Monday, February 25, 2008

Sales up, prices down, welcome to Sarasota/Manatee

This is what you call a mixed blessing.

The latest media reports show that home sales in the Sarasota/Manatee counties were up four percent last month year over year.

Good news right? Well maybe for buyer's because at the same time sales prices dropped 13 percent year over year.

Overall in the state sales declined 28 percent, according to the Florida Association of Realtors.

Now there is still an average of more than two years inventory of homes on the market.

And here is another important fact. On average in a buyer's market 80 percent of the homes are priced outside of the market. In simple terms they are overpriced.

What's moving in this market is what is priced right.

All the best
Greg Owens PA
Keller Williams of Greater Manatee
941.779.5149.
greg@teamworksfla.com

Monday, February 18, 2008

Waterfront wonders

The smell of saltwater, the splash of the waves, the beauty of the sunset.

It all seems really beautiful and expensive right.

Well in the Anna Maria Island, Manatee and Sarasota County areas that dream of sunsets by the beach is becoming an affordable reality.

There are condominiums and houses that won't cost you millions but give you that dream location.

The prices have come down, what was over $1 million is now well under that (think 700 to 800k range).

Other properties are much lower and provide at least a glimpse or pretty decent view of the Gulf of Mexico or Tampa Bay.

The challenge for most is when to buy? Well the activity in the waterfront areas has picked up and there a number of astute buyers out there looking to pick up bargains.

That is a firm indication that before the pendulum swings back to a more neutral market in a couple of months it may be time to snap up the deals out there now.

All the best
Greg Owens PA
Keller Williams Realty of Greater Manatee
941.779.5149
greg@teamworksfla.com