By Jaysiah Ferguson
Thursday March 8, 2012
Is the housing market really that bad? I’m use to the sympathetic tones I hear when I tell someone, “I’m a Realtor.”
“Oh , you’re in real estate? How’s it going?” [spoken in the so sorry-for-you tone]
Well, if you’re buying and selling in Battle Ground, which I am, I say, “It’s going great!” Out of 34 Clark County areas, Battle Ground ended the year near the top–3rd highest for closed sales in 2011. And, we’ve started out this year strong, with more new listings (43 in January) than the majority of other Clark County areas.
Overall the market is looking healthier than it has in quite awhile. In fact this January rocked! We had more sales for the month of January than we’ve had since 2007, AND the prices in Battle Ground stomp the surrounding areas.
Median Home Sale Prices for Battle Ground
Our Median sales price last month was $185K while nearby communities (Salmon Creek, Brush Prairie, Ridgefield etc.) ranged from near $200k-$225K. You definitely get the most bang for your buck right here in Battle Ground!
So with more listings–which equals choices–can’t buyers just sit back and slowly mull over their options before making a “hasty” decision? Sure you can, if you’re satisfied with the homes that other buyers turned down…the real estate “leftovers.” A common misconception is inventory is moving slowly. It was…a few years ago when the market fell apart. Now, most sellers have recovered from their shell shock experience, and their pricing is more in-line with today’s market values.
One bad apple…or vacant, dilapidated home…can ruin the market perspective. Most likely, if that home is in your neighborhood it’s a short sale, and there’s a very good chance it actually has an offer on it. There are currently 22 pending home sales in Battle Ground and they’ve only been on the market since the first of the year.
The Local Bank-Owned Market
The bank-owned market is still hot; receiving multiple offers and above list price offers is not uncommon (I know! Shocking, right?). There have been 14 REO homes sold in BG since the beginning of the year, and six of them were at full price or above! Of the 26 bank-owned homes in the area, half are pending, and most of those were snatched up in less than 10 days (which in bank time means offers from the get go).
There are so many great real estate opportunities in Battle Ground. If you’re thinking of buying or selling, you’ve just got to turn off the news–quiet the chaos– and take a good, hard look at the stats for your home and community. It’s really not that bad.
Welcome to Battle Ground!
Essy Fennel & Family
THIS MONTH’S TOP REAL ESTATE WINNER!
Congrats to Essy Fennel & family who just moved into a fabulous 2600sq’ home that appraised for $365K at the peak. They snuck in on a negotiated Short Sale, got approval for $210K with a week, and ended up with a mortgage payment less than the going rental rate for an similar home in the area. Did I mention they got 100% financing and the seller paid the closing cost? Woo hoo! Way to go, Essy!
Jaysiah will be at the Battle Ground Resource Fair located at the High School from 10am-2pm this Saturday. Stop on by to get information about foreclosure alternatives, or join Jaysiah for Third Thursdays, free 1-hr seminars held at Keller Williams from 6:30pm-7:30pm (next to the cinema). This month’s topic will be Options 101: Foreclosure Looming? Know your options! Limited Seating. Please RSVP at clarkcountyhelp.com
About Jaysiah Ferguson
Jaysiah enjoys being an advocate for people as they navigate through the home buying and selling process. She specializes in assisting clients through the bank-owned and short sale market. As a Northwest native, she enjoys our liquid sunshine and spends as much time as possible enjoying the great outdoors with her husband and four boys. Visit jaysiahsrealestate.com to customize a search for your new home and also get valuable real estate information on Clark County.
