What’s The Real Estate Market Doing?

Do you ever wonder how our real estate market is here in Des Moines? Unfortunately, we spend a lot of time listening to how rough things are in other cities around the country, but too often we don’t really consider what our real estate climate is like.

I’m a fan of having as much information available before I take action on any big decisions. I don’t know about you, but I think buying or selling a home is a pretty big deal.

As a blogger and mortgage professional, when I receive good information – I pass it on. Home listings and sales are an interesting set of information most of us don’t have super easy access to. Thankfully, I have a Realtor that hammers me with e-mails (Just kidding, I don’t mind them) on market updates and her opinion on where things are at.

Do YOU Need Help?

As a mortgage professional, I cannot sell real estate.  I can however help you connect with a Realtor.  If you are looking for some answers, I’d be happy to introduce you to someone who can help!  No question is silly or too off the wall.

I can also reach out to my connections throughout the country if you’re looking for real estate outside of Iowa.  So please, feel free to contact us, we’d love to help!

Why Should You Care About Statistics?

Whether you’re looking to purchase, sell or refinance a home – this stuff matters. These statistics are compiled from the Multiple Listing Service and cover the Des Moines, Iowa residential real estate market.

With her permission, I post the facts here so you can come up with your very own market opinion. Here’s this week’s market commentary:

“As I’m sure many of you have heard the $8000 tax credit was extended AND expanded this week to include move up buyers, giving them $6,500.  A move up buyer is defined as someone who has owned their previous home for the last 5 years.  The tax credit has been extended until April 30th 2009, meaning if you qualify for the credit you must write a valid purchase agreement on or before April 30th and close no later than June 30th 2009. 

News also came out today that indicated home sales in October were up 39% over October of 2008.  All of this is great news, but I think it is very clear that many of those sales are incentive driven.  Looking at the numbers so far in November, pending sales last week were just 75, down from our weekly average of 144.  This indicates to me that many had already purchased a home to qualify for the tax credit and that the market was slowing down again due to lower demand.  With the extension of this tax credit we will most definitely see strong sales through June.  The hope is that the market will be strong enough to carry itself after that however at this point it is really too soon to tell.”

–Heather Barglof, RE/MAX Real Estate Concepts

What Does This Report Cover?

I really enjoy this chart because it gives a breakdown of:

• Days on the Market
• Price Per Square Foot
• Number of New Listings
• Number of Expired Listings
• Number of Price Reductions
• Pending Home Sales (by price)
• New Home Sales (by price)
• All Active Home Sales (by price)
• Best of all, it compares this week vs. last week and last year!

This is a great chart.  I’m not a Realtor and would never try to take the place of one.  If you’re looking for statistics in your specific neighborhood (because your neighborhood is the only one that matters when you’re selling), I can help connect you with the right Realtor for the job!

We Love Great Information and Love to Give Great Information!

If you’re a super cool person and have any market statistics you think our readers would find valuable, please feel free to contact me. If it’s relevant, It’ll show up here!

If you’re looking for my professional opinion or looking for a comment (press related), please contact me here.