Houses still selling

In Denver, in July, 2185 homes sold, prices are up, days on market are down and the number of sales year to date is also up. What the press and the National Association of Realtors did not tell you is that July almost always "slumps" compared to June. Here is the chart of sales in Denver since 1999 http://www.denverrelocation.com/DenverStatisticschart.html.



OK, I have stomped that to death. What am I seeing out in the market? Buyers who have decided to take advantage are being cautious. Sellers are nervous. Homes not in top condition are languishing on the market while homes in good condition are selling quickly. Neighborhoods that have had prices stay steady if not edge up a bit have continued their slow climb while others that were more impacted by lower prices have rebounded a little more quickly.



As an example in July the "Denver" metrolist there was a 7.4% increase in average sale price while having the average days on market drop 14.3% and total sales for the year to date were up 1.2%. The Highlands Ranch and Lone Tree sections of that same MLS indicate a 2.7% increase in average sale price while days on the market fell 3.9% and the total sales were up 4.2% from the previous year.



Is there a sweet spot? Yes and no...with interest rates as low as they are most folks are figuring out a way to re-finance. The sellers that need to move get realistic quickly on their price and condition. But if there is a spot it is in the 330-450k range as those folks want to move up, but cannot until theirs sells.



The range that seems most active is still in the 200k area although I have great traffic on a 279k listing with lots of showings. And a 349k home that languishes. A year ago I said the sweet spot was the million plus market as the small builders were folding their tents and leaving them with the banks. Now I think the move up market is the prime target.





Pete Doty - Denver Realtor - A Full Time Licensed real estate broker since 1985. I go to work everyday for you & your friends, learning about our home town! It could be Highlands Ranch, Lone Tree, Littleton, Castle Rock, Centennial, Englewood, Parker, Elizabeth, Larkspur, Franktown, Kiowa, or anywhere in metro Denver Colorado. Talk to me for real estate advice, properties for sale, multiple listing service, all available at www.DenverRelocation.com. Drop me a note to pete@Denverrelocation.com