Reported by Steve Flaugher, REALTOR®, e-PRO Certified Internet Specialist
Updated May 22, 2012.
Current Market Rating: 2
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By Carl Horst
Home sales activity throughout Ohio continued to make gains in April, helping the marketplace post 10 consecutive months of positive sales, according to statistics provided by the state's Multiple Listing Services.
Sales of new and existing homes posted a 11.3 percent jump during the first four months of 2012 compared to the same period a year ago, reaching 30,609 sales compared to the 2011 result of 27,491.
"Strong activity in April continued to help push the Ohio real estate marketplace forward on its road to recovery, following the downturn that resulted from the economic collapse of 2008," said Robert U. Miller, president of the Ohio Association of REALTORS. "We're extremely hopeful that achieving 10 consecutive months of sales growth is an indication that growth within Ohio's housing market is sustainable and that we have built a pretty solid foundation for current and future homeowners.
"We remain confident about the Ohio marketplace - as interest rates remain at historic low levels, prices have begun to trend upward, sellers are realistic in their pricing expectations and consumers understand that long-term, owning a home is a tremendous investment."
Not only did sales levels during the first four months exceed the pace of a year ago, the average sales price (January through April) throughout Ohio this year increased 3.8 percent, reaching $122,373 versus the 2011 mark of $117,673.
Total dollar volume this year is nearly $3.8 billion, a 15.8 percent increase from last year's four-month mark of more than $3.2 billion.
Sales in April reached 9,099, an 8.1 percent increase from the 8,420 sales posted during the same period a year ago. The month's average sales price of $130,003 is a 5 percent increase from the April 2011 mark of $123,544.
Total dollar volume in April nearly reached $1.2 billion, a 13.7 percent increase from the $1 million mark posted a year ago
ZIP Code: 45822 Location Characteristics: Located next to Grand Lake St. Marys, Ohio's largest man made lake. 3 miles wide and 8 miles long.
About Steve Flaugher:
What is an e-PRO—— and why should you use one? A short guide for the Internet consumer When you're on the Internet, you don't have time to waste on endless searches for useful real estate information. You want to get things done quickly and without hassle. So chances are you'd like a real estate agent who
Answers e-mail promptly and professionally. Respects your on-line privacy. Offers home listings and other Internet tools to help you find or market a home. Enter the e-PRO.
An e-PRO is a REALTOR® who has successfully completed the e-PRO training program for real estate professionals. Endorsed by the National Association of REALTORS®, the e-PRO course teaches professionals the nuts and bolts of working with real estate on-line: Web sites, e-mail, on-line tools, and most of all, what today's consumer really wants.
What does all this mean to you? There are several benefits of working with a certified Internet professional.
More privacy Are you reluctant to give out contact information through the Web for fear of being pestered or spammed? e-PROs understand. They've learned the Web isn't just a place to do business; you need information from someone you can trust.
That's why e-PROs respect your privacy. They respond quickly to your questions, but don't send you unwanted communication. And they protect your personal information.
Less hassle Tired of struggling to find information? e-PROs are more likely to have access to the latest Internet utilities, making your life easier. These tools may include:
On-line home tours Instant access to comprehensive neighborhood data Extensive property listings Immediate e-mail notification of just-listed homes meeting your criteria Referral networks and on-line forums, where e-PROs can quickly find information——even potential buyers——from other e-PROs Newsletters on current real estate conditions in your area Electronic faxes sent to you by e-mail Advanced software, PDAs, and laptops to find you answers on the spot The result: you get more information, more easily. With electronic files, you have less paperwork to deal with. And since your agent uses e-mail, you can even eliminate phone tag. The e-PRO streamlines your entire transaction, from showing to closing.
Less expense An e-PRO's access to advanced technology can save you considerable expense. You have more tools to find or market your home, so you're likely to get a better price. With on-line home tours, you reduce in-person showings——and the costs involved. And by using e-mail, you save money on long-distance calls and fax charges.
Relocating? An e-PRO is ideal for you. With the tools to do your research electronically, you can make a decision on a home the first day you're in town——or without traveling at all. You and your family save on travel costs. And after you've decided to buy, monitoring the sale by e-mail saves you even more.
Should you use an e-PRO? Yes——especially if you're an Internet user. In this fast-paced age, technology has become a necessity. An e-PRO is someone who has recognized and responded to the needs of the new consumer. If you choose an e-PRO, it's a safe bet you'll get the kind of service you want——and need.
