Overall closed sales for 2009 are down about 15% over 2008.  The Spokane market reached our peak in July with 537 closed sales (down from 586 in ‘08 and 719 in ‘07 for the month of July).   While we spent the first half of the year chasing 2008’s numbers, we’ve stayed within 5% since July giving hope that we’re on the rebound for a more table Real Estate Market.

One factor that may need consideration is Short Sales.  As we know they’re not short and are very timely.  There are a number of short sales in negotiation  (not closed sales) that could bridge the 15% gap.  Short Sales being a very current and very real market condition have cause some stress and anxiety for buyers and agents alike.

The graph below (courtesy of the Spokane Association of Realtors), compares the past three years in closed production on a monthly basis.  [Click to enlarge.]

If you want specific information on your neighborhood, give me a shout!

Tags: Spokane Real Estate by Spokane Home Guy (509) 990-7653
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An ASP is an Accredited Staging Professional.  ASP’s work with sellers to stage their home to strict industry standards making the home more presentable and saleable.

Most of us have sold a car before.  We spend hours detailing and q-tipping the smallest areas.  We take all our personal CD’s out, photos of the kids off the spedometer dash, your leopard print seat covers are removed revealing a sparkling clean car sans your personal touches.

That is very similar to what we do when we stage a home.  It’s quite common that people will detail their car more than they detail their home for sale.   Usually the word “Staging” strikes fear in sellers’ eyes.  “It’s going to be expensive,” many will say.  I say, “It doesn’t have to be.”  We can repurpose old items and remove unneeded items to make the home more presentable.  For the small investment of time and sometimes funds you must look at the Return on Staging Investment.

Statistically, homes with staging have a shorter market time and in some cases sell for a higher price.  We’re simply removing your personal items so the potential buyer can imagine their belongings in your house, rather than being distracted by yours.

Staging isn’t a replacement for pricing competitively, it’s just another tool in our arsenal to sell homes faster and for more money in a tough market.

Want to know more?  Give me a call or shoot me an email.  (509) 990-7653 in WA or (208) 699-7390 in Idaho.  Please use the contact link above to send an email.

Tags: Idaho Real Estate, Spokane Real Estate by Spokane Home Guy (509) 990-7653
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Courtesy of WAHomeowners.com

Tags: New Ideas by Spokane Home Guy (509) 990-7653
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