The Massachusetts North Shore Update - June, 2007

In January, I wrote a blog entitled "Knowing Exactly When the Market will Change" that received many comments, replies and supportive feedback. In that blog, I stated that as soon as we have 3 consecutive months when more inventory is going off (under contract) than is coming on (new listings) we can expect to once again experience an appreciating market.

Hot off the "Actual Statistics" press, it is now time for my JUNE update of how the real estate market is faring in my area of the country - the Massachusetts North Shore, north of Boston.
The area of observation consists of 22 towns on the North Shore and considers only SINGLE FAMILY homes for comparison.So how did we do in June and thus far this year?

In June, 554 single family homes came on the market on the North Shore and 299 homes went under contract.

For the sixth month in a row, many more listings came on than went off the market: +255, or nearly double. In January, that difference was +195; in February, +135; in March, +287; in April, +288; and in May, +315.

So, what does this mean?Simply this: We will continue to remain in a DEPRECIATING market until this trend reverses.

Here's a recap of the previous five months:

In May, 655 single family homes came on the market on the North Shore and 340 homes went under contract.

In April, 550 single family homes came on the market in the North shore and 262 homes went under contract.

In MARCH, 543 single family homes came on the market on the North Shore and 256 homes went under contract.

In FEBRUARY, 377 single family homes came on the market on the North Shore and 242 homes went under contract.

In JANUARY, 404 single family homes came on the market on the North Shore and 209 single family homes went under contract (off market).

The message: Real estate values will continue to decline until this trend reverses. Part of the solution? Sellers need to recognize that it is no longer 2004 and price their homes ahead of the declining price curve. As you can see, many homes are selling, but they are the one's that are priced properly and AHEAD of the declining value curve.

I will provide another update again in the beginning of August (for the month of July) and we'll take a look and see if the market is changing or if we can expect more of the same for a while.

Your Experience Level

Imagine getting ready to sell your first home. You choose a real estate agent who arrives at your home on schedule. The agent sits down, pulls out a real estate listing contract and a pen, and says "Sign here!" How would you feel?

OK, then, let's say you've decided to sell your 18^th home in as many years. The sales agent of your choice sits down at your kitchen table complete with a laptop computer and listing presentation book, and proceeds to give you a very basic two-hour presentation on the procedures involved in selling a home. Now how do you feel?

One of the services you can expect from your sales agent is the ability to determine and understand your experience level in selling a home, and then to respond by presenting only that information you need for a rewarding, satisfying sales experience.

If the home you're selling is your first, the presentation may include information on the selling process employed by the agent's company, their advertising strategies, use of "For Sale" signs, and an explanation of contract forms which will be used. You may also receive information about closing procedures, sales expenses, and an analysis of the estimated sale price and terms which you can expect. Or, if you've sold many times before, you may only want a thorough explanation of present market conditions and pricing.

Choose your real estate agent with care, and you'll be on your way to a successful sale.