The Number of Ames Homes for Sale
The graph to the immediate right shows that the number of homes listed for sale right now suddenly peaked, perhaps due to the tax incentives available. The number of homes for sale in January was a record low. It can only be explained by the recession.
Contracts accepted = May Sale Pendings
We were all expecting a slow May after the tax credit expired April 30. May 2010 will probably be written in the history books as the slowest May EVER! 29 homes went sale pending in Ames last month. In a normal year, we would expect somewhere around 70.
Ames Sale Pendings per Month
The graph to the right shows that the most popular months for our local real estate are March through August. In 2009, we experienced record high numbers of sale pendings, and record lows. The winter months are particularly difficult during recessions. If you listed your home for sale last fall, most likely it will still be for sale in March the following Spring.
Tax Credit
How do previous years compare to 2010 with the tax credit for first time homebuyers?
Angie Shirk
Hunziker & Associates
105 S.16th Street, Ames, IA, 50010
515-450-8118
ashirk1@hotmail.com
Micro Markets
Though not shown here, the real estate market within Ames itself is comprised of several smaller micro-markets. I can demonstrate the very real differences as we make marketing and price-point recommendations for a $130,000 home, a $260,000 home, and a $520,000 home. For one to simply state that the market forces apply equally to these three Ames homes would be a mistake. The homes listed with Hunziker are selling 1/3 faster than the competition and 1% higher in sales price!
