Monday, February 26, 2007

More Statistics





Purchasing a home is partially an emotional decision (do I LOVE it!!!????), but also a financial/business decision (can I afford it, is this property going to make money for me over time?). Does it make sense for you financially to sign that purchase contract? Is this a home in an area that can reasonably be expected to increase in value over time?

One way we can make some judgments on the financial side of a purchase agreement is to study the data on home sales for the area that interests you. Because this blog focuses on the North Shore, here are some critical stats for these communities: (information published by North Shore/Barrington Board of Realtors)

APPRECIATION RATE 2006 vs. 2005/MEDIAN SALE PRICE 2006/#UNITS SOLD in 2006

Evanston: 10.5%/$550,000/453
Wilmette: 8.14%/$810,000/335
Kenilworth: -20.28%/$1,120,000/25
Winnetka: 10.2%/$1,394,000/197
Northfield: -8.54%/$750,000/47
Glencoe: -9.38%/$1,051,250/110

It is important to note that every one of these communities saw significant increased volume in units sold during the years 2003 and 2004, when the real estate market was "hot." When we look at the rate at which homes are selling now (the absorption rate), the difference is startling.

As of February 2, 2007, the absorption rates (the length of time it would take to sell every single property that is currently on the market, without any new properties coming on market) are:

January 2007 - 69 weeks
December 2006 - 48 weeks
November 2006 - 60 weeks

The average market time for North Shore homes as of February 2, 2007 are:

January 2007 - 145 days
December 2006 - 136 days
November 2006 - 115 days
October 2006 - 105 days
September 2006 - 102 days
August 2006 - 90 days

Interpretation of these statistics is not for the faint of heart! Seriously, it is imperative that a buyer or seller of real estate speak with a Realtor to explore the meaning of these numbers for the specific market that is of interest to that person. Each market is different, and the inside information comes from the agent(s) who work in that market.

Contact us to explore the North Shore market and how you can optimize your selling or buying needs here.

2 comments:

Anonymous said...

Why is there so much disparity in regard to appreciation and market time between various communities?

North Shore Home Advisors said...

Each of these communities is so unique in so many ways, resulting in apparent disparities in the statistics. Examples of this include: total number of housing units that actually exist in the community, the rate of turnover in that community, whether there is a population migration in or out of the community, the median price point of housing in the community, the mix of NEW construction homes in with existing resale stock, and more. The best way to really understand the differences in these communities is to talk to a local Realtor who will have some insight to share with you. We love questions! We can help sort it out for you here at North Shore Home Advisors. Please use our dedicated private phone number to get in touch (found on the top left corner of our blog page).

About Us

North Shore suburbs, Chicago, Illinois, United States
We are The North Shore Home Advisors. Our goal is to help lead you through the maze of villages called the North Shore in an attempt to help you to make an educated decision regarding which of these villages best fits your needs. We will provide you with general information, resources,and guidance. We will discuss pre-school options, school districts, park district facilities, and places to have fun, eat and shop. We'll share insights regarding each of these villages. We are five experienced real estate professionals who have all lived in these towns for many years. We will discuss local real estate trends and their effect on pricing and inventories. Most important,we will be soliciting questions, comments and feedback from you. This will be a forum for exchanging thoughts and ideas. Please join us as we help you make your way through this exciting transition from city to suburban living. We can provide a great deal of value for you.