Contrary to what many people believe, summer is not the only time homes sales are brisk in Seal Beach. For many considering the purchase of a home, price and interest rates are far more important factors then seasonal timing.
Take for example several recent conversations I’ve had with owner’s considering the sale of their home.
The reasons I hear for postponing the sale of a home are many, but here are a few of the more common ones. “Families with children in school don’t like to move in the middle of the school year,” or “the holiday months are probably the slowest Real Estate months of the year.”
Nothing could be farther from the truth … right now, in this market. If you are considering the sale of a home, right now is undeniably the best time to do list it.
Buyer demand is at an all time high and inventory of available homes is at an all time low.
One look at the sales activity in the Multiple Listing Service illustrates how active fall homes sales have been.
In the period beginning Oct. 1, 2011 and ending the week of Thanksgiving 2011 exactly eight homes were sold between $639,000 and $1,700,000.
During the same period this year, 11 homes were sold between $610,000 and $3,950,000. It’s obvious that not only is sales volume up, but so are the number of buyers in all price ranges—including luxury homes like 100 Ocean Ave. (currently pending sale).
All of this does not mean that overpriced homes are receiving the same attention as those priced in-line with the market. Accurately priced homes that are thoughtfully presented and correctly marketed are selling with multiple offers. The tricky part of this market is carefully selecting the best-qualified buyer for the type of property you are selling.
A recent example is a home I listed in College Park East, 3591 Camelia St., which was listed Friday, Sept. 7, and sold on Monday, Sept. 10. with multiple offers.
Another recent example is a home I listed in Huntington Beach at 20742 Skimmer Ln., which was listed Thursday, Nov. 1. and sold on Wednesday. Nov. 7, with multiple offers. While now may be a great time to sell, the number of pitfalls in the real estate process are more numerous than ever. Contact your local real estate professional before beginning the process to ensure a successful outcome.
Nat Ferguson is a fourth-generation Seal Beach resident, Realtor and past president of the Chamber of Commerce. He can be reached at (562) 645-6501, online at www.NatSellsSealBeach.com or at his office located at 1400 Ocean Ave., in Seal Beach.
