What’s the Real Estate Buzz in Owatonna?

Things were picking up in April and the outlook is brighter with increased activity. It seems that our spring market is about a month behind – just like our spring weather.

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 Brenda Bednar (through Advisor’s Mortgage) she is taking applications from those two buyer niches. Brenda stresses the importance of good credit when trying to obtain a mortgage. If you have any financing questions you can contact Brenda at 507-455-1858. 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 81 closed residential listings in Owatonna. The average sale price of sold properties is $162,195 which is down from 2007 when the average sale price at this time was $173,211. 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 156 days which is actually down from 173 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.

At this time 66 homes are pending sale, and we have 198 active residential listings with an average list price of $190,231. They’ve been on the market for an average of 156 days. 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.

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.