March Statistics for Portland area Home Sales

Here is the latest march-2009-market-action report from the RMLS. This is the monthly summary of the real estate sales statistics for our region published by the Regional Multiple Listing Service.

In February both the increase in sales and the decrease in listings relative to last month (January) had a positive influence on the amount of inventory for the Metro area. Inventory now is just over 16 ½ months, down from the record breaking high of 19.2 months in January. While this is both good news and a positive change, we are still in a market that is hugely biased in favor of buyers due to high inventory and very low demand. Until this imbalance changes we can only expect that pricing pressure will continue to be on the downside. This means that for selling listings our strategy must continue to hold to these tenets: very competitive pricing, excellent condition and showing preparation, showing convenience for buyers’ brokers and multi- focused marketing strategies for reaching all possible prospects. We also keep clients well informed by offering regular reports on the number of showings for properties and feedback from the brokers or buyers about those showings, plus the competitive picture specific to each listing.

Another report we provide is the “market analyzer” which shows market demand and inventory absorption in a specific property area and type, among other things. This report is key to understanding why pricing much be considered in terms of demand as well as property comparison. For example, we may be able to determine that a property is priced competitive to all other listings, but still have sales challenges because there simply is such light demand.

For buyers we provide all the same detailed information for the areas and specific properties that are of interest in their home search.  Knowledge is power!

Our intent is to provide legitimate statistical information that i useful to you for taking care of your plans for moving.  We know that a big decision like buying or selling a home cannot be done without the analytical information possible to help with those decisions. There are a lot of good things about our business that are emotional and subjective – we need to have personal and emotional connections to our homes. Added to that ‘emotional connection’ I welcome the ‘proof’ of statistics to help us with strategies and decisions. This is true for both buyers and sellers alike.

As always, if you have any questions or want to discuss something specifically, please give us a call at 503-416-4177.

Becky

March 23, 2009 · Filed Under Home Purchase Process in Oregon, Market/Pricing Assessment, Pricing Your Home, Sales Trends and Statistics

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Becky has three great properties for rent!

All three are vacant and sparkly clean and ready for your stuff.

In the Pearl:  An edgy loft in The Streetcar Lofts building.  10 foot ceilings, exposed concrete and ductwork, hi-style and hi-tech lighting and a double door balcony.  This loft is perfectly located at 12th and Lovejoy where it is steps from Safeway, on the Streetcar line for commuting and a short walk to Jamieson Park.  The rent is $1195.

Streetcar Loft

Streetcar Loft

At Uptown in Northwest Portland:  A killer view of the city of Portland, Mt Hood and Mt St Helens from a remodeled one-bedroom condo at the Hilltop Condominiums at Uptown.  This is a great Northwest Portland location near 23rd and Burnside.  You can’t beat the view for $1245/mo.

Hilltop View!

Hilltop View!

And finally, a three-bedroom townhouse at The Brownstones at Forest Heights,  This one has 3 beds and 3 baths, vaulted ceilings, skylights, a gas fireplace, a deck from the living room overlooking the greenspace and a private patio with roses.  The location is a winner!  It is just a short walk to the elementary school and a short bit further to the neighborhood center with a Starbuck’s, the Prime and Vine deli, a bakery and Postal Annex amoung other great merchants.  Easy bus access to downtown is also handy,  Rent is $1595/mo.

Brownstone Living Room

Brownstone Living Room

Call me if you or someone you know is looking for a rental in Portland for immediate or near-term occupancy.

Becky at 503-680-1440.

March 8, 2009 · Filed Under Portland Listings, Real Estate

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