Now that the traditionally “busy” summer season is behind us we wanted to review the market stats again to see how our local market is preforming.
As you might suspect all of the stats support a rebounding market, here in the Plano/Dallas area we did not experience the deep valley drops like many of metropolitan areas across the country. So our market may be better termed as “continuing a strong upward path”.
First let’s talk about average days on market. For the period of September 2010 through August 2011 the average days on market was 109, we saw a 13.4% decrease for the period of September 2011 through August 20112 and then an additional 23.9% decrease during the next 12 months. Days on market are important to sellers, homes are selling faster! For buyers it usually means they have less time to “think about” – typically homes are sitting on the market long enough to delay your decision.
Here you will see a graph showing how many homes sold in different price ranges over the past three years. As you can see the number of homes increased every year in each price range, except one – the past 12 months homes under $105,000 showed a decrease.
Of course everyone wants to know the value of their home, are homes selling for more now than they did last year or the year before that? The answer is YES! Each year we have seen an increase in the median sold price.
As we have said this information is based on an overall picture of our entire area, each individual neighborhood and community has its own stats, and they may differ than what we are seeing in these reports.
Contact us and let’s share with you how your home in your community compares to these facts.
As the real estate market continues to heat up and enjoy a brisk summer season we continue to see a low inventory of homes which is also contributing to multiple offers and bidding wars. We often tell our buyers they need to be ready to act quickly and to present the most appealing offer possible. Here are some ways buyers can help themselves stand out above the crowd of other buyers:
Talk to a lender
Check your credit report for accuracy
Inquire about your ratio’s be sure your debt-to-income ratio is in line
Pay of any debts you can
Have down payment saved and in an account that can be verified
Putting down more than 20% makes you look more financially stable and gives sellers a comfort level that you will be able to “close the deal”
Have lender pre-approval before viewing homes
Know your budget and stick to it, don’t let the “excitement of the moment” carry you away
Bidding wars tend to drive prices up, so look at homes below your top-end budget so you have room to bid higher if you are part of a bidding war
Limit your contingencies
If you have to sell your home to complete this purchase you will be less appealing to a seller; if your current home is under contract provide details about that transaction to help the seller see you as a solid buyer.
Be reasonable without being difficult – be flexible with dates for closing/moving.
Add a personal touch
Write a letter or statement to the seller – this helps the seller see you as a person and not just a number
The S & P / Case-Shiller Home Price Index recently showed that home prices in 20 major metro areas have increased at the strongest pace in the past 5 years. North Texas pending sales are up 6.2%; pending sales tell us the market will continue at a strong pace. The Median Sold Price is up 13.1%.
Below you will find county-wide stats, to learn how your neighborhood is preforming contact us and we will provide a personalized report.
It rarely fails, no matter where we are, if we run into friends one of the first things they always ask us is “How’s the market?” Well we are here to tell you that market is good, and if you are a seller it is great! If you are thinking 2013 might be the year to sell your home we will tell you NOW is the time to put your home on the market!
Here are some facts and figures to show you just what is happening in our local market:
New listings on the market for the month of January 2012 vs. 2013 showed a decrease of 2.7%:
January 2012 = 4,353
January 2013 = 4,237
Overall inventory for the entire month of January – 2012 vs. 2013 showed a 32.8% decrease!
January 2012 = 12,745
January 2013 = 8,564
Closed sales for January 2012 vs. January 2013 showed and 18.2% increase:
January 2012 = 1,921
January 2013 = 2,271
Another important factor is how many days were the home homes on the market? That number decreased by 26.7%:
January 2012 = 109
January 2013 = 80
Some information about the sold price of homes indicates that prices increased slightly. The median sales price increased 6.6% and the percent of original list price received increased 2.2%.
One of the stats we considering when expressing how the future looks is to review the number of pending sales, and in January the number of homes in “pending” status was at a 3 year high! 12.2% more than last year!
So, let us say it again – NOW is the time to be “in the real estate market” – we are looking for houses to sell! Contact us today and we will provide you with a FREE, no obligation market value report – you just may be surprised at what a commodity your home is.
We have all heard that the real estate market is improving, but it is always nice to see what the facts say about our own area. Are things really improving in Plano and Allen Texas? The answer is YES! The real estate market is consistent. Here in the Plano area we did not experience the deep valleys that many other parts of the country experienced, we have been experienced a steady market during 2011 and 2012.
Here are the facts and figures for Plano for 2011 vs. 2012:
Plano
2011
2012
Homes Sold
2,722
3,161
Average Sold Price
$269,565
$271,329
Average Price Per Square Foot
$95
$96
Average Days on Market
93
64
As you see, more homes sold in 2012, and the average sold price increased. The average days on market decreased by nearly a month! The average price per square foot is a good “apples to apples” comparison point, and strongly indicates the steady market we have discussed.
As an additional point of reference let’s look at the same facts and figures for the Allen, Texas real estate market:
Allen
2011
2012
Homes Sold
1,128
1,299
Average Sold Price
$247,295
$247,438
Average Price Per Square Foot
$90
$91
Average Days on Market
84
66
While the number of homes sold in the Allen area is less than Plano on average the facts support the same conclusion, we are in a consistent market.
If you would like to know how your neighborhood compares, contact us and we will provide you with the details.
The real estate market in Plano & Allen, Texas continues to sizzle.
We like to consider the average days on market and average price per square foot as good measures of the overall market - these figures allow us to compare apples to apples so to speak.
There were 267 homes sold in Plano in August, with an average of 54 days on the market and the average price per square foot was $101.
In Allen there were 119 homes sold for the average price per square foot of $89 and homes were on the market an average of 61 days.
As we wrap up what is commonly known as the busy summer season these statistics are encouraging.
If you have been considering selling your home, give us a call and put our experience to work for you.
Carson & Barnes Family Circus is coming to Allen March 23rd, 24th & 25th!
The Carson & Barnes Circus family has toured North America for four generations. A traditional American Big Top Circus will delight you and your family. The circus benefits the Allen Kiwanis Club, proceeds help local children and adults.
Show times:
Friday, March 23rd - 4:30pm & 7:30pm
Saturday, March 24th - 1:30pm; 4:30pm; 7:30pm
Sunday March 25th - 1:30pm & 4:30pm
Advanced tickets are $14 for adults and $8 for children - tickets are available at Allen Kroger locations.
Tickets at the gate are $18 for adults and $8 for children.
A wonderful family event that will create a memories for a lifetime.
Pride of ownership lives here and you can too!Many recent updates, including a stunning kitchen with tile backsplash and stainless steel appliances & fresh interior paint.This home really shines! You are going to love calling this home!
You had a hunch there was something better out there, and this is IT!A stunning move-in ready 4 bedroom home.Large rooms, light & bright, great floor plan!Big yard, something for everyone here!
We all know the media is full of opinions about investing in real estate - is this the time to buy? We beleive the answer is YES! Now is the time to buy a home, become a home owner! It is a great time and being a homeowner is one of life's joys and a wonderful accomplishment!
Here are reasons you want to be a homeowner NOW:
1. Equity. When you pay rent, you never see that money again. It is lining the landlord's pocket. Yes, buying a home may come with some hefty initial costs (downpayment, closing costs, inspections), but you will make that money back over time, in the equity your home will build over time. Historically, homes appreciate by about 4 to 6 percent a year. Some areas of the country (some right here in our Texas real estate market) are still experiencing normal appreciation rates. Homeownership is about building long-term wealth.
2. Relationships: Renters tend to see their neighbors come and go quickly. Homeowners, however, have yards, walking trails, or community pools and clubhouses where they can get to know each other. And neighborhood schools and activities that bring people together to help build relationships. Neighbors stay put much longer (at least three to five years if they hope to recoup their closing costs). This means more time to develop relationships. Research has shown that people with healthy relationships have more happiness and less stress.
3. Predictability: Well, as long as you have a fixed-rate term on your mortgage it's predictable. Most people buying homes today know that a fixed-rate is the way to go. This means your payment amount is fixed for the life of the term. If your mortgage payment is $500 today, then it will still be $500 a month in 10 years. This allows for people to budget and make solid financial plans.
4. Ownership: Okay, this is a given. Homeownership means you "own" your home. Ownership has some great perks - you can renovate, update, paint, and decorate to your heart's desire. You can plant trees, install a pool, expand the patio, or do holiday decorating that would rival the Kranks. The bottom line is this is your home and you can personalize it to your taste. Most renters are stuck with the same beige walls and beige carpet that has been standard apartment decor for 20 years. Now is your chance to let your home speak!
5. Great Deals: It's a great time to buy. Interest rates are at historic lows. This means big savings for today's buyers. Home prices have also taken a dip since the recession, which means homes are more affordable than ever. Also, the supply of homes for sale is strong. If you have steady income and cash for a downpayment, contact us and let's talk about what homes in our area can be a fit for you and your family!
Homeownership can be a real joy. The time is right for you to become a homeowner!
January sales in Allen, TX were nearly identical to the December 2009 sales stats. This is good news for both buyers and sellers. Sellers are enjoying less than 2 months on the market, a steady price per square foot ($97) and brisk sales, only 4 less homes sold in January than December!
Just one more fact to support the news that our area continues to enjoy a steady real estate market.
Traditionally December Real Estate can be slow, and even though fewer homes sold the prices remained fairly constant!
Our market remains steady and with the expanded tax credit it is a great time to purchase a home. To qualify for the tax credit you need to have a home under contract before April, which will be here before you know it! Call us and we can help you find your dream home and take advantage of the tax credit!
As we look toward the New Year we wonder what will the real estate market do? Let’s first take a moment to reflect on the past 6 months. Often reviewing what we just finished helps us prepare for the future.
Single Family Home sales in Allen, Texas were very consistent for the final half of 2009.
·Average List Price $243,198
·Average Sold Price $229,131
o6% difference between list price and sold price!
·Average Price Per Square Foot $87
·Average Days on Market 65
These stats tell us that homes sold on a consistent and reasonable basis. Not quite what the media would have you believe is it?
We are here to assure you that people are buying homes and they are selling for a fair and reasonable price!
The government tax credit has been extended and expanded – it is a GREAT time to buy a home!
Real Estate sales in Allen, TX has proven to be very consistent throughout the summer and early fall. Homes are selling in less than 3 months, and the price per square foot continues to be in the high 80’s. We expect the market to remain steady with the new tax credit bill the government just released.
For Allen in September – Sold Properties:
113 homes sold
Average List Price $248,301
Average Sold Price $238,496
Average Price Per Sq Ft $88
Average Days on Market 76
October – Sold Properties
114 homes sold
Average List Price $222,637
Average Sold Price $212,850
Average Price Per Sq Ft $84
Average Days on Market 76
Real Estate sales in Allen, TX has proven to be fairly “normal” for the summer months, a significant increase in the number of homes sold during June & July; however the number of homes sold in August remains higher than in May. The average sold price saw a dip in June but rebounded nicely! The price per square foot and average days on market has remained steady during the past 4 months.
For Allen in July – Sold Properties:
117 homes sold
Average List Price $254,381
Average Sold Price $244,116
Average Price Per Sq Ft $89
Average Days on Market 61
August – Sold Properties
99 homes sold
Average List Price $255,147
Average Sold Price $241,862
Average Price Per Sq Ft $88
Average Days on Market 70
First time buyers – the clock is ticking and time is running out to take advantage of the $8,000 tax credit. Allen remains a great place to purchase your first home.
In our last article we discussed how soon it will be too late to use the $8,000 tax credit for first time home buyers. Today we want to review things that may cause a delay in closing and being qualified for the credit.
Buying a home is a complicated process, and it is not unusual for purchases involving first-time buyers to take slightly longer than those involving experienced buyers. Some of the delays that first-time buyers may face over the coming months:
Competition with Other Buyers
While home may be selling at a lower rate than in years past, in many areas changes in inventory have created extremely competitive buying environments. Foreclosures or other homes with greatly lowered asking prices are particularly sought after, and in many cases investors are very active in the marketplace.
Disclosures & Contingencies
The seller is obligated to disclose any material facts about the property, including any property defects or any lawsuits regarding claim to ownership on the property. Disclosures can stall negotiations and delay the contract signing depending on their nature and severity. Contingencies (written clauses in the sales contract that give protection to both the buyer and the seller of a home) can also result in some delay in negotiation, particularly if the contingency requires the seller to make specific repairs.
Appraisal
The lender will arrange for appraisal of the property, which will include a thorough inspection of the home's interior and exterior. The appraiser's report will describe the physical characteristics of the property and comparable property values will be used to determine the value of the property. If the appraisal of the home's value is lower than the agreed upon sales price, the buyer's chance of loan approval can be in jeopardy. In addition, recently added rules for appraisers have been causing some delays based upon anecdotal evidence.
Loan Approval
While interest rates remain advantageous for buyers, lenders are being much more fastidious during the approval process. Obtaining pre-approval can help prevent many delays.
The Holiday Season
Buyers who submit an offer in mid-fall may likely run into another roadblock to a pre-December 1st closing date: the approaching holiday season. Closing a real estate sale requires the work and attention of a number of professionals; from real estate agents to attorneys to bankers. Like many Americans, it is not uncommon for individuals in these fields to use up vacation time in the last few weeks of November. Securing a closing date during Thanksgiving week may be something approaching miraculous.
Additional Delays for Short Sales and Foreclosures
Buyers who make an offer on a short sale property or bank-owned foreclosure may find that it takes a significantly longer time to receive a reply than expected. Overall, buying these types of properties is a longer process than buying homes listed on the market by individual owners.
Let’s get started today, call us and let us help you through the home buying process!
While the economy continues to show signs of improvement and many housing markets are beginning to heat up, scores of would-be buyers are still waiting on the sidelines for further positive housing trends. But for first-time buyers, time is running short on the federal government's $8,000 tax credit.
Though the official expiration date of the credit is December 1, in reality on-the-fence buyers will need to make a decision one way or the other fairly soon. The reason: in order to qualify for the credit, the home purchase must close by December 1st. Merely having loan approval, an accepted offer or a signed contract won't be enough to qualify for the Housing and Economic Recovery Act.
Decision-Making Timeline - While each transaction is unique, closing a real estate deal is no speedy matter. On average, closing takes place 45 to 60 days after the date that the contract is signed. In order to meet the December 1st deadline, this would mean having a signing date in late September or early October. Those who consider the tax credit an important incentive but are still unsure about entering the market will need to make a decision one way or another before many more summer days pass.
To have any chance at finding a home and having an offer accepted by early October, buyers will want to wade into the home buying process right away. The immediate steps include making a final list of desired home attributes, scouting favorite neighborhoods and areas, starting the mortgage pre-approval process and beginning the home search process online.
Things are happening in Allen! 100 more homes sold in February than in June – that is the largest increase we have seen in these stats! And yet everything that should increase (sold price/price per square foot) did; and everything that should decrease (days on market) also did!
For Allen in May – Sold Properties
86 homes sold
Average List Price $249,117
Average Sold Price $241,952
Average Price Per Sq Ft $87
Average Days on Market 70
June – Sold Properties
131 homes sold
Average List Price $238,498
Average Sold Price $204,661
Average Price Per Sq Ft $86
Average Days on Market 58
The demand for homes in Allen is on the rise, if you are considering selling your home give us a call and let us help!
You often here the saying, “what’s old will be new again” – and that is true in today’s real estate market. Yes there has been a shake up and things have changed but there are still buyers and sellers and people living in the homes of their dreams. And as is true most often when things are “shook up” or changing, that going back to fundamentals is the best track back to “normal”
Below are time-honored home buying essentials that apply now more than ever:
Save Up to Pay Down
The tradition of the down-payment is almost as old as real-estate itself, yet home loans with no money or very little money down became increasingly popular during the start of the decade. Changes in the credit market have made such arrangements all but nonexistent today, and in many cases buyers won't be considered for a loan without at least a 10% down payment waiting in the wings.
In reality, buyers who invest at least a 15% to 20% down payment will be rewarded as markets re-stabilize. A larger down payment provides the buyer with a lower interest rate, lower payments, higher equity and a stronger negotiating position when it comes to refinancing.
Borrow Smarter
Lenders will employ a variety of different metrics to determine how large of a loan and monthly payment you qualify for, but ultimately you must determine a realistic monthly budget. Qualifying for a home doesn't necessarily mean that you can truly afford the payments in the real world. Start the home buying process off right by determining exactly what kind of mortgage payment you can afford, leaving yourself enough buffer to deal with life's little surprises.
Focus on Your Market
It's easy to be distracted by national housing headlines, but real estate has always been centered on very specific local market conditions. What is true in one area is not the case in another, sometimes down to the street level. Rather than paying too much attention to trends in distant cities and markets, keep your eyes squarely on the dynamics close to home, and work with your local real estate expert.
Call me and let’s talk about these fundamentals and how my experience and knowledge can help you!
1828 Caddo Lake Drive, Allen, TX is elegant and offers a traditional floor plan. This home offers something for everyone, plenty of room to spread out enjoy! Four nice sized bedrooms; sitting on a large corner lot; ideal back yard with extended patio!
Contact us & we will schedule a private viewing for you to see this wonderful home!
Now that we are two months into the “new year” let’s take a moment to look back at both months and see how things are changing in the real estate market.
For Allen in January – Sold Properties:
52 homes sold
Average List Price $243,434
Average Sold Price $235,021
Average Price Per Sq Ft $85
Average Days on Market 94
February – Sold Properties
41 homes sold
Average List Price $214,335
Average Sold Price $204,661
Average Price Per Sq Ft $79
Average Days on Market 88
Yes, there are changes, homes sold faster, but for a little less and fewer homes sold.
Remember the “spring selling season” is fast approaching! If you are considering put your home on the market give us a call and put our experience to work for you.
