Ridgefield Market Report : Mid-Year Review 2015
Putting Things Into Perspective
Nationally, as a result of improved consumer confidence, unit home sales are up nearly 10% when compared to the first six months of 2014. Fairfield County overall is up 9% during the same period. Although Ridgefield sales results are lower than 2014, this can again be attributed to the long and treacherous winter. The eight week loss of valuable market time in the typically brisk Spring selling season certainly impacts our mid-year results. However, there still is time to meet – and possibly surpass – 2014 sales, as the second half of the year outperformed the first half in both 2013 and 2014. The looming threat of rising interest rates should also bring more buyers to the table this fall and banks have begun to loosen their financing practices, which also makes the outlook more positive. The Luxury Market, which can be realized as $1.5 million and higher, is on target with 2014 in terms of unit sales, but has experienced a slight drop in value due to higher inventory levels. In-town and walk-to- town locations continue to be particularly popular, and tend to sell more quickly and at a higher price per square foot.
The Value Factor
Based on the Months Supply Of Inventory, 2015 seems to indicate that the market is slowing. However, this is not necessarily accurate as there have been many examples this year, across a number of price points, where multiple offer situations existed. As the market continues to be driven by value, proper pricing is critical. Today’s buyers also measure value based on the condition of the home and are responding most positively to homes that are updated and in pristine condition. When examining the inventory, there seems to be a discrepancy between the amount and the quality of the inventory. Buyers are ready to purchase, but they are still in the driver’s seat and want homes that are turn-key, almost without exception.
Looking Ahead
With no housing bubble in sight, we can expect moderate, sustainable sales growth. If you are in the market for a change, there’s no better time to buy up. If you are thinking of selling now or in the not too distant future, take the time to get your home ready for market or to just enjoy.
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