Homes Sales Raise 2.5%

Here is an interesting article from the California Association of Realtors about California Real Estate Sales in April.  This Is encouraging news for the real estate market. 

Friday, May 23, 2008

C.A.R. reports sales increased 2.5 percent, median home price fell 32 percent in April

LOS ANGELES (May 23) – Home sales increased 2.5 percent in April in California compared with the same period a year ago, while the median price of an existing home fell 32 percent, the CALIFORNIA ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS® (C.A.R.) reported today.

“Home sales registered a 2.5 percent year-to-year gain compared with April 2007, ending a 30-month string of year-to-year percentage decreases that began in October 2005,” said C.A.R. President William E. Brown. “This is not to say that the credit crunch that has contributed to the sales decline has disappeared. Both tighter underwriting standards and the ongoing effects of the credit/liquidity crunch continue to constrain sales.”

Closed escrow sales of existing, single-family detached homes in California totaled 366,720 in April at a seasonally adjusted annualized rate, according to information collected by C.A.R. from more than 90 local REALTOR® associations statewide. Statewide home resale activity increased 2.5 percent from the revised 357,640 sales pace recorded in April 2007.

The statewide sales figure represents what the total number of homes sold during 2008 would be if sales maintained the April pace throughout the year. It is adjusted to account for seasonal factors that typically influence home sales.

The median price of an existing, single-family detached home in California during April 2008 was $403,870, a 32 percent decrease from the revised $594,110 median for April 2007, C.A.R. reported. The April 2008 median price fell 2.6 percent compared with March’s revised $414,640 median price.

“Significant price declines are spurring home sales to bargain hunters and first-time buyers at the middle- and low-end of the market, especially in areas with a concentration of distressed properties,” said C.A.R. Vice President and Chief Economist Leslie Appleton-Young.

 “A year ago, homes for sale under $500,000 accounted for 40 percent of sales, the middle segment ($500,000 to $1 million) made up 45 percent, and the over $1 million segment captured 15 percent of the market. As of April 2008, that has shifted to 64 percent, 26 percent, and 10 percent, respectively, as the crunch severely constrained funding to the market over $500,000, with a correspondingly dramatic decline in sales.”

Thanks,
Carol Perdew
(209) 239-7979
www.CarolPerdew.com