First, NAR this week announced that existing home sales rose in April with strong buyer activity, in, as expected, the lower price ranges. Nationally, existing home sales increased 2.9% to a seasonally adjusted annual rate of 4.68 million units in April from a downwardly revised pace of 4.55 million units in March, but were 3.5 percent below that 4.85 million-unit level in April 2008.
Most of the sales are taking place in lower price ranges but in a positive trend, we are seeing increased activity in the mid-price ranges. This is all a domino effect. A turnaround begins with the lower price range homes and once that sector of the market is stabilized, we begin to see changes in the mid and upper price ranges. The upper end, though we have seen increased activity, still is slow but we fully anticipate that this will change over time, too.
Many of you are asking me questions about the moratorium on foreclosures. In many markets we’ve had a foreclosure moratorium set forth by Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac as they wanted servicers to reduce interest rates, delay back payments and penalties, stretch the length of the loan or defer payments on part of the principal. The moratorium is likely going to be lifted soon and foreclosed properties are going to be released into the market starting (in many markets) in June and moving through the remainder of the year. In order for a recovery to be sustainable, we really need to clear through those distressed homes so we can begin to sustain a price recovery.
In markets like California, this moratorium has really hindered sales. The demand for housing is outrageous as buyers anxiously await the inventory to increase so they snatch up the listings. In some cases they are seeing 15, 20 offers on properties as they hit the market. The June release of the moratorium is expected to alleviate some of that demand.
While the moratorium has impacted us in some ways, I’m not overly concerned about it here. One reason is that we have had less of a bubble here as compared to other markets in the country. I truly believe that we’ve seen the worst and locally we’re headed in the right direction. Our weekly updates showcase that fact and in analyzing the office data I think we can safely assume that the worst is behind us.
Here are some local articles of interest this week that I wanted to be sure you saw:
http://money.sltrib.com/story.asp?ID=3862518
http://money.sltrib.com/story.asp?ID=3718294
http://www.deseretnews.com/article/1,5143,705307159,00.html
http://www.deseretnews.com/article/1,5143,705307031,00.html
http://www.deseretnews.com/article/1,5143,705307156,00.html
Definitely worth the read and a great reminder of why we call this special place home.
Now, let’s take a look at this week in real estate:
- Davis County—Sales in the Bountiful office were a little slower last week than they have been in the last few months. Many agents have multiple deals under contract now and are managing that process which may be leading to a slight decline in new pending business. The North Davis office had a good week with 11 sales for the week. Both offices are seeing buyers who have made offers on short sales begin to look at other opportunities as the short sale process is a bit lengthier than they anticipated.
- Salt Lake County North—Our Salt Lake office reported that Memorial weekend slowed activity but there were still lots of sales ratified. The market continues to see lots of activity in the lower price ranges with multiple offers on many of these transactions. Short sales are getting approvals and closing after waiting for months. Activity is increasing between $350K and $450K as equity is freed up in lower price ranges and these buyers are buying up the bargains. Union Heights reports that activity remains unsteady.
- Salt Lake County South—Our Draper office reports we have a surplus of homes above $800,000 range. Many owners just owe more than the current market is willing to bear. The condo market still has excess inventory as well. Anything that is not a short sale and bank owned, with a good floor plan in the South end of the valley under $250,000 is seeing significant activity, and many homes are seeing multiple offers. Our Jordan Commons office reports one Agent’s interesting note that Thursday she called to show homes for two separate buyers, a total of 12 homes. Three of them were under contract which hasn’t happened for a while. Yesterday, she went to write an offer on one of the properties and it too was now under contract. When we’re preparing CMAs for sellers, there are now a lot more sold and under contracts showing up to use as comps.
- Salt Lake County West—Our West Jordan office reports our sales really spiked in the last couple of days! We have had multiple offers on three non-short sales properties this past week (each of these are homes that has been listed for a few months with recent price reductions). We’ve got many busy Agents!
- Tooele County—Our Tooele office reports a very slow holiday week.
- Utah County—Utah County has 4431 active sellers and 1011 active buyers in the market for the last 30 days; this is slightly more than a 4 month inventory. 83% of those buyers are purchasing below $300,000, and 69% of the active sellers are currently priced below $300,000, which is why our median price keeps dropping. The market is definitely changed for the better. Agents that I have not seen with business for a long while are doing business. Experienced Agents are doing significantly more business.
- Weber County—Business is still off the 2008 numbers, but seems to be picking up. Agents are reporting increased buyer activity and title companies have reported increased business. Sales from 100,000 to 300,000 are strong. Fewer sales above 300,000.
Finally, this week I am pleased to share a special guest commentary from Axiom Mortgage President Melissa Wright. Check out what Melissa has to say:
Many consumers have questions about the $6000 Utah Home Run Grant, and whether they can still take advantage of the program. With only 468 grants left (as of 5/27/09), time is of the essence. The program is designed to help buyers purchase newly constructed, never-occupied homes and lighten the inventory of new homes on the market. The grant funds are available at time of closing and can be used towards down payment, closing costs or even cash in pocket! You don’t need to be a first time buyer, but if you are, the grant can be used in conjunction with the $8000 Homebuyer Tax Credit for a total $14,000 benefit. With income limits are as high as $75K/$150K for single/married couples, the grant is available to a wide range of buyers who will occupy the home as their primary residence.
The first step to taking advantage of the grant is to talk to your mortgage consultant. They will help you become an approved buyer and apply for your grant so you and your Realtor® can find your new home.
For more information on this exciting Utah grant program, contact your Axiom Financial Mortgage Consultant today at www.axiomfinancial.com or 1.888.656.LEND.
Historically speaking the week of Memorial Day quiets things down in the housing sector but this year it was a bit different. Thanks to the $8,000 first time home buyer credit, low interest rates and increased affordability, buyers in the first time home buyer market are out in droves and really are snatching up properties. Now that Memorial Day is behind us, we’ll probably see a week or two of quiet yet brisk activity until school is out and then…let the floodgates open. The summer selling season will be in full force.
Until next week,
Make it a great one,
Dan Christensen
Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage Utah

