Lower Thirds Graphic: Market Conditions - Southern Region Joe: Let's take a look at the market conditions from the Southern region of the United States. (To TARA) It's been all mixed national messages this year -- which have gotten a lot of consumers confused as to what's actually happening in their market. Tara: (to joe) ... even though real estate is almost always a local issue. -- affected by job growth, local economics, and a myriad of other issues. (turn from joe to camera). So, let's take a look then at what the market is REALLY doing in the Southern states. (Ticker starts across bottom. See ticker .doc file for Wednesday 19th) Joe: (to tara) How about we start in your home state of Alabama? ____ Tara: (to camera). OTS graphic "Kathy Ball 251-554-7142 Mobile, Alabama "There are fewer buyers for higher priced homes the market. Overall the prices are down and buyers are up; now is the time to buy or sell ." Our market expert, Kathy Ball -- an associate broker for the Mobile area, is reporting that the area has been ranked recently as top 10 for growth -- and thats because overall prices are down -- first time home buyers are making up a big portion of the market. (Graphic out) Joe: Alabama -- statistically -- has seen lower prices than the rest of the nation -- with averages around $140,000 for the state. This could definately explain why there are more first time buyers -- who more times than not are looking for houses on the cheaper side ... Our next southern locale today is Austin, Texas. OTS GRAPHIC: "Dawn Krantz 512-825-0534 Austin, Texas "There is a surge in the $750,000 price range and even higher surge in Million Dollar+ plus range. This market has been the BEST in years!" Dawn Krantz, a broker-owner, for the area of Austin, Texas, is reporting prices up for a sellers market. She reports that the media -- not counting Realty Times! -- is portraying the opposite of what is really going on. She's seen a healthy surge in interest in the $750,000 range. And she says the city is seeing the best market in years! (graphic out) Tara: FS BUILD GRAPHIC --see info below begins It a definite theme, with experts in Baton Rouge, Louisiana; Atlanta, Georgia, and Lake Greenwood, South Carolina all carrying the same tune -- that market conditions are much stronger than national reports are letting on. FS BUILD GRAPHIC Jonnette Kinler - "... buyers are getting great value." Andrew Malone - "Incredible buying opportunities have been created ... " Chris Johnson - "It's a great opportunity for buyers ... " Graphic OUT Joe: (to tara). Now .... while not all markets are having the same conditions as the South, it is refreshing to know that not all markets are stumbling at this time. Tara: (from joe to camera) The National association of Realtors -- where we get a lot of our most credible data -- is reporting that the Southern region only saw a 5.09 percent decrease in home sale prices last year -- that was LAST year -- when the market was taking such a tumble. Ticker Wednesday Southern Region Barbara Harris -- Greensboro, NC -- "Buyers market, prices have dropped. What is selling are the foreclosures, and short sells." Judy Copple -- Austin (metro), Texas -- "Residential sales are strong. Strong job market." Joseph Cannella -- Plano, Texas -- "... beginning to see our market stabilize. There are still some great opportunity for buyers." Odette Kenaston -- Arlington, Texas -- "Forclosure listings are forcing the prices down." Trish Wheeler - Panama City, Florida -- "It's a great time to buy, because sellers are very negotiable." 
- State: Alabama
- SOLD: 2
