sold price is close to $202,750.
“We’re seeing an increase in the number of homes sold under $300,000,” said Carole Cox, president of the association. “The total number of houses sold in that price range has climbed from 63 percent during the first half of last year to 72 percent this year,” she continued. “That leads me to believe more people are taking advantage of the new tax credit for first-time home buyers, available through the end of November.”
The average number of days on the market is down from the same time last year by 2.5 percent, and the total number of new listings is down by 2.7 percent. Active listings have gone up steadily, which means there’s more for buyers to choose from according to Cox.
“We’re also seeing more sales pending,” said Cox. “In April, for example, we had 131 residential sales pending valued at $45 million. In June, we had 168 valued at $55 million.”
More information about the tax credit for first-time home buyers may be found by clicking to www.irs.gov/newsroom/article/0,,id=205416,00.html. People can learn more about the local real estate market when the High Country Association of REALTORS® co-hosts the Boone Area Chamber After Hours networking event with Gadabouts on Thursday, July 23, from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. at the association’s office on Highway 105. A business card and $3 are requested to register. Interested parties should call the chamber at 828-264-2225.
The association is composed of members in Watauga and Avery counties and the surrounding area who maintain a marketplace where buyers and sellers can safely transfer property under the guidance of a professional held to standards of excellence.
Community Interest
News & Notes
Events
Arts & Entertainment
