The month of August fared slightly better than July, but the numbers are still somewhat low for the summer. Here’s a look at the stats for August:
- Sales Closed: 196
- Average Sales Price: $173,762
- Average Days on Market: 116
- Sold Dollar Volume: $34,057,267
- Total Number of Active Residential Listings: 1599
- Total Number of New Listings: 543
Based on the above data from the month of August as well as the previous data from earlier this summer, it is clear that our local housing market has declined. As professionals in the real estate industry, we have been keeping a watchful eye on what is occurring. Naturally, it is concerning for folks. But with plentiful gloom and doom that people have been speculating about, we thought we’d share a more positive perspective on how the market has potential to pick up.
After decades in the business, I have witnessed one consistent truth: after the market goes down, it eventually goes back up. Granted, the particular set of circumstances and particulars of the times are different, but holding tight to a positive attitude and aggressive work ethic during a difficult market are invaluable not only to those of us in the industry, but also to consumers affected by the housing market.
The factors that contributed to our current market conditions are well known, but I wanted to compile a list of factors that could positively affect our market in the near future. These are merely some of my speculations on factors that have the potential to positively affect our market:
- Elections. I’ve seen a lot of concern about political decisions affecting our economy. People may be feeling unsure or indecisive about buying because they aren’t seeing good things happening in the economy. Regardless of individual viewpoints, a change in political leadership may re-invigorate people and develop confidence. With one party in total control during a recession, it is only natural for people to be hopeful that a change in political power will positively affect the decisions being made regarding the economy. The more negative news emerges, the shakier consumer confidence appears to be. A change in political perspective on the economy could increase consumer confidence as people perceive a positive change in economic policy.
- Moving past the tax credit. With the large federal tax credits that were offered in the past 2 years, many people moved up their purchase timeline to claim the credit. We were quite busy in April & May as people rushed to buy and sell while the credits were still in place. Clearly, the period immediately following the expiration of the credits was slow. As time passes since the expiration of the credits, we will likely begin to see a new crop of buyers emerge who are just now reaching a position to be qualified to buy a home. Others have speculated that a lagging housing market may bring about another wave of incentive programs. I think it’s realistic to guess that some potential buyers are looking to see if new incentives are put in place. Regardless of one’s opinion about such programs, it is very true that they do affect the decisions of prospective buyers.
- New businesses moving to the Research Valley. Despite our local economic troubles, we are fortunate to live in an area of the country (and area of the state) that has the ability to attract new business. According to the Research Valley Partnership, the area is projected to continue to experience new businesses growth, particularly in the field of Biotechnology. This long-term growth will positively affect our housing market.
- A less than worse case scenario at A&M. The timing of the negative financial news coming out of A&M this summer coincided with the historically highest volume months in real estate. When the news emerged from A&M, many folks felt uncertain as to how the budget cuts would affect the stability of their employment, which likely suspended their plans to buy. As discussed during the summer, A&M decided to plan for larger cuts than required to address the worst-case scenario. Planning for the worst-case scenario doesn’t necessarily mean that the worst-case scenario will occur. If it doesn’t and things begin to stabilize, people’s confidence may allow them to revisit their home buying goals.
Hopefully these thoughts provide a much-needed glimmer of hope about what we are seeing right now. Of course, some may have opposing opinions. As a veteran of our local real estate industry, I am committed to focusing on the positive when times are hard and negativity is plentiful. The housing market affects us all, so it’s in our best interest to hope that it begins to experience improvement soon.
What do you think? Join the discussion on MyBCS.