The 2010 real estate market in Helena was on a roller coaster: up, then down, then up again late in the year. Overall, the number of homes sold lagged behind the previous three years, but slight gains in December we encouraging for a period of the year when home sales typically are at or near their lowest point. The slight rise in interest rates in December may have encouraged Buyers to start looking, get pre-approved for financing and making offers on home purchases before rates rose any higher. The number of homes that went under contract in December was relatively high. Those contracts will be closed in January and February which should be an impressive start for the new year. The media is reporting positive economic indicators for late 2010 and predicting this to continue into 2011 which should help buoy the housing market. Further, the number of homes on the market at the end of December - about 850 - was 15% below the number in October when over 1,000 homes were on the market. This reduced number of homes on the market is now just one years' inventory which may also indicate additional stabilization in the housing market.
Have we hit the bottom and begun the climb? It may be too early to tell, but all signs are encouraging at this point. When looking at all the data is important to keep in mind a point that has been made previously: Although the national media has brought lots of negative attention to the declining real estate markets throughout most of the country, we in Montana, and particularly in the Helena area, have been fortunate that our market has not suffered as badly. Historic data shows that we have experienced a general decrease in sold home prices of about 7% over in the past 4 years since 2007 when the average sold price was $211,230. The average price for a home in Helena, including single residence homes, condos and townhomes is now just below $200,000.
There's some GREAT deals out there right now for Buyers . if you are a new buyer, a "move-up" or down-sizing buyer, it is a great time to buy as prices are now more affordable than they have been for years and interest rates remain lows. Even with recent increases, rates are still around the 4.6% range for a 30-year fixed mortgage.
If you are considering selling your home . inventory is down, which means the competition is also down. Price is key to selling your home within a reasonable time frame. Sellers who price their home correctly with help of their agent are selling their homes within the average number of "days on market". You do not want to be one of those sellers who mistakenly believe their home is still worth what it was a few years ago and who are unwilling to adjust to current market conditions.
For more Helena Montana real estate market information go to: www.helenamtrealestate.net
Company: Montana Legacy Real Estate
Phone: 406-431-0599
Email: hydro at bresnan dot net
