The market remains slow with buyers looking for the better deals. Market concern may be a factor for some buyers but investors are still in the market helping in the sale of some depressed homes. Some builders holding vacant new homes are making great deals and in some cases offering properties for rent and lease purchase to assist their bottom line. A number of homes are being sold on the foreclosure market and these range in price from 30k up to over 350k. As we go into September some sellers are taking the homes off the market for the November/December holiday season and will probably put their home back on the market February/March time frame. Theses comments and statistics are updated every month with new comments being added by the 10th of the month. Your input is solicited, email your comments and suggestions to the editor jimvanermen@yahoo.com
The following information is taken from statistics extracted from the local Multiple Listing Service (MLS) for the month of August and includes the city area of Millbrook and Deatsville (area 11). A complete MLS map of the local area can be found on the http://RealtyVan.com web site at http://realtyvan.com/mls_search.html.
Total number of Houses Under Contract, 38 is an increase from last month (29) and a decrease from 41 over the same month last year.
Total number of Houses Sold and Closed, 29 is a decrease from last month (30) AND a decrease from 43 over the same month last year.
Average Selling Price of homes this past month: $175,489 which is an increase from last month ($169,958) AND a decrease from $184,605 over the same month last year.
The Median Sales Price for the total market being $165,950.
On September 10, 2008 there were a total 287 properties on the market of which 58 were new construction. A new statistics which is now being included is the number of active homes which are also listed as vacant 154. Changes in the the number of homes listed as vacant may provide a future indication of possible home foreclosures.
A total recap for the year of 2007 using the complete MLS servicing area has the total number of properties sold as 5,393 totaling in price $905,179,202 with the average home selling for 167,843 representing 97.26 of the average listing price of $172,569 and averaging 92 days on the market. The web site supporting the Montgomery MSA with consumer access to the Multiple Listing System (MLS) can be located at: http://RealtyVan.com
ZIP Code: 36054 Location Characteristics: Millbrook is conveniently located less than 10 minutes from Montgomery. with its population (year 2000): 10,38, it was estimated the population in July 2005: 14,805 (+42.5% change)
Millbrook's strong demographics coupled with its progressive leadership and an aggressive economic development program are reasons why new businesses are locating in the city everyday. Millbrook's Wal-Mart Super Center will open mid-2007 near Interstate 65. This highly visible site along Interstate 65 will be the hub for commercial activity in the near future. Restaurants and other major retailers are locating along this major commercial corridor, Exit 181 Interstate 65 and Highway 14 East.
The City of Millbrook has been fortunate through its growth to maintain the small city atmosphere many people are seeking. This has been accomplished by locating commercial development along Alabama State Highways 143 and 14. Residential developments are nestled in quiet areas throughout the city.
Further information and credit to the official city web site: www.cityofmillbrook.org/ and www.city-data.com Millbrook Alabama.
About Jim VanErmen ABR, CRS, e-PRO Trainer: Jim "Van"Ermen is a former career Army officer assigned to Air University, Maxwell Air Force Base. Jim joined Realty Options in 1990 and by the end of '91, was listed as a top "7" agent in Montgomery's 'Who's Who in Real Estate Residential Award Winners, placing him in the top 1% of all local REALTORS® . In '92, he obtained his broker's license, and started the 1st franchise of Realty Options which he owned and operated for three years in Prattville, AL.. The two offices later combined in Montgomery where he became the company’s Broker.
Starting in 2001, Jim was an associate broker for 3 years with RE/MAX of Montgomery where he received the Mid-States and Dixie Regions 2003 Cooperative Spirit Award.
In May 2004 Jim co founded the Central Alabama Real Estate Academy with Dan Stallings, broker of Montgomery Metro Realty Inc. the company where Jim is now an associate broker. He is the academy's chief instructor and Jon his son is the school's administrator.
Jim holds the designations of ABR (Accredited Buyers Representative) and CRS (Certified Residential Specialist) which only the top 5% of all REALTORS® holding this designation. He is an Alabama State approved real estate instructor since '99 and was "e-pro" certified the first year (2000) the course was offered by the National Board of REALTORS®
Jim is married to his high school sweetheart, Glenda who is the Curriculum Specialist (K-3) for Elmore County Board of Education working with all 5 county elementary schools. They have 3 children: with Joshua now in California, Donna (married to Ken Stricklin) an Assistant Vice President of Sterling Bank, Private Banker and Jonathan with his wife Crystal.
Jim and Glenda enjoy gardening, their 4 grandchildren (Christian, Emma Jane, Alex and Bret) and actively support the Montgomery Zoo. They moved to their home in Montgomery (June 2004) after having lived in their home in Prattville for 16 years.
From 2000 to 2005 Jim served on the board of directors of the Condominium Association for CaraVita Village (formerly Covenant Village) Montgomery's Premier Retirement Community.
Jon "Van"Ermen received his real estate license in 2005 and joined with his father in creating the RealtyVan.com team. As a team they are a part of the real estate school and as REALTORS® together show and list properties. They can be contacted on their cell phone (334) 303-1111 or through their web site using the same number 303-1111.com.
These reports reflect the views and opinions of their authors and are not necessarily the views and opinions of Realty Times.
