LATEST HOUSING NUMBERS ARE IN FOR STARK COUNTY!

More good news Stark County because we are in the plus column for our Year-to-Date figures over last year for the second month in a row.  Our new listings are up 5.5% from last year, our Pending Sales are down by 1.7%, and we have closed 2.4% more homes from last year.  These numbers are from Stark County Association of REALTORS Market Statistics for October 2010.

Our number of Days on the Market has inched up a little bit from 98 last year to 103 days this year.  My number of Days on the Market continues to be much better than the averages at 51.2 DOM.  Last year our Average Sales Price was $105,803 and this year-to-date it is $107,060 which is up 1.2%.

The Housing Affordability Index for Stark County is a formula that measures housing affordability for the Regional Housing Market.  An HAI of 120 means the median family income is 120% of the necessary income to qualify for the median priced home using a 20% down, 30-year fixed rate mortgage.  We are at 201 this year-to-date which is up 5.5% from last year, but a whopping 33.3% from two years ago.

Stay tuned for next months numbers!

If ever you have any real estate questions in general or about your home - don't hesitate to call me at 330-491-4600.

10 Deadly Mistakes Buyers Make

I just read an article in the Broker Agent Social Network by Suzanne Port that identified 10 deadly mistakes that buyers make.  I think these 10 mistakes are right on.  They are:

1.   Making an offer on a home without being prequalified
2.   Not having a home inspection
3.   Limiting your search to open houses, ads or the internet
4.   Choosing a Real Estate agent who is not commited to forming a strong business relationship with you
5.   Thinking there is only one perfect house out there
6.   Not considering long-term needs
7.   Not examining insurance issues
8.   Not buying a home protection plan
9.   Not knowing total costs involved
10. Not following through on due dilligence