Over 44 percent of homes purchased in October used conventional financing methods (e.g., mortgages), according to a report released by the Naples Area Board of REALTORS® (NABOR®) that detailed activity in the greater Naples housing market during October 2016. The October 2016 Market Report, which tracks home listings and sales within Collier County (excluding Marco Island), showed a gradual - but continuous - decline in cash sales with growth in conventional sales during the last 12 months.
In October 2015, cash sales accounted for nearly 65 percent of all homes sales in Naples, whereas in October 2016, cash sales accounted for only 56 percent of all homes sales in Naples. Interestingly, homes purchased in the $300,000 to $500,000 price category in October reflected the highest percentage of conventional sales (60 percent) of all the price categories reported.
Increased use of conventional mortgages in October may be an indication of increased consumer confidence coupled with a better lending environment. In October 2014, only 32 percent of all home sales used conventional financing. In October 2015, conventional financing increased to 35 percent of overall sales.
The October 2016 Market Report showed overall pending sales decreased 13 percent to 702 pending sales in October 2016 from 807 pending sales in October 2015. Interestingly, overall pending sales in the $500,000 to $1 million price category actually increased 14 percent to 125 pending sales in October 2016 from 110 pending sales in October 2015. Likewise, pending sales of condominiums in the $500,000 to $1 million price category increased 30 percent to 57 condominiums in October 2016 from 44 condominiums in October 2015. The increase in pending sales extended to the single-family home market as well, in which both the $300,000 to $500,000 price category and $500,000 to $1 million price category increased 3 percent.
In the closed sales category, the October 2016 Market Report showed overall closed sales decreased 7 percent to 556 closed sales in October 2016 from 601 closed sales in October 2015. However, closed sales of condominiums in the $1 million to $2 million price category increased 80 percent to 9 condominiums in October 2016 from 5 condominiums in October 2015. And closed sales of single-family homes in the $300,000 to $500,000 price category increased 21 percent from 120 single-family homes in October 2016 from 99 single-family homes in October 2015.
For October, the overall median closed price increased 6 percent to $320,000 in the 12-months ending October 2016 from $302,000 in the 12-months ending October 2015. Conversely, the overall median closed price for homes above $300,000 did not reflect a recordable change. Homes in the $300,000 and below price segment, which experienced a 10 percent increase to $215,000 in the 12-months ending October 2016 from $195,000 in the 12-month ending October 2015, is once again responsible for driving the overall median closed price increase.
Even though we are selling homes in a very desirable location, when days on market increase, one factor affecting this is overpriced properties. And because historically, inventory increases right before season, REALTORS® need to take a bold stance now and guide home sellers to a more realistic asking price based on today's market.
The Market report showed a six month supply of inventory to sell. We have not seen this high a level of inventory in the month of October since 2013. So as we move into season with this healthy level of inventory, buyers will have more options, which is all the more reason sellers should seek guidance now from a REALTOR® who knows the local market and can help them price their properties right.
Geographically, inventory in the Naples Beach (34102, 34103, 34108) and North Naples (34109, 34110, 34119) areas increased the most in October. In the Naples Beach area, single-family home inventory rose 25 percent to 567 single-family homes in October 2016 from 454 single-family homes in October 2015, and condominiums increased 71 percent to 655 condominiums in October 2016 from 384 condominiums in October 2015. For North Naples, single-family home inventory rose 35 percent to 878 single-family homes in October 2016 from 650 single-family homes in October 2015, and condominiums increased 64 percent to 734 condominiums in October 2016 from 447 condominiums in October 2015.
There are plenty of homes to buy and sell in Naples. It's going to take some time to see how the market will react to the election and the changes in the government. The value of a home relates to local sale prices and a realistic price means a rapid sale.
If you are considering selling your home or buying a new home, give me a call today! I can help establish the best price to sell your home for or identify properties best suited for you if you are planning on buying a home in Naples.
Visit www.NaplesPropertyPreview.com for more information.
