We need a new way of thinking about real estate. You see, our homes are a commodity - not a product. When the seller establishes the selling price it's a product, but when the buyer sets the selling price it's a commodity. And, the price of the commodity moves up or down as a function of supply and demand. In the real estate market, we call this appreciation or depreciation. Right now we have more homes on the market now than we did this time last year and more than the year before.
So you see, we've been in a depreciating market since mid-to-late 2005 and all the while home prices have been declining.
Buyers' perception of value in today's market is significantly lower than that of Sellers. Some Sellers, still living in 2005, believe that the market continues to appreciate while home prices fall as more homes come to market. Until such time as the inventory level declines and more homes come off the market than come on, we will not reach a tipping point where prices could start improve and the market appreciates.
When sellers aggressively position their property below market they can create conditions similar to those found in appreciating markets energizing the buyer pool, and create an environment whereby they can obtain the best price sales price in the shortest period of time.
In Anne Arundel County in April there were 4,309 active listings on the market, up 2.1% from last month. There were 1,239 new listings in April, up 12.5%. And, there were 691 pending listings, up 43.1%. There were 366 listings sold, down 12.4%. The average sold price was $399,191, up 1.9%.
In Annapolis in April there were 946 active listings on the market, up 11.0% from last month. There were 274 new listings, up 23.4%. And, there were 132 pending listings, up 25.7%. There were 55 listings sold, down 3.5%. The average sold price was $505,551, up 9.6%.
So, when will we see relief? Inventory levels will continue to rise and we can expect prices to decline for the foreseeable future. Sellers that want their homes sold today will need to position their homes below market and below any competition.
In Conclusion
If you are thinking about buying or selling a home or know someone who is, for a confidential, private, professional consultation without any obligation to discuss today's real estate market, please contact Stephen Howell at 410-923-3217, www.LiveInAnnapolis.com.
If you are interested in buying or renting a home in Annapolis, Maryland or the surrounding area and want to tour any property currently on the market, or if you have a home to sell or rent in Annapolis, Maryland and want a professional consultation on current market conditions, please contact me at 410-923-3217 or e-mail me at showell@cbmove.com or visit my website at LiveInAnnapolis.com.
Stephen Howell came to Annapolis to sail the Bay in 1994. What he discovered was a whole new lifestyle. Ever since Stephen Howell has been successfully helping others make the most of Annapolis. You'll find that with the right professional by your side, you can Live the Lifestyle and Live in Annapolis.
Stephen Howell and Rocky (his lab-mix from the SPCA of Anne Arundel County in Annapolis) live on the Chesapeake Bay near Annapolis, Maryland. He works in the Annapolis real estate market. His website lets people search the Washington and Baltimore metropolitan area MLS. Buyers can also search for waterfront homes along the Chesapeake Bay. His website has current real estate data on Annapolis, Anne Arundel County, and Maryland.
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