2009-april-newsletter

The link, above, will take you to the 2009 April Find A Mountain Home newsletter.  I hope you enjoy it.

2009-april-newsletter

Now is a fantastic time to purchase a home, especially for first time home buyers.  Why?  Interest rates are at an all time low.  More homes are on the market to choose from.  For first time home buyers, USDA has a new loan program offering as much as 102% of the purchase price of the home, with other great features such as no PMI.  And for calendar year 2009, first-time home buyers may be eligible for a $8000 tax credit.

The home buying process can appear very complicated and with huge decisions.  This seminar will explain the major steps of the process and provide information that will whittle down decisions to a manageable size.  I will be on hand to present the process and answer real estate related questions.  Melissa Carpenter of CommunityOne Bank will be on hand to explain what you need to be thinking about to apply for a loan and answer loan-related questions.

The seminars will be offered on 3 dates:  Tues., March 17 at 6:30 pm.  Saturday, April 11 at 10:30am.  Thursday May 21 at 6:30pm. 

The location is the Boone Optimist Clubhouse located at 1012 State Farm Road [by the softball fields and across from the original Lowe's building]. 

We’ll cover:  the home-buying process [from deciding you want to purchase through walking in the front door of your new home], what information you need to get together to take to a lender, how the USDA guidelines may benefit you, information on the $8000 first time homebuyers’ tax credit, homes currently on the market, and consumer protection information.  You’ll take home a notebook full of information you’ll want to refer to during your home-buying process and the knowledge of how to take the first steps to buying a home.  You’ll have the opportunity, if you so choose, to talk individually with a realtor and a lender.

Refreshments will be served.

An RSVP is appreciated but not necessary.  To RSVP or for further information phone Helen Phillips at 828.264.1434 or email Helen@CoeRealty.com   Or phone Melissa Carpenter at 828.964.5544 or email melissa.carpenter@myyesbank.com.

This chart documents the declining sales over the past 3 years.  It also shows that we did not see a significant drop in sales until Spring 2008.  Please let me know if you would like to discuss this further.  Helen Phillips 828 264 1434  Coe Realty.

 We’re seeing some drop in price in land sales but what stands out most in the significant drop in volume of sales.

Do let me know if you’d like me to evaluate your land vis-a-vis the current market. Call me at 828.264.1434 or email Helen@CoeRealty.com

All Land Non-Commercial Sales

Subdivision Sales

Local Area Homes Sales, Watauga Market, June 2005 through May 2006
 

Local Area Home Sales, Watauga Market, June 2006 through May 2007
 

Local Area Home Sales, Watauga Market, June 2007 through May 2008

A real estate market is not just one phenomena but rather represents several trends.  Some of the trends in our market are:  local, year round residents; moderately priced second homes; very high end second homes; and the log cabin market, many if not most of which are second homes.

Below are sold comps for log cabins and for single family residences for our area.  In understanding our market, I look at the Blowing Rock to Banner Elk ‘corridor’ [my term] because that area includes a large concentration of 2^nd homes. I compare those results with the areas occupied in larger numbers by year round residents than 2^nd homes; by school districts:  Parkway, Green Valley, Mabel, Cove Creek, Bethel, Hardin Park.

I conclude from the sales statistics below:
   — we have a lot of inventory
   – we have a lower number of sales than the past two years [large inventory and lower number of sales correlate]
   –  But, we haven’t yet seen drastic drops in average price of homes, in contradiction to what the national media portrays over and over.  The national media tends to ignore local markets [and especially local markets that are doing well; some are!]
   – If the lowered number of sales continues, I would expect decreases in average and median sales prices by next summer.
   – Log home sales remain strong here.  That is, although the number of sales is down, the price has increased.  This illustrates one unique characteristic of our market in western North Carolina:  the importance of log homes to buyers.
   –  How important are log homes sales to our market and to our local economy?  Compare the total volume of log home sales to the total volume of the local market:  the numbers correlate in remarkable similarity.  In other words, in terms of volume log home sales are as important as local residential sales. 

Market Analysis of Single Family Residences:

Dec. 10 2008

Please contact me if you are interested in learning how the value of your home compares to the local market.  Helen Phillips Coe Realty 828 264 1434 or Helen@CoeRealty.com

I’m providing you a comparison of the past 12 months vs. the previous 12 months sales of single family residences in the Watauga market area.  As you’ll notice, the number of homes sold is down by about 20% and thus the total volume is down.  You’ll also notice we aren’t seeing a decrease in average and median house prices. 

If you are concerned about whether your property is holding its value, please contact me and I’ll be glad to provide you an analysis of current market value.  828 264 1434 or Helen@CoeRealty.com. 

Single Family Home Sales, Watauga Market Sept 2007 to Sept 2008
 

Single Family Home Sales, Watauga Market Sept 2006 to Sept 2007
 

Single Family Home Sales, Watauga Market Sept 2005 to Sept 2006