RMLS Market Update

November Residential Highlights
For the second month in a row there was a slight decrease in inventory in the Portland metro area. At November’s rate of sales, the 14,435 active residential listings at month’s end would last approximately 8.3 months. The number of new listings dropped again, the second time since February 2006, decreasing 3.1% when comparing November 2007 to November 2006. However, the number of transactions also continues to drop.

When comparing November 2007 to November 2006 closed sales decreased 19.9% and the number of accepted offers fell 27.8%. Despite it all, sale prices appear to remain strong. Average sale price increased 6.9% comparing November 2007 with November 2006 and median sale price increased 2.5%.

Appreciation
Using the average sale prices for the twelve months that ended with
November 2007 compared to the twelve months ending in November 2006, the average sale price appreciated 6.5% ($340,900 v. $320,100). Using the same formula, the median sale price also appreciated 7.0% ($288,900 v.$270,000).

More About Us!

Is The Oregonian Right?

Well it official, prices slip, supply is up! That is according to the Oregonian's Dylan Rivera who just published these findings today in the Business Section. The average dropped $1,200 or 0.5% from $286,200 to $285,000. In real estate terms that is nothing. Wow! We also heard the sky is falling! Is there more inventory out there than a year ago? Yes! Is that inventory taking a lot longer to sell than a year ago? Yes! Is the overall housing market in Portland still strong? In our opinion Yes! How do we know this, because we are selling a lot of homes for buyer and sellers?

Here are the simple fact campers- we are back to a more normalized sales cycle with regards to real estate. This is how it should be. Real Estate Agents are the first ones to cheer for the quick sale of any property (i.e. it's how we get paid.) This does not mean this is the way the housing marketplace should operate for a healthy long term play.

Now more than ever it becomes increasingly clear that you must price your property correctly. No more 10-20% "fluff." All home sellers and agents alike must do what is right if they truly want to sell a home. With the overwhelming amount of choice out there a buyer can take his or her time, and really look with a critical eye. They don't have to buy the first thing they see. In fact most of our buyer are taking there time and eating up our gas- just kidding. At $4 a gallon showing homes can get expensive in an SUV.

Furthermore, you property must be 110% ready to go. Clean walls, clean garages, manicured yards, no clutter, clean carpets, and the list goes on and on! These are the basic things a buyer expects when they make a home purchase. You don't want to inherit someone else’s filth or pet hair, or worse. Why should you expect to have someone want to do the same with your home? Like it or not they are buying a product. Your home is a product- plane and simple! It needs to be in excellent shape or they just move on and buy one that is.

So, is the Oregonian correct? Yes and no.... It's all a matter of perspective and perception.

March Residential Highlights

Market Activity in the Portland Metro Area seems to have slowed down when comparing March 2007 with March 2006. New listings increased nearly 24% in the past month, while accepted and closed sales dropped by 9.7% and .8% respectively.The 10,557 active residential listings at the end of March would last approximately 3.8 months at the month’s rate of sales.

First Quarter/Year-to-Date
When comparing market activity through March 2007 to the same time in 2006, the first quarter appears to be off to a slow start. The number of closed sales decreased 6.2%. Pending sales also dropped 4.8%. However, new listings have jumped 20.3%.

Appreciation
To c a l c u l a t e s a l e p r i c e appreciation, the average and median sale prices for the twelve months that ended with March 2007 are compared to the prices for the twelvemonths ending in March 2006. Using those time periods, the average sale price appreciated 12.2% ($327,800 v. $292,100). Using the same date range to comparemedian sale price we see a 12.4% appreciation rate ($275,500 v. $245,000).

Oregonians asked to weigh in on land-use issues

If you've got opinions about urban development, farming, wildlife or just about anything else related to Oregon's land, now's the time to share them with the state.

A new online survey will help identify key issues for the "Big Loop" task force charged with reshaping Oregon land-use planning. The 10-member group---including a developer, a farmer and politicians--will issue reports to the 2007 and 2009 Legislatures. EVerything from creating vibrant cities to protecting private property rights is on the table.

The survey, which includes 21 questions, will be available until Monday, July 10. It can be accessed at www.oregon.gov/lcd/biglook/surveys.shtml.

Summer Heats Things Up!

As we kick-off summer things start to heat up. Already we are seeing a huge increase in phone calls and interest from the home buying community. Now is the time to list your home if you want to sell it. 75% of our transactions will occur between June 1st & September 1st.

Don't delay try and figure a good selling or buying strategy with a licensed qualified Realtor as soon as possible. The sooner you plan, stage & list your home the sooner it will sell. Average market time right now in the Portland metro area is 49 days. That means if you list on June 1st statistically speaking you will sell something around Mid to late July.

If we can be of assistance please feel free to contact at your convinces. - Chris Larsson & Tim Larsson (LarssonProperties / Coldwell Banker Barbara Sue Seal Properties)

Welcome to your one-stop source for Portland area real estate services.

Find homes for sale and area information for the neighborhoods of Lake
Oswego, West Linn, Tigard, Tualatin, Wilsonville, Beaverton and Portland.
Get real estate buying and selling tips, relocation help, and mortgage
information too!

We’re here to help you buy or sell the home of your dreams…