When looking at the numbers given above, the fact that Thanksgiving through mid March is the slowest time in this area for real estate must be kept in mind. March signals the beginning of the Spring market when a majority of the real estate transactions are completed, which usually lasts through June. When you look at the increase of activity over the month of January, it becomes clear. There was a 10% increase in the number of homes sold in February over January, 6% increase in the number listed, and a 10% increase in the number of homes sales pending. Activity is beginning to pick up.

When you look at the same time period last year, pending sales only went up 7% from January to February, which is a good sign that buyers are starting to really move. We still have less activity than last year, but that is to be expected in a somewhat contracting market that exists today.

Some really good news is that the average sale price in February 2009, compared to February of 2008 is only off by 2%. In addition, the average active listing price is down 8% from a year ago, which means that sellers are dealing more and more with reality, and listing their homes at more realistic prices, which will in turn help the market become more fluid.

The key to getting things moving again is the first time home buyer. They are the first step in the ladder and when they begin being active in the market and buying, that helps the rest of the ladder move up. Speaking honestly, there has not been a better time in the last 30 years to buy a home, mainly due to the affordability index, or the percentage of income it takes to own a home, and the historically low interest rates. All of this is good news for the overall market.

So if you, or anyone you know, can take advantage of this historical time to buy a home, don't just sit there - call the Cindy Dickerman Team to help you with your real estate needs today!