Here's what I noticed yesterday......lots more "open house" signs in Land Park.  So what does this mean?  Just "might" mean if houses aren't priced in that "sweet spot" they're not selling overnight like they were recently.   Remember in the wintertime when you'd drive down Land Park Drive or Riverside Blvd. looking for open houses....and just "maybe" you'd see one or two open houses?  That meant houses were priced right, inventory was low and they were selling lickity split!  Well,  our inventory is still low,  but just maybe the prices out there should be just a titch lower?

There are some darling homes on the market right now.... whether you're looking at Land Park, East Sacramento, Fruitridge,  Greenhaven........and for the most part,  they're all showing very well and close to what will probably be their selling price.  But I just thought I'd share with you that for reasons still unclear....you've got a great selection right now of available homes for sale and probably more availability  than what we've seen recently.   Go take a look!

Cash buyers still hovering.....

According to data put out by McClatchy News Systems this morning,  1/3 of all buyers of homes these days is paying cash.  Not news to those of us "in the business".... When agents get listings under the $180K price point, probably 80% of the offers they receive are "all cash" offers from investors.  I haven't experienced that as much when we have listings over $400,000, like the news article mentions,  but there are sure alot of folks out there with lots of cash...snapping up the lower priced properties.  I agree with what the article says,  that the investment return on real estate is alot higher than what you're getting on other investments, so now while prices aren't yet back up to what they were a few years ago,  it's a perfect time to buy!

Unfortunately, the first time home buyer is at a distinct disadvantage when having to compete with these cash buyers.  Many times my sellers have wanted to sell to the "owner occupant" but is lured by the buyer who wants to pay all cash and take the property as is with sellers doing no work.  You can hardly blame them.....but on the other hand,  as a 36 year veteran Realtor, nothing is more satisfying than selling a home to first time buyers or "move up" buyers who want to enjoy a home of their own.

Our market is still hot hot hot

Well, things are back to normal in Land Park.....a home comes up for sale and within 2 weeks you've got a sale pending on it!  Lots of homes are being staged so they show nicely and they always bring in more $$$$..... there sure aren't many "under $400K homes for sale" but we've seen some beautiful homes in the mid $500ies come up for sale....most are snapped up within a week of coming on the market.  Most agents have their own websites where you can go sign up and get notified of new listings the minute they come onto the market...saves you and the agent an incredible amount of time and gives you that advantage over those who used to drive up and down the streets......  go to my website if you'd like to give it a try....it's very easy.  You'll love it!  PattiMartinez.net