The central information source for all real estate agents about the current housing market is the Multiple Listing Service (MLS). I use it as a source of an immense amount of detail regarding the prices of homes for sale, their location, their appearance, their size in terms of square feet, the number of bedrooms, bathrooms, and so much more. I also use the MLS to assist buyers in finding homes that are within their price ranges, and that fit their needs for their ideal purchase. Additionally it is an invaluable source for informing my sellers as to their competition when pricing their house for sale.
Recently, the research division of Better Homes and Gardens Mason-McDuffie Real Estate analyzed the sales and purchase information in Alameda County for the first quarter of 2012, and came up with some interesting, and pleasantly surprising facts for potential buyers. They discovered that countywide, the inventory of single family detached home sales AND their prices, declined throughout most of Alameda County. Additionally, for the second consecutive quarter, this slowdown in sales caused a small, but noticeable decline in the median prices of homes sold--a real benefit to future buyers.
To illustrate this, the analysis discovered that throughout Alameda county, the median price of homes fell from $396,557 in the 4th quarter of 2011 to $370,222 in the first quarter of 2012. That is a pleasant surprise for future buyers, since the peak home buying season is just beginning in earnest. But, an even bigger difference is seen when comparing the median price of homes from the second quarter of 2011. That amount was pegged at $425,418. While they were speaking of median prices throughout all of the county, rather than individual cities, the difference between $425, 418 for quarter two of 2011, and $370,222 for quarter one of 2012 is a significant difference, and one to encourage buyers to begin to make plans to purchase a home while the conditions are so favorable.
I look forward to the opportunity to begin the search for you. I have an excellent source of information about what’s available right now. Additionally, I have the most valuable asset-my personal experience and expertise about today’s real estate market throughout Alameda County. My past sales have been in many of the major cities, so I am familiar with information that other agents are not. This experience is not available on the MLS, and I use it daily. Feel free to contact me with any questions that you may have about all of this important information,
Posted by Bruce Wagg on
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