Saturday, October 31, 2009

NOVEMBER 2009 SOUTH ORANGE COUNTY CA COASTAL REAL ESTATE NEWS

HOME SALES UP, PRICES REMAIN LOW

THE ECONOMY: Has expanded at an annual rate of 3.5% in the third quarter marking the end of the worst recession since World War II.

THE MARKET: Home sales have risen 2.1% in September in California compared with the same period a year ago, while the median price of an existing home declined 7.3%. Even though the current growth forecasts for the next 5-6 years are for a robust economy, it is not expected to see rapidly rising home prices but slow upward movement in prices as sales increase and inventory declines.

For local market statistics the price decreases for September 2007 are lessening. See the "Median Sales By Zip Code" at the end of this article. For the first time some cities are showing increases in sale price compared to the same period last year.

BUYERS: Important News For Buyers - The Federal First-Time Buyer's Tax Credit for up to $8,000 has been extended. Repeat buyers who have owned their homes for at least 5 years are offered a reduced credit of up to $6,500.

SELLERS: Foreclosures no longer constitute most sales, they do however continue to define the market because all sellers need to compete with those low-priced properties. 40% of Southern California homes sold were foreclosures down from a previous high of 57% in February.

INTEREST RATES: Are at their lowest in years as a result of the Federal Reserve campaign to keep credit flowing.*CAR, 10/28/09, LATImes 10/30/09

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COASTAL AREA SALES DATA AND DISTRESS SALES STATISTICS OF 2009 FROM 01/01/09 FOR: Balboa Island, Corona del Mar, Costa Mesa, Dana Point, Laguna Beach, Laguna Niguel, Newport Beach, Newport Coast, San Clemente

Active Listings = 2,342, w/Bank Conditions = 373
In Escrow Listings = 981, w/Bank Conditions = 555
Sold from 01/01/09 = 3123, w/Bank Conditions = 1025

*MLS 10/28/2009

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COASTAL ZIP CODES BY MEDIAN SALES PRICE FOR SEPTEMBER 2008 COMPARED TO SEPTEMBER 2009:

City - # Sold - Median Sale Price - % change from 2008:
Balboa Island - 92662 - 3 - $2,754,000 - 67%
Capo Beach - 92624 - 3 - $619,000 - minus 54.0%
Corona del Mar - 92625 - 13- $1,972,000 - 27%
Costa Mesa - 92626 - 25- $565,000 - 1%
Costa Mesa - 92627 - 36 - $458,000 - minus 6%
Dana Point - 92629 - 20 - $691,000 - minus 3.8%
Laguna Beach - 92651 - 29 - $1,355,000 - minus 3%
Laguna Niguel - 92677 - 54 - $680,000 - 5%
Newport Beach - 92660 - 27 - $1,130,000 - minus 31%
Newport Beach - 92661- 8 - $1,695,000 - minus 81%
Newport Beach - 92663 - 15 - $1,285,000 - minus 1%
Newport Coast - 92657 - 14 - $1,800,000 - minus 46%
San Clemente - 92672 - 27 - $720,000 - minus 8%
San Clemente - 92673 - 34 - $715,000 - minus 11%

Percentage change is compared to the same month of the prior year.
*DQNews/LATimes, 10/25/09

ZIP Codes: 92662, 92625.92626, 92627, 92624, 92629, 92651, 92677, 92657, 92657, 92660, 92661, 92662, 92663, 92672, 92673

Approximate Location Boundaries: Coastal Communities of South Orange County Location Characteristics: Specializing in the South Orange County California Coastal Cities known as the "California Riviera." The cities are Balboa Island, Corona Del Mar, Costa Mesa, Dana Point, Laguna Beach, Newport Beach, Newport Coast and San Clemente.

From "Castles to Cottages" there is a home here for everyone. Pamela Horton and her partner Amanda Horton look forward to helping you with your real estate needs in this picturesque area!