THANKS FOR VISITING POOK'S SUN CITY CAROLINA LAKES NEWS!

Pook's Sun City Carolina Lakes News is both a website and a blog.  It contains up-to-date information about Sun City Carolina Lakes, a premier 55+ Active Adult Del Webb golf course community located in the panhandle of Lancaster County South Carolina, just a short distance south of the Ballantyne Area of beautiful Charlotte, North Carolina.  Looking for an affordable active lifestyle?  Sun City Carolina Lakes is the 55+ community for you!

The tabs above provide access to a wealth of information about Sun City Carolina Lakes and include up-to date stats for real estate sales in the community, as well as links to places and resources that you'll want to visit often.  

Want to search for homes for sale in Sun City Carolina Lakes?  Begin your search for Sun City Carolina Lakes resale homes right here!  Using the same property search tab, you can also search for homes for sale at two nearby 55+ Active Adult communities - TreeTops by Lennar and Carolina Orchards by Pulte.  Or, better yet, contact me to create a personalized search for you through the Canopy Multiple Listing Service (CMLS).  Doing so will create a portal that will allow you access to all that's out there.  If you would like me to create a personalized search for you with automatic updates, please contact me at PookBelliniHomes@gmail.com. 

As a blog, this site contains great articles and infographics about real estate and other topics of interest.  You'll want to come back regularly to see what's new!  

Blog postings are found just below this message, with newer postings at the top and older postings further down.  Since there is a limit to how many postings appear on a page, you will need to click on "older posts" (lower right corner of each page) to see older posts that do not currently appear on the main page. There are lots of posts hiding there... don't miss them!  You can also find postings by going to the ARCHIVE on the left sidebar.

Please be sure to go to my NorthGroup Real Estate website for more great information.  That website also allows you to search for homes, as well as check out mortgage and warranty information, and much more!

If you would like to receive my newsletter, please contact me at:

PookBelliniHomes@gmail.com 

  __________________________________ 

Please use the above tab labeled  

ACTIVE / UNDER CONTRACT / SOLD YTD

to view all currently Active, Under Contact, 
and Sold (Year-to-Date) listings in Sun City Carolina Lakes.  

Use the above tab labeled
UP-TO-DATE STATS FOR SCCL
to view the most current sales stats for
 New Listings, # of Homes for Sale, Pending Sales, Closed Sales, Average Days on Market, Months Supply of Homes for Sale, Average Days List to Close, and Average Percent of Original Price. Includes interactive graphs with monthly data going back to 2015. 
______________________________________

BLOG POSTINGS BEGIN BELOW

Since there is a limit to how many postings appear on a page, you will need to click on "older posts" (lower right corner of each page) to see previous posts. There are lots of posts hiding there... don't miss them! Alternatively, you can go to the BLOG ARCHIVE on the left sidebar and search for postings by date and title.

 

 From my home to yours,

Best Wishes for a

Holiday Season & New Year

Blessed with Love, 

Good Health, Good Friends, 

and Good Times. 

 

Pook 

SCCL MARKET UPDATE

The SCCL market has slowed down quite a bit in the last 5 months or so.  The number of ACTIVE listings has gone up and the number of showings has gone down.  You can follow market information using the "UP-TO-DATE-STATS FOR SCCL" and "WHAT KIND OF MARKET ARE WE IN?" tabs above.  

 

Single Family Residences

 

 

Carriage Homes and Villas 

 

 

SHOWINGS

 

 Single Family Residences

 Carriage Homes and Villas

 

Previous posting dated 11/2/25: WHAT KIND OF MARKET ARE WE IN? 

HAPPY THANKSGIVING!

My heartfelt thanks to all who have 

made this year so special.
Your friendship and your trust 

are deeply appreciated!

The Top 2 Things Homeowners Need To Know Before Selling

Article Courtesy of Keeping Current Matters/The KCM Blog

Here’s something you should know before you sell your house. The homeowners who win in today’s market aren’t the ones waiting it out or stepping back. They’re the ones who adapt from the start.

A number of homeowners this year didn’t get the outcome they wanted. But it’s not because something’s wrong with the market. It’s because something wasn’t right with their expectations.

Realtor.com reports 57% more homes have been taken off the market compared to last year. That means they listed… but didn’t sell. But here’s the honest truth. It was mostly because of two things: price and timing.

And if the seller had come in with the right mindset on each, their sale would’ve gone differently. Here are the top 2 things you can learn from those other sellers.

1. Price It Right from Day 1

Let’s start with the most common sticking point: the asking price. Today, 8 in 10 sellers expect to get their asking price or more. But that confidence doesn’t always line up with reality.

According to Redfin, only 1 in 4 (25.3%) sellers are actually getting more than their list price.

  

And here’s where the mismatch is coming from.

A few years ago, you could set any price and buyers would come running, no matter what the price tag said. Odds are, you’d still sell for over asking. But things are different now.

Buyers have more options than they’ve had in years, so they can afford to be more selective. If your price feels even a little high to them, it’ll get overlooked in a heartbeat.

And for the homeowners who had that happen, some end up pulling their listings instead of making a simple adjustment that could have changed everything. Which is a shame, honestly. Because a small price tweak is usually all it takes to bring buyers in and get the deal done.

According to HousingWire, the average price cut right now is just 4%.

Think about that. Other sellers are listing too high and giving up rather than dropping their price 4%. If they’d just started 4% lower, they may have already sold. So, before you list, talk to your agent about what’s working nearby. They’ll help you find the sweet spot that’s competitive, realistic, and still protecting your bottom line.

And here’s the kicker. If you’ve been in your home for a while, your equity gives you room to set your list price more competitively and still come out way ahead. Unfortunately, those other sellers didn’t seem to realize that.

2. Don’t Rush the Process

Another common misstep: expecting your house to sell in a weekend.

Many sellers right now remember when homes sold in as little as hours – and they expect that to happen today. But in most markets, that’s not the reality anymore.

It takes closer to 60 days to go from listed to sold, which is actually normal (see the gray in the graph below):

 

 

It just feels slower because they’re comparing it to the lightning-fast pace of 2020 and 2021.

Think of it like driving 65 mph on the highway, then exiting and going 25. It feels like you’re crawling, but it’s actually the right speed for where you are. That’s what other sellers can’t seem to get over. But you can get ahead of that, by knowing what to expect.

Today’s buyers are more intentional. They’re taking their time, weighing their options, and making thoughtful decisions, which is creating a much healthier housing market.

So, if you’re planning to sell, don’t expect it to happen instantly. And don’t assume your house won’t sell if it doesn’t go under contract in the first weekend.

It’s normal for these things to take time. 

If you want to make sure your house sells as quickly as possible, talk to your agent about ways to stand out, whether that’s through staging, photography, or strategic pricing. With the right advice, the right price, and the right prep work, it can still sell quickly.

Bottom Line

If you’re thinking about selling, don’t let the market discourage you, let it guide you. The listings that didn’t sell this year weren’t doomed. They just started with the wrong strategy.

You can still win if you price right, are patient, and work with a local agent who knows how to position your home from the start.

Because in today’s market, success isn’t about waiting for conditions to change. It’s about getting your expectations right from day one.

VETERANS DAY 2025 - WE HONOR THOSE WHO SERVED

 With grateful appreciation to all who have served our country.

Beautiful tribute to our Veterans 
by Richard Kerry Thompson.   YOU RAISE ME UP

A lovely rendition of HALLELUJAH by Sailor Jerri to honor our veterans.

HAPPY 250TH BIRTHDAY TO THE UNITED STATES MARINE CORPS

 

WHAT KIND OF MARKET ARE WE IN?

An updated version of this chart can be found using the 

"WHAT KIND OF MARKET ARE WE IN?" tab above.  

It will be updated at the end of each month. 

  

Note that the Statistical Analysis Module (SAM) 

(found in the "UP-TO-DATE STATS FOR SCCL" TAB)

uses the following metric for Months Supply:

The inventory of homes for sale at the end of a given month, 

divided by the average monthly Pending Sales from the last 12 months. 

This is known as the absorption rate. 

My personal preference is to divide the inventory of homes for sale at the end of a given month by the number of homes that went under contract (Pending Sales) in that month. 

I believe this gives a better picture of what is happening right now.

This is what was used in the SCCL MARKET UPDATE charts. 

 

Note that just a couple of additional homes going Under Contract can change the months supply significantly, as two variables are changing.  As the number of listings that go UNDER CONTACT goes up, the number of ACTIVE listings goes down by the same number.

The 5 Scariest Financial Mistaks Homebuyers Make (and How to Banish Them)

ARTICLE COURTESY OF

JENNIFER BLAU / NEXA MORTGAGE
704-953-3561

 

 

The 5 Scariest Financial Mistakes Homebuyers Make (and How to Banish Them) You’ve got your pre-approval, your offer was accepted, and you're ready to close. This final stretch—from application to closing day—is the most critical time to be on your absolute best financial behavior. Lenders perform final checks on your credit and employment right up to the minute they fund the loan. Any significant change in your financial profile can cause a major delay, change your loan terms, or, in the worst-case scenario, derail your entire closing. To ensure a smooth journey to the closing table, here is the absolute "What NOT to Do" list: 1. DO NOT Change Your Job or Employment Status Lenders qualify you based on your stable and consistent income. Even if your new job pays more, it is a huge red flag because it breaks the documented paper trail. Don't switch companies or change jobs. Don't switch from a salaried (W-2) position to a commission-based, hourly, or self-employed role. Don't become unemployed, take an extended leave of absence, or go on strike. The Rule: Stay put. If a job change is unavoidable, notify your loan officer immediately—before you accept the offer. 2. DO NOT Open New Credit or Take on New Debt Applying for new credit or taking out any kind of loan will lower your credit score and instantly change your debt-to-income (DTI) ratio, which is the key metric your lender uses to approve your loan. Don't open any new credit cards (even if it's for a store discount). Don't apply for, or co-sign on, an auto loan, personal loan, or student loan. Don't allow your credit to be pulled for any reason, by anyone. 3. DO NOT Make Any Large Purchases It is incredibly tempting to start furnishing your new home, but a large purchase can instantly increase your debt and make your loan un-fundable. No New Cars or Leases: A new car loan is one of the fastest ways to kill a mortgage approval. The new monthly payment will dramatically change your DTI. No Big-Ticket Items on Credit: This includes that new refrigerator, washer/dryer set, living room furniture, or big-screen TV. Do not put it on a store credit card or use "interest-free financing" while in escrow. Wait until after closing. Avoid Liquidating Assets: Don't sell stocks or other investments without first consulting your loan officer, as this can complicate the asset verification process. 4. DO NOT Move or Shuffle Large Sums of Money Lenders must verify the source of all funds used for the down payment and closing costs. Large, undocumented deposits into your bank account can delay closing while your lender requires a paper trail (known as “sourcing”). Don't switch banks or open new checking/savings accounts. Don't make any large cash deposits (generally anything over a few hundred dollars). Payroll deposits are fine, but all other large deposits must be sourced. Don't move money between different financial institutions unless absolutely necessary and documented by a clear transfer receipt. 5. DO NOT Change Your Marital Status If you are getting married or divorced during the mortgage process, your lender must be made aware. A change in marital status can affect everything from vesting on the title to joint debt obligations, requiring a complete re-underwriting of the loan. The Bottom Line: For the smoothest path to closing, act as if your financial life is frozen in time from the moment you apply until the moment you sign the final papers. When in doubt, call your loan officer BEFORE you act.

 

Is the Housing Market Going To Crash? Here’s What Experts Say

Article Courtesy of Keeping Current Matters / The KCM Blog

If you’ve seen headlines or social posts calling for a housing crash, it’s easy to wonder if home values are about to take a hit. But here’s the simple truth.

The data doesn’t point to a crash. It points to slow, continued growth.

And sure, it’s going to vary by local area. Some markets will see prices rise more than others. And some may even see small, short-term declines. But the big picture is: home prices are expected to rise nationally, not fall, over the next 5 years.

The Real Story Is in the Expert Forecasts

In the Home Price Expectations Survey (HPES) from Fannie Mae, each quarter over 100 leading housing market experts weigh in on where they project home prices will go from here. And in the report that was just released, the experts agree prices are projected to climb nationally through at least 2029 (see graph below):

Here’s how to read this visual. Each bar in that graph shows an increase, not a loss. It’s just that the anticipated pace of that appreciation varies year-to-year.

And to further drive this home, let’s look at another view of where prices are and where they’re expected to go. In this version, the expert forecasts are broken into 3 categories: the overall average, the most optimistic projections, and the most pessimistic projections (see chart below):

Notice how even the most pessimistic forecasters say we’ll see prices rise by almost 5% over the next few years.

• Overall, prices are expected to rise about 15% from now through the end of 2029.
• The optimists say we’ll beat that and see a roughly 26% increase.
• And even the pessimists anticipate prices will go up by 5% during that period.

What sticks out the most? None of these groups who study the market are forecasting a crash, or even a decline, over the next 5 years.

How This Compares to “Normal” for the Market

Now, focus back on the first graph. The projections call for 2-3.5% price increases in each of the next five years. For context, the average rate of appreciation for the last 25 years was closer to 4-5% annually.

So, while that’s slightly below the historical average, it’s much more sustainable and typical than where the market was in 2020, 2021, and 2022.

Back then, prices rose too much, too fast based on record-low supply and record-high demand. Some places even saw prices climb by 15-20%.

So, while it may feel like prices are stalling compared to those pandemic-era surges, what’s really happening is that the market is finally finding balance again.

Why Prices Aren’t Expected To Crash

A lot of the chatter about home prices today is based on that rapid rise and the old saying that what goes up, must come down. But historically, that’s not really true. Home prices almost always rise.

And the main reason we’re not heading for a repeat of 2008 is simple: supply and demand.

Even though affordability challenges have made it harder for some people to buy over the past few years, there still aren’t enough homes for everyone who wants one. And that ongoing shortage is keeping upward pressure on prices nationally. 

That’s why experts across the board can confidently agree: we’re not headed for a price collapse, but for steady, long-term appreciation.

And just in case it’s the economy that’s got you worried, remember this. Over the past 50 years, there have been plenty of economic events that have impacted the market. And one thing that’s consistently been true throughout time is the housing market always recovers. And we’re coming through that turn right now and going into a recovery.

Bottom Line

If you’ve been waiting to buy or sell because you’re worried about a crash, it’s time to look at the data – not the headlines.

The question isn’t if home prices will rise, it’s by how much.

Connect with an agent who can show you what’s happening in your local market and what these forecasts mean for your next move.

 

PRE-QUALIFICATION VS. PRE-APPROVAL

What To Do When Your House Didn’t Sell

I first posted in July 2024.  With 74 currently Active listings (60 Single Family Residences/SFRs and 13 Carriage Homes and Villas/CHVs) available today, buyers have a lot to chose from.  Seven SFRs went under contract in August, meaning there is currently an 8.6 months supply of SFR homes.  Only one CHV went under contract in August, meaning there is currently a 13 months supply of CHVs.  That's quite a change from the beginning of the year.

 

Article Courtesy of Keeping Current Matters/The KCM Blog

If your listing expired and your house didn’t sell, it’s totally natural to feel a mix of frustration and disappointment. And as you’re working through that, you’re probably also wondering what went wrong and what you should do next.

If you still need to move and want to get it back on the market, here are some things to consider as you look back.

Was It Priced for Today’s Market?

Setting the right price from the start is key. While it might be tempting to try shooting high with your price, that can slow down the selling process big time. If your house was priced higher than others similar to it, it may have turned away buyers. And that’s likely why it sat on the market. As Rocket Mortgage explains:

“Buyer interest in your home is highest when it first comes on the market. That’s why it’s so important to start with the right price on day one. . . If you overprice your house, buyers may just raise an eyebrow and move on to the next listing without even coming for a showing. . . It can be easy to think your home is worth more but try not to let sentimental value color your judgment. Your home’s true value is whatever a buyer is willing to pay for it.”

Was It Easy for Buyers To Tour?

One of the biggest mistakes you can make when selling your house is overly restricting the days and times when potential buyers can tour it. Even though it might feel stressful to drop everything and leave when buyers want to see your house, being flexible with your schedule is important. After all, minimal access means minimal exposure to buyers. ShowingTime advises:

“. . . do your best to be as flexible as possible when granting access to your house for showings.”

Was It Set Up To Make the Best Impression on Buyers?

If buyers weren’t interested in your house, it’s worth taking another look at your home through their eyes. Are there outstanding repairs that may be distracting them? Even if it’s a small thing, some buyers may see it as a sign the maintenance on the home is falling behind.

Just remember, you don’t always need to make big upgrades. Selective small repairs or touch-ups go a long way. Things like tidying up your landscaping, a fresh coat of paint inside, or removing personal items and clutter can work wonders in sprucing up the house for potential buyers. You could also consider staging the home.

Were You Willing To Negotiate?

If there were offers coming in, but you weren’t ready to negotiate, that may be another reason why it didn’t sell. While you want to get top dollar for your house, you also need to be realistic about what your house can net in today’s market. The market is still tipped in a seller’s favor, but the supply of homes for sale is growing and buyers are feeling the sting of higher mortgage rates. So being willing to play ball can make closing a deal a whole lot easier. A skilled agent can help. As Ramsey Solutions explains:

“If you don’t have the money or time to fix home issues, consider offering some other form of incentive to buyers. . . An experienced real estate agent can help you arrange a deal where you and your buyer both come out on top.” 

Did You Listen To Your Agent?

If you want an expert’s advice on why it didn’t sell, rely on a trusted real estate agent. Whether that’s the agent you used previously or a new one once the listing has officially expired, a great agent will sit down and take the time to talk it over with you. They’ll want to hear your honest opinion on what worked and what didn’t, and where you want to go from here.

Then, they’ll offer their perspective. This includes tailored advice and effective strategies for re-listing your house to get it sold. As Better Homes & Gardens says, an agent should be your go-to resource in this situation:

“If you’re frustrated with the timeline of your sale, chat with your real estate agent. Agents want what is best for you and the sale of your home, and having open communication about any frustrations will be key.”

Bottom Line

It’s natural to feel disappointed when your listing has expired and your house didn’t sell. Connect with a reliable real estate agent to determine what happened, and what changes you should make to get your house back on the market.

 

Why Home Prices Aren’t Actually Flat

Article Courtesy of Keeping Current Matters/The KCM Blog

If you’ve been following real estate news lately, you’ve probably seen headlines saying home prices are flat. And at first glance, that sounds simple enough. But here’s the thing. The reality isn’t quite that straightforward.

In most places, prices aren’t flat at all.

What the Data Really Shows

While we’ve definitely seen prices moderate from the rapid and unsustainable climb in 2020-2022, how much they’ve changed is going to be different everywhere.

If you look at data from ResiClub and Zillow for the 50 largest metros, this becomes very clear. The real story is split right down the middle. Half of the metros are still seeing prices inch higher. The other half? Prices are coming down slightly (see graph below).

The big takeaway here is “flat” doesn’t mean prices are holding steady everywhere. What the numbers actually show is how much price trends are going to vary depending on where you are.

One factor that’s driving the divide? Inventory. The Joint Center for Housing Studies (JCHS) of Harvard University explains:

“ . . . price trends are beginning to diverge in markets across the country. Prices are declining in a growing number of markets where inventories have soared while they continue to climb in markets where for-sale inventories remain tight.”

When you average those very different trends together, you get a number that looks like it’s flat. But it doesn’t give you the real story and it’s not what most markets are feeling today. You deserve more than that.

And just in case you’re really focusing on the declines, remember those are primarily places where prices rose too much, too fast just a few years ago. Prices went up roughly 50% nationally over the past 5 years, and even more than that in some of the markets that are experiencing a bigger correction today. So, a modest drop in some local pockets still puts most of those homeowners ahead when it comes to the overall value of their home. And based on the fundamentals of today’s housing market, experts are not projecting a national decline going forward.

So, what’s actually important for you to know?

If You’re Buying…

You need to know what’s happening in your area because that’s going to influence everything from how quickly you need to make an offer to how much negotiating power you’ll have once you do.

• In a market where prices are still inching up, waiting around could mean paying more down the line.
• In a market where they’re easing, you may be able to ask for things like repairs or closing cost help to sweeten the deal.

The bottom line? Knowing your local trend puts you in the driver’s seat. 

If You’re Selling…

You’ll want to be aware of local trends, so you’ll know how to price your house and how much you can expect to negotiate.

• In a market where prices are still rising, you may not need to make many compromises to get your home sold.
• But if you’re in a market where prices are coming down, setting the right price from the start and being willing to negotiate becomes much more important.

The big action item for homeowners? Sellers need to have an agent’s local perspective if they want to avoid making the wrong call on pricing – and homes that are priced right are definitely selling.

 

The Real Story Is Local

The national averages can point to broad trends, and that’s helpful context. But sometimes you’re going to need a local point of view because what’s happening in your zip code could look different. As Anthony Smith, Senior Economist at Realtor.com, article puts it:

“While national prices continued to climb, local market conditions have become increasingly fragmented…This regional divide is expected to continue influencing price dynamics and sales activity as the fall season gets underway.”

That’s why the smartest move, whether you’re buying or selling, is to lean on a local agent who’s an expert on your market.

They’ll have the data and the experience to tell you whether prices in your area are holding steady, moving up, or softening a bit – and how that could impact your move.

Bottom Line

Headlines calling home prices flat may be grabbing attention, but they’re not giving you the full picture.

Has anyone taken the time to walk you through what’s happening in your market?

If you want the real story about what prices are doing in your area, connect with a local agent.

BEAUTIFUL SURREY CREST WITH BASEMENT

 

 

 

 

57142 Nightingale Way Website                     CLOSED

 

This beautiful Surrey Crest home is on a charming tree-lined cul-de-sac in the highly sought after Grey Hawk neighborhood and is conveniently located near The Lodge amenity center and Water's Edge Park. Enjoy views of the beautiful rear woods from the primary bedroom, office/den, three-season porch, and upper deck, as well as from the basement bedroom and living area, and covered lower patio. The beautiful kitchen has granite counters, a tile backsplash, stainless steel appliances, and fabulous pull-out shelves. The washer and dryer in the laundry room, which is conveniently located between the kitchen and the garage, both convey. The large basement has a great room with a bar/serving area, a flex room that would make a great study, office, or craft room, a large bedroom & bath, and a large unfinished utility room/storage area. This fabulous home has been freshly painted, has new carpeting, and is move-in ready! 

Now is the time to live your dream! Come and enjoy all the beautiful amenities & diverse activities this premier 55+ community has to offer!  Sun City Carolina Lakes has a public golf course and is in close proximity to shopping, restaurants, medical facilities, recreation areas, entertainment, and more!

 

Why 50% of Homes Are Selling for Under Asking and How To Avoid It

Article Courtesy of Keeping Current Matters/The KCM Blog

If your selling strategy still assumes you’ll get multiple offers over asking, it’s officially time for a reset. That frenzied seller’s market is behind us. And here are the numbers to prove it.

 

From Frenzy to “Normal” 

Right now, about 50% of homes on the market are selling for less than their asking price, according to the latest data from Cotality.

But that isn’t necessarily bad news, even if it feels like it. Here’s why. The wild run-up over the last few years was never going to be sustainable. The housing market needed a reset, and data shows that’s exactly what’s happening right now.

The graph below uses data from Zillow to show how this trend has shifted over time. Here’s what it tells us:

• 2018–2019: 50–55% of homes sold under asking. That was the norm.
• 2021–2022: Only 25% sold under asking, thanks to record-low rates and intense buyer demand.
• 2025: 50% of homes are selling below asking. That’s much closer to what’s typical in the housing market.

Why This Matters If You’re Selling Your House

In this return to normal, your pricing strategy is more important than ever.

A few years ago, you could overprice your house and still get swarmed with offers. But now, buyers have more options, tighter budgets, and less urgency.

Today, your asking price can be make or break for your sale, especially right out of the gate. Your first two weeks on the market are the most important window because that’s when the most serious buyers are paying attention to your listing. Miss your price during that crucial period, and your sale will grind to a halt. Buyers will look right past it. And once your listing sits long enough to go stale, it’ll be hard to sell for your asking price.

The Ideal Formula

Basically, sellers who cling to outdated expectations end up dealing with price cuts, lower offers, and a longer time just sitting on the market. But homeowners who understand what’s happening are still winning, even today.

Because that stat about 50% of homes selling for under asking also means the other half are selling at or above – as long as they’re priced right from the start.

So, how do you set yourself up for success? Do these 3 things:

1. Prep your house. Tackle essential repairs and touch-ups before you list. If your house looks great, you’ll have a better chance to sell at (or over) your asking price.
2. Price strategically from day one. Don’t rely on what nearby homes are listed for. Lean on your agent for what they’ve actually sold for. And price your house based on that.
3. Stay flexible. Be ready to negotiate. And know that it doesn’t always have to be on price. It may be on repairs, closing costs, or some other detail. But know this: today’s serious buyers expect some give-and-take.

If you want your house to be one that sells for at (or even more than) your asking price, it’s time to plan for the market you’re in today – not the one we saw a few years ago. And that’s exactly why you need a stand-out local agent.

Bottom Line

You don’t want to fall behind in this market.

So, talk to an agent about what buyers in your area are paying right now. With their expertise and a strategy that gets your house noticed 

OUR CHANGING MARKET

The UP-TO-DATE STATS tab above provides a wealth of data regarding our current market, including terrific interactive charts showing month-by-month data in a variety of catagories.  However, there is one chart that I feel doesn't give the best picture of our current market.  That is the MONTHS SUPPLY OF HOMES chart and here is my reasoning for providing my own calculations on the chart below.

The Statistical Analysis Module (SAM)

uses the following metric for Months Supply:

The inventory of homes for sale at the end of a given month, 

divided by the average monthly Pending Sales from the last 12 months. 

This is known as the absorption rate. 

 

My personal preference is to divide the inventory of homes for sale at the end of a given month by the number of homes that went under contract (Pending Sales) in that month. 

I believe this gives a better picture of what is happening right now.

 

With an increased number of homes and a decrease in homes going Under Contract, Single Family Residences (SFRs) moved from what is considered a Seller's Market to a Buyer's Market in August. Carriage Homes and Villas showed a similar change in June. 

 

While the number of showings decreased during the summer months and there were quite a few price adjustments in response to that, we will likely see the market readjust in the coming months.  Last year, there were only seven (7) SFR closings in September, indicating that the summer months were slow last year also.  October and November had 14 and 12 closings respectively, suggesting there was greater activity in September and October.  

 

Villas may continue to be affected by their increased monthly assessment, but, to date, 14 Villas and Carriage Homes have closed this year.  While that's far short of last year's total of 35 closed properties, it's ahead of where they were at the same time in 2022 and 2023. 

CURRENT MONTHS SUPPLY

In a June posting I offered some answers to the question WHAT KIND OF MARKET ARE WE IN?  As a follow up to that posting, I want to share the most current information about the current month's supply of homes here in SCCL, which indicates that we are still in what is considered a "Seller's Market."

 

 

 SINGLE FAMILY HOMES

 

 

CARRIAGE HOMES AND VILLAS 

 

Are we in a Buyers' or Sellers' market?

 

 Home Inventory Determines What Kind of Market We Are In

Months of supply is the measure of how many months it would take for the current inventory of homes on the market to sell, given the current pace of home sales. For example, if there are 50 homes on the market and 10 homes selling each month, there is a 5 month supply of homes for sale.  

• Less than 6 months of inventory = Seller's Market with upward pressure on prices
• More than 6 months of inventory = Buyer's Market with downward pressure on prices

Use the UP-TO-DATE STATS FOR SCCL tab above (and scroll down below the STATS charts) to see "Months Supply of Homes for Sale" interactive graphs below at any time.  

 

You can use the UP-TO-DATE STATS FOR SCCL tab above

to see additional graphs with the following information:

 HOMES FOR SALE • PENDING SALES • CLOSED SALES • AVERAGE DAYS ON MARKET • AVERAGE LIST TO CLOSE DAYS • AVERAGE PERCENT OF ORIGINAL PRICE

 

How many homes are for sale in SCCL right now?  

The answer to this question can always be found right here at my website by using the UP-TO-DATE STATS FOR SCCL and CURRENTLY ACTIVE / UNDER CONTRACT / SOLD YTD tabs at the top of the page.