Monday, April 7, 2008

Market Buzz in Owatonna Minnesota Real Estate



Things are starting to pick up in April so the outlook is brighter with some increased activity. It seems that our spring market is about a month behind – just like our spring weather. The two seem to go hand in hand this time of year.

We’re predicting that first time home buyers will be the mainstay of this market, along with buyers relocating into Owatonna for their jobs. According to my lending expert Kriss Meier of Countrywide Financial (through Profinium Bank in Owatonna) she is taking applications from those two buyer niches. Property issues are becoming more of a challenge with the increase in foreclosed properties, many of which have deferred maintenance issues to contend with. If you have any financing questions you can contact Kriss at 507-446-4289. Her expertise will get you moving in the right direction.

According to the Southeast Minnesota Association of Realtors MLS our year to date activity is showing 60 closed listings in Owatonna, with 54 of those being residential properties. The average sale price of sold properties is $161,361 which is down from 2007 when the average sale price at this time was $172,611. I believe this trend is due to an increase in bank owned properties and the influx of first time buyers. Our average market time is 176 days which is actually down from 188 in 2007 at this time. But looking back, I found that 2006 was 141 days and 2005 was 131 days, again for this same period. The market has changed.

We have 33 new listings on the market since the first of the year. At this time 70 homes are pending sale, and we have 206 active residential listings. We hit over 300 listings before the end of 2007, so it’s nice to see that number come down. We have 286 active building lots on the market. So far 57 listings have expired since the first of the year. That has been the biggest change in this market with many nice homes staying on the market beyond their original listing time frame. That number is up 533% from the 2005 market when homes seldom took more than 6 months to sell.

Market cycles affecting housing come and go, just like all segments of the economy. Right now may seem like a challenging market, but it’s also a market of opportunity. Investors and first time home buyers will be the obvious winners, but existing homeowners can profit, too. If you’re looking to move up into a larger home – it’s a great time to make that move. The inventory and prices of move up homes have never been more plentiful and attractive. Call or e-mail me today to learn about how this market can be beneficial for you. It’s time to get moving. Find the house that's right for you.

What's Going on in Owatonna Minnesota?

What’s Going On In Owatonna in April?

April is Fair Housing month. Realtors abide by all the fair housing and non-discrimination regulations, and it’s a good time to make consumers aware of the laws we that affect our industry and the public.

Running from the 3rd of April through April 6th, is the Minnesota Alpaca Expo at the Four Seasons Centre.

There will be a Minnesota Chamber Federation Legislative Call Update at the Owatonna Area Chamber of Commerce and Tourism office on April 4th, April 11th, and April 18th from 7:30 am to 8:00 am.

There will be a lecture regarding business leader Dan Gainey, entitled “Man With Vision” at the Village of Yesteryear on April 8th starting at 1:00.

The fun-filled Young Life Cake Auction will be held at a new location this year. Owatonna High School Gym will hold the festivities this year on April 12th from 12:00 – 5:30 pm. If you’ve never participated in the cake auction before, take some time to stop in and enjoy the fun.

The Knight of Nights silent and live auction will be held at St. Mary’s School on April 12th. It’s a fun-filled evening for a good cause.

A class is being offered on April 14th “How to Sell Like A Pro”

April 19th marks the date for Big Brother’s Big Sister’s Bowl for Kids’ Sake. It’s a great day to bowl, have some fun, and raise some money for a great organization. I’m a Big Sister and I know my little and I will be bowling that day. Come on out to Southpark Lanes and have some fun.

The Little Theatre of Owatonna is presenting “Funny Money”, which runs starting 4/18 and ends on 4/26. You can check the Little Theatre’s website for production times.

The Retrofit Companies are hosting a Free Household Electronics Recycling on April 19th from 8:00 am to 10:00 pm.

April 19th marks the day of the Shriner’s Application Day.

The Owatonna Area Chamber of Commerce’s Business After Hours will be held on April 22nd from 5:30 until 7:00 pm. at Infinia of Owatonna. This is a great time for Chamber members to network and socialize.

A delicious end to the month will be held on April 24th from 5:00 until 7:30 pm. with the annual “Taste of Steele County” with vendors providing samples of a variety of foods from around the county. All proceeds raised during the event will be donated to CONTACT.