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List (asking) price vs sales price April 2008

This is quickly becoming one of my favorite measuring tools for the Charleston real estate market. It's interesting to note that the list or asking price is significantly higher than prices buyers have paid for homes in each classification (the lone exception being the median price for luxury condos).

Please note however, median price is just the middle price of all the available price points and a measure of affordability so you really can't price your home at the median price. The more important concept is to understand what prices home buyers are paying and that is best expressed by the average sales price.

Sellers who are serious about selling and not just listing should be pricing their homes to the current market.

 AverageMedian
Single Family Homes  
under 600k  
sold prices last 12 months$230,954 $205,000
list prices currently for sale$273,063 $239,900
difference18.23%17.02%
over 600k  
sold prices last 12 months$1,156,888 $850,000
list prices currently for sale$1,408,116 $999,999
difference21.72%17.65%
Condos and Townhomes  
under 600k  
sold prices last 12 months$211,198 $180,000
list prices currently for sale$244,556 $199,900
difference15.79%11.06%
over 600k  
sold prices last 12 months$967,683 $872,500
list prices currently for sale$1,067,022 $832,900
difference10.27%-4.54%
 

Published Tuesday, April 29, 2008 7:09 AM by Howard Arnoff

Comments

# re: List (asking) price vs sales price April 2008

The papers and media have been loaded with awful news these past two week.  The Charleston papers led with an article over the weekend  of "Gas or Bread".  I think the real estate market wants to come back  (this great weather makes you want to spend $$$)or at least stop the slide, but the amount of negative pressures may be too much to over come.

-Inflation is up (gas is way up).  My family spends an extra $200 a month in gas now compared to 2 years ago.  $200 a month = the payment difference between buying a 300k house vs a 270k house (approx)

-Recession...the dreaded "R" word.  Brace yourself for Wednesday when the fed releases growth # for Q1.  If the economy contracted we're headed for a recession and people will freak out.

-Jobless claims are up...thats fact.  

-It's harder to borrow money.

Charleston is in a better position than most because so many people want to live here, but we also saw prices increase abnormally which makes you wonder if they have further to fall.

Talking with my realtor friends they are saying that activity is back and they are writing contracts again.  Makes me wonder if this is the "Dead cat bounce" or a true tuen around, but regardless... houses are selling where they weren't 5 months ago.

From what I can observe the good houses in good locations that are priced right are selling...but isn't that always the case.  

Tuesday, April 29, 2008 12:43 PM by Claude Daigle

# re: List (asking) price vs sales price April 2008

Claude, my listings have sold, several I passed on are still overpriced on the market. There isn't much you can do other than present the straight facts to a seller.

People are still buying, I'm writing purchase contracts. Mortgages are still available as long as you have a job, good credit, debt to income ratio and a down payment.

The economy stinks; gas and food prices are soaring. Life goes on, sometimes it's a little tougher. It's why they call it a business cycle, up and down.  

Tuesday, April 29, 2008 1:09 PM by Howard Arnoff
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