Local Realtors see rapidly increasing inventories, meaning sellers need to "price it right" in Fort Collins, Colorado.
"Buyers will need to weigh the pros and cons of buying now at a higher price, but low mortgage interest rate, or waiting for perhaps much lower prices in a year or so but with a much higher mortgage interest rate (and much more difficulty in qualifying for a loan than at present!)," says Realtor BJ Johanningmeier
He continues, "With a rapidly increasing large inventory of available homes on the market, sellers will need to have their property in excellent showing condition and very competitively priced, if they wish to sell now over the competition. It looks as though there is now a quite small "window of opportunity" for sellers to get the best price for their property before a rather significant deflation of the housing bubble (especially by way of a rapidly depreciating U.S. dollar)."
"Many real estate market analysts believe that the summer of 2005 was the peak of real appreciation in real estate values in most parts of the United States for a long time to come. In Fort Collins, during this period there were 287 single family homes sold (as compared with 274 during the same period last year), up 4.7 percent from the same period last year; new median price $255,000 (up 7.3 percent from the same period last year, when the median price was $236,690)."
"It is a buyer's market! Now is the best time in years to buy a home in Fort Collins," says Realtor Jim Wetzler "If the price isn't right, make an offer and you may find the seller has been waiting for you. The negotiating skills of your Realtor will be worth their weight in greenbacks! "Fort Collin's economy, while dipping, is still strong -- after several years of prosperity and ascending home prices with moderate inventory, the shoe is on the other foot. Homes remain on the market longer and buyers are able to be more selective in location, features and price. Selling in this market takes much more effort on the part of Realtors and more flexibility in price from the sellers."
Says Realtor Vicki Lairson , "Fall is coming and now is a great time to make your decision to buy or sell. Be in your new home before the holidays. Today's market is still showing signs of movement. Buyers and sellers are going to be making decisions because interest rates are still very good. Sellers be sure to price it right when you first list your property because you are competing with a lot of new construction. Resale homes must be sharp & clean in todays market."
