TEXAS EXISTING HOME SALES, PRICES UP IN MARCH

TEXAS EXISTING HOME SALES, PRICES UP IN MARCH

TEXAS (Real Estate Center) – A total of 19,330 existing single-family homes were sold in Texas last month, up 16 percent from March 2009, according to MLS data compiled by the Real Estate Center at Texas A&M University.

The median price was up 4 percent to $144,600 during the same period, and the state finished the month with a 7.1-month inventory of existing homes.

Here is how select Texas cities fared in March (data current as of April 27, 2010):

	Sales	Change from Last     Year	Median Price	Change  from Last Year	Months' Inventory
Amarillo	203	no change	$113,500	down 6%	6.4
Austin	1,999	up 33%	$178,600	no change	6.6
Corpus Christi	302	up 7%	$137,600	up 13%	9.8
Dallas	3,989	up 10%	$157,600	up 7%	6.3
Fort Worth	751	up 10%	$115,700	up 6%	6.6
Houston	5,359	up 13%	$153,000	up 5%	6.9
Laredo	70	down 8%	$124,300	up 11%	8.9
Lubbock	316	up 22%	$109,800	up 1%	5.7
McAllen	256	up 43%	$93,800	down 1%	11.8
San Antonio	1,739	up 27%	$141,900	down 1%	8.1
Texas	19,330	up 16%	$144,600	up 4%	7.1

For more information on the Amarillo real estate market please call or email me. 806 654 3842  dirk@sweethomeamarillo.com

How to Get a Home Ready for an Open House

When buyers decide to start the process of buying a home they typically attend many open houses, not just to look at homes they may be interested in but also to get ideas on what they may or may not like. First impressions RULE when buyers are looking at homes.

So... sellers facing their first open house might find this checklist helpful. The following is a quick list that will help make your home look great!

• Box up knick-knacks, family mementos, and books to create a neutral environment.

• Remove excess furniture to make the rooms seem more spacious.

• Thoroughly clean carpets, windows, closets, and ovens.

• Assess needed household repairs and make them.

• Clear debris from sidewalks, decks, and driveways.

• Replace dated kitchen and bathroom hardware and fixtures.

• Remove heavy curtains that block light.

• Install bright natural light bulbs to brighten the rooms

• Repaint rooms that look dull using a neutral color such as cream or tan.

• Refinish worn hardwood floors.

• Paint the front door and buy a new welcome mat.

Consult with your Professional Realtor on how to make your home stand out and look great for showings! First Impressions are KEY in selling real Estate!

Dirk van Reenen




If you need a Realtor please call me for a free consultation!

AMARILLO HOUSING STARTS RISE, COMMERCIAL STARTS DECLINE

AMARILLO HOUSING STARTS RISE, COMMERCIAL STARTS DECLINE


AMARILLO (Amarillo Globe-News) – First quarter 2010 brought more single-family home starts into the city than in 2009, but projects and construction spending in the commercial sector fell behind.

Builders began 169 new homes worth a combined $36.6 million in Amarillo in the first three months of 2010. This was up from 108 home starts worth $25.5 million in first quarter 2009, according to City of Amarillo permit data.

Commercial construction fell to 16 projects worth $11.3 million last quarter from 19 projects worth $21.6 million a year ago.

Commercial remodeling, including interior completion of unfinished lease space, fell from $45.8 million on 73 projects in first quarter 2009 to $31.6 million on 90 projects this year.

The city issued 244 permits for commercial and residential new construction, remodeling, roofing and demolition worth $83.3 million in the first three months of this year.

1st Quarter Amarillo Real Estate Review 2010

Whats the scoop?!

January kicked off the year with a few alarming numbers. With only 107 listings sold (lowest in over two years), A huge jump in new listings (447 new listings) and 1,520 active listings, Amarillo was left the largest supply of inventory (14.21 months) we have see in a long time. February and March brought better home sales and with a lower number of new listings the inventory levels have dropped down to an 8.64 month supply. This level is still above normal and is just slightly higher than last year this time.

At the end of the 3rd quarter the average DOM (days on market) was at 99 days and the average selling price in Amarillo was $134,455 which is only $2,906 down from a year ago. The total sales for the 1st quarter came out to $66.49 Million which is $5.06 million down from 1st Quarter 2009.

With the first time home buyer’s and the existing home owners tax credits said to wrap up this month we are expecting to see an influx of contacts on real estate which will result in elevated sales in May and June.

Amarillo has been and is continuing to be one of the strongest real estate markets in the US. Conservative local lenders, a strong economy and the core values of Amarillians have kept us WAY above the national trends in real estate. Over the last two years Amarillo has shown strong resiliency against tumbling home values and artificially high foreclosure rates. The Amarillo real estate market as a whole is down only 2-5% in values from 2008, the main factor is elevated inventory levels which cause the average DOM to be longer.

As the spring time is upon us we are looking forward to an increase in real estate activity and hope to steadily increase numbers across the board this spring and summer.

For information specific to your neighborhood or for a free real estate consultation please contact me at 806 654 3842 or dirk@sweethomeamarillo.com    I work with buyers and sellers.

Information from the Amarillo Association of Realtors and Compiled by Dirk van Reenen for the use of marketing by Dirk van Reenen only.