Fort Wayne, Indiana is a family-oriented city with traditional Midwestern values, say local Realtors, with home sales leaning toward a buyer's market.

"Fort Wayne offers excellent access to a large variety of activities from a vibrant Philharmonic Orchestra to a championship hockey team, The Fort Wayne Komets," boasts Realtor Diane Caudill. "Our well-known Children's Zoo and exciting Science Central museum are popular attractions for families. Our courthouse features beautiful, restored murals from the 19th century and is listed in the top ten courthouses nationwide.

"Educationally speaking," she says, "Fort Wayne boasts excellent schools, and offers both state and private colleges and universities. Fort Wayne is home to several large employers including General Motors, Verizon, Raytheon, ITT, Lincoln National Life, General Electric and many others."

As far as the market goes, Caudill says, "Market activity appears to be increasing and with continued low mortgage interest rates, it should just get better and better. In the short term, buyers can still look forward to good value when purchasing a home since current inventory remains at high levels. As the economy improves, we should see increasing sales, especially after the first week of January. I would then expect the market to continue building to reach a normal peak in the spring. If you are thinking of selling, you can obtain top dollar by putting your property in prime condition, both inside and out."

Says Realtor Tim Green, "Over the last few months there has been a significant in flux of new homes for sale. In price ranges above 150,000, the buyers have an ample supply of homes to choose from. Buyers are taking their time to evaluate existing homes and are making decisions only when they are ready.

"New construction still remains very competitive compared to existing homes," advises Green. "In price ranges below 150,000 the market is a little more neutral. The new construction market in our area is still very strong. Even though in most cases a buyer pays a premium for new construction, many buyers are finding this to be the only way to get exactly what they want."

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Published: December 26, 2003

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