According to a recent report published by PropertyRadar California retail sales of homes was down 4.2% from July of this year, and a whopping 13.5% compared to August of 2013. We felt we have not seen this in our market so I looked into it.
Looking at our own reports and confirming with the MLS our area did MUCH BETTER! During the month of August 2013 we wrote contracts on 279 homes that were accepted and closed 221. This year’s August numbers were 315 contracts accepted and 219 closed (yes, a drop of 1% closed sales).
Our area is not immune to the influences that caused the drop; we normally follow a month or two later. What does this mean to you? If you are thinking about selling you might want to do it now, before sales drop off.
If you are thinking about buying now is good because when sales slow sellers start pulling their home from the market to await a better price. Therefore your choices will be reduced!