"REAL" Estate w/Joanna

The April 2013 stats are out from Heartland MLS. April...

Fri, 17 May 2013 11:04:27 -0500

The April 2013 stats are out from Heartland MLS. April wasn’t bad with the continued rise in sales prices, but we fell a little short on the pending contracts. (I’m guessing it was the weather) Not to worry, from the numbers I’ve been seeing, May will more than make up for it.

Clay/Ray Counties

Clay/Ray County sales were down for the month by 7.6% from 2012. Units were at 354 versus 383 last year. Year to date, unit sales are down 6.4%, with 1,320 units this year versus 1,411 last year. The average sales price for the month was up 7.9% from last year, with an average price of $151,754. Year to date, the average price is up 5.6%. The average price is $145,433, versus $137,670 last year. New listings were up 2 units to 604 or 0.3% from last year’s 602 units. Inventory is down 6.9% from last year and is running at 1,942 units. Inventory is up 70 units from last month.

Platte County

Platte County sales were up for the month by 0.6% from 2012. Units were at 157 versus 156 last year. Year to date, unit sales are up 3.5%, with 591 units this year versus 571 last year. The average sales price for the month was down 1.0% from last year, with an average price of $192,928. Year to date, the average price is up 5.6% from last year. The average price is $188,780 versus $178,719 last year. New listings in Platte County were at 277, even with the 277 units from last year. Inventory decreased 13.5% from last year and is running at 839 units. Inventory is up 58 units from last month.

Heartland

Sales for the entire Heartland area were at 2,687, down for the month by 6.6%, or 191 units. The average price was up 5.3%, and averaging $169,560. Year to date, sales were down 0.1% or 10 units for a total of 10,198 for 2013. The average price for the year is running at $164,497, up 6.8% from 2012’s average of $154,025.

Blowing through Inventory in KC!

Mon, 13 May 2013 16:49:50 -0500

Today I checked out what has sold in the last 30 days in the Liberty, MO and Park Hill, MO school...

Showings are up. Business is crazy. The purple line is for Clay...

Tue, 07 May 2013 15:02:00 -0500

Showings are up. Business is crazy.

The purple line is for Clay and Ray Counties. For questions on specific areas of the KC Metro area, please contact me.

Numbers above are generated by Centralized Showing Service, graph created by Better Homes & Gardens Real Estate Kansas City Homes.

5 Steps to Get Over Blogger's 'Nobody Cares' Mindset

Wed, 01 May 2013 11:27:33 -0500

Every blogger gets there. We’re writing post after post after post and getting some attention...

A new range hood in 3 hours or less. Step 1: Complain a lot...

Sun, 21 Apr 2013 19:29:27 -0500

A new range hood in 3 hours or less.
Step 1: Complain a lot about the nasty grease on the range hood.
Step 2: Spend a few minutes trying to clean it with soap and water.
Step 3: Spray it with oven cleaner. Coat it completely
Step 4: Act totally surprised when you wipe the grease off with the paint.
Step 5: Use your judgement when telling your spouse. Humor or tears should work about the same.
Step 6: Offer to head to Home Depot for a new one.
Step 7: Pick up a nice selection of beer on the way home.
Step 8: Laugh with him while he jokes with friends about what you’ve done.
Step 9: Offer to hand him tools and beer as needed.
Step 10: Step back and admire your new range hood.

It’s not all bad! On the charts we’re seeing a lot...

Wed, 17 Apr 2013 17:04:07 -0500

It’s not all bad! On the charts we’re seeing a lot of negative numbers, but those are all stemming from the lower inventory. You have to expect fewer sales because consumers are having a hard time making up their minds with the limited choices. However, one number that is consistently going up throughout the Kansas City area is sales price. A quick warning, though; appraisers are not ready to inflate their appraisals based on quick sales and lack of inventory. They’re still running pretty gun-shy as a result of the horrible market we’ve experienced the last several years. So, buyers and sellers be forewarned, you may have a fight on your hands towards the end of your transaction. Talk openly with your agent about this and be prepared.

Clay/Ray Counties

Clay/Ray County sales were down for the month by 19.0% from 2012. Units were at 308 versus 380 last year. Year to date, unit sales are down 12.2%, with 902 units this year versus 1,028 last year. The average sales price for the month was up 3.7% from last year, with an average price of $145,910. Year to date, the average price is up 4.5%. The average price is $142,551, versus $136,391 last year. New listings were down 111 units to 499 or 18.2% from last year’s 610 units. Inventory is down 9.5% from last year and is running at 1,872 units. Inventory is up 43 units from last month.

Platte County

Platte County sales were down for the month by 3.2% from 2012. Units were at 150 versus 155 last year. Year to date, unit sales are up 1.0%, with 420 units this year versus 416 last year. The average sales price for the month was up 25.9% from last year, with an average price of $197,130. Year to date, the average price is up 9.1% from last year. The average price is $187,602 versus $171,960 last year. New listings in Platte County were down 89 units to 206, down 30.2% from last year’s 295 units. Inventory decreased 15.7% from last year and is running at 781 units. Inventory is do 10 units from last month.

Heartland

Sales for the entire Heartland area were at 2,369, down for the month by 17.2%, or 492 units. The average price was up 5.6%, and averaging $165,885. Year to date, sales were down 5.2% or 380 units for a total of 6,952 for 2013. The average price for the year is running at $161,906, up 7.3% from 2012’s average of $150,959.

The Internet Will Ruin Everything

Fri, 12 Apr 2013 12:53:36 -0500

Well, maybe not everything… This used to be a common phrase uttered by my Grandmother (born in...

While the geek in me has noticed that the lines aren’t...

Tue, 09 Apr 2013 15:53:04 -0500

While the geek in me has noticed that the lines aren’t corresponding with the numbers on this chart*, the message is still the same. Showings in the Kansas City market have picked up now that we’re past Easter and snow (fingers crossed). I’ve also noticed an uptick in the number of listings in the $200K-$250K range in our area. Be sure to ask your agent what homes in which price ranges are being shown the most in your zip code so you can adjust your price accordingly. And buyers, with low inventory in some price points, I really hope you’re working with an agent that understands my motto ‘not all listings are listed’.

*Showing data compiled from Centralized Showing Service

Who Owns This House?

Fri, 22 Mar 2013 11:58:39 -0500

One to buy, two to sell. Last week I had the privilege of sitting through a broker session regarding...

Web Lead Disconnect

Tue, 19 Mar 2013 16:46:16 -0500

When writing a blog post, it’s necessary to think about your audience. This blog is meant to...

Looks like the snow slowed us down a little in February, but...

Mon, 18 Mar 2013 17:17:06 -0500

Looks like the snow slowed us down a little in February, but we’re still trucking along at a good rate for this time of year. I’ve noticed quite a few more listings coming on the market, which is a much-needed boost to our low inventory.

Clay/Ray Counties

Clay/Ray County sales were down for the month by 21.5% from 2012. Units were at 271 versus 345 last year. Year to date, unit sales are down 14.4%, with 555 units this year versus 648 last year.

The average sales price for the month was up 5.0% from last year, with an average price of $139,344. Year to date, the average price is up 4.3%. The average price is $138,890, versus $133,183 last year.

New listings were down 50 units to 438 or 10.3% from last year’s 488 units. Inventory is down 7.6% from last year and is running at 1,829 units. Inventory is up 48 units from last month.

Platte County

Platte County sales were down for the month by 14.1% from 2012. Units were at 122 versus 142 last year. Year to date, unit sales are down 0.8%, with 259 units this year versus 261 last year.

The average sales price for the month was up 8.3% from last year, with an average price of $191,051. Year to date, the average price is down 0.6% from last year. The average price is $180,570 versus $181,591 last year.

New listings in Platte County were down 20 units to 172, down 10.4% from last year’s 192 units. Inventory decreased 9.1% from last year and is running at 771 units. Inventory is down 2 units from last month.

Heartland

Sales for the entire Heartland area were at 1,918, down for the month by 19.6%, or 469 units. The average price was up 11.0%, and averaging $162,934. Year to date, sales were down 7.0% or 312 units for a total of 4,160 for 2013. The average price for the year is running at $158,935, up 8.4% from 2012’s average of $146,667.

Wow, showings are crazy in this Northland Kansas City market!!...

Tue, 12 Mar 2013 16:46:28 -0500

Wow, showings are crazy in this Northland Kansas City market!! (Area 101-108, Clay and Ray counties—purple line)

We’re seeing quite a few homes in the $200k-$400k range go under contract just as quickly as they come on the market. Multiple offers and only a few days on market. We’re also really needing, inventory-wise, some listings on the lower end of the market $100k-$140k. The nice ones are selling like crazy in this price range.

Showing stats courtesy of Centralized Showing Service and Better Homes & Gardens Real Estate Kansas City Homes.

Reputation and Decisive Leadership

Mon, 04 Mar 2013 11:12:00 -0600

I have to admit, I was instantly hurt and on the defense. My agent said, “I met this lady...

Focus on Skill Set

Wed, 20 Feb 2013 10:54:14 -0600

“To be human is to be beautifully flawed.”—Eric Wilson It’s my fault and...

The numbers are showing a slight decrease in business in January...

Mon, 18 Feb 2013 11:00:28 -0600

The numbers are showing a slight decrease in business in January as compared to last year. Keep in mind, part of the problem is the low inventory. Buyers left without great choices have a tendency to take longer to make a decision. This week, we’ve seen inventory start to increase as we start heading into those spring months. This should help get those buyers off the fence that have been waiting around for the ‘right’ home.

Here’s a breakdown of the numbers:

Clay/Ray Counties: Clay/Ray County sales were down for the month by 17.8% from last year. Units were at 249 versus 303 last year. The average sales price was up 3.7% from last year, with an average price of $138,884. New listings were up 37 units to 470 or 8.6% from last year’s 433 units. Inventory is down 7.0% from last year and is running at 1,781 units.

Platte County: Platte County sales were up for the month by 0.8% from 2012. Units were at 120 versus 119 last year. The average sales price for the month was down 10.9% from last year, with an average price of $169,008. New listings in Platte County were up 10 units to 186, up 5.7% from last year’s 176 units. Inventory decreased 2.0% from last year and is running at 773 units.

Heartland: Sales for the entire Heartland area were at 1,941, down by 6.9%, or 144 units.The average price was up 5.7%, and averaging $154,814.

My Favorite Stuff from the BHG Fusion conference

Fri, 15 Feb 2013 16:07:09 -0600

Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate isn’t just the fastest growing real estate brand in the...

Presenting Your Home

Fri, 08 Feb 2013 14:27:00 -0600

I recently attended the Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate convention in Las Vegas. During the...

Lover of Green and All Things BHG!

Tue, 22 Jan 2013 13:10:16 -0600

So, I’m happy to announce I’ve been chosen as a Brand Ambassador for Better Homes and...

Another large week over week increase in showings in the Kansas...

Mon, 21 Jan 2013 16:39:50 -0600

Another large week over week increase in showings in the Kansas City Northland (Clay/Ray/Platte counties) The dark purple line is Clay and Ray Counties and the red line is Platte. Interesting how different the other markets are across the metro.

Also worth noting are the great listings that are coming on the market and going under contract within a few days. If this keeps up, we’ll see an increase in bidding wars. It’s clearly a seller’s market in these areas.

If you’d like a report narrowed down by zip code or price range, just let me know.

….and again… I hate to sound like a broken record,...

Wed, 16 Jan 2013 21:30:03 -0600

….and again…

I hate to sound like a broken record, but sales are up, inventory is down, and we need some great listings to sell to eager buyers. I understand many are holding back on listing their home because of the fact there’s nowhere to move right now. Well, let’s take a look at your timeline and see when you do actually want to move. If it’s this year, you might want to consider a rental in the interim after you sell your home. Look at the numbers! I’m not kidding. Active, active market.

Clay/Ray Counties (chart)

Clay/Ray County sales were down for the month by 24.0% from 2011. Units were at 171 versus 225 last year. Year to date, unit sales are up 12.0% at 3,880 this year vs. 3,465 last year.

The average sales price for the month was up 13.8% from last year, with an average price of $150,792. Year to date, the average price is up 7.5%. The average price is $146,301, versus $136,157 last year.

New listings were down 16 units to 293 or 5.2% from last year’s 309 units. Inventory is down 10.3% from last year and is running at 1,714 units. Inventory is down 150 units from last month.

Platte County

Platte County sales were up for the month by 14.8% from 2011. Units were at 101 versus 88 last year. Year to date, unit sales are up 22.6%, with 1,725 units this year versus 1,407 last year.

The average sales price for the month was up 11.0% from last year, with an average price of $198,734. Year to date, the average price is up 2.4% from last year. The average price is $191,761 versus $187,291 last year.

New listings in Platte County were down 11 units to 129, down 7.9% from last year’s 140 units. Inventory decreased 3.5% from last year and is running at 763 units. Inventory is down 56 units from last month.

Heartland

Sales for the entire Heartland area were at 1,447, down for the month by 10.8%, or 175 units. Year to date, unit sales are up 16.1%, with 29,260 units this year versus 25,212 last year.

The average price was up 18.6%, and averaging $177,429. The average price for the year is running at $168,210, up 7.7% from 2011’s average of $156,207.