Decide to Buy

The first step in buying a house is to try and understand what you hope to achieve. When you begin to think about buying a new house, there are many questions you should ask yourself such as: Why do I want to move? How soon do I want to move? How long do I plan on living in the home? For some people renting or putting off buying makes sense. Expect to commit to your home for 3-5 years if you want to avoid losing money on the home.

Needs Analysis

Once you decided that home ownership is right for you will want to decide a few things: What are the most important features to you in a house? How much do you want to invest in your home? Initially? Every month? Do you have lifestyle changes coming, such as adding a baby, having kids move out, or retiring? What part of town do you want to live in? What school district do you want your kids to go to school in? Once your goals are clearly defined you have your target.

Get Pre-Qualified

An important part of the home buying process is to be qualified for a loan. You should get a “pre-qualification” letter before you start actively looking for a house. Most lenders can provide this over the phone or with a simple 1-page questionnaire. This typically takes 20 minutes. Some data you should have ready is your and your spouse’s name, address, phone numbers, social security numbers, and past two years of employment, residential, bank, asset and debt information. If possible, you should try to get pre-approved for a loan which is a more serious level of commitment from a lender than a pre-qualification. To receive a loan pre-approval, all employment and credit is verified. This will mean that you are approved for a loan, subject to a final credit check and an appraisal of the subject property.

Make sure to inquire about all loans costs (origination fees, discount points, etc) and find out about closing costs. Closing costs are the fees for services, taxes or special interest charges that surround the purchase of a home. They include up front loan points, title insurance, escrow or closing day charges, document fees, prepaid interest and property taxes. Studies show that the closing costs, which can average 2 to 3 percent of a total home purchase price, are often more costly than many buyers expect. Unless, these charges are rolled into the loan, they must be paid when the home is closed. Finally, make sure your lender provides a Good Faith Estimate according to the Truth in Lending Act (Regulation Z). This allows you to “compare apples to apples” between different lenders.

Home Search

After you’ve found a house that you like, fits your needs, and has potential, you’ll need to prepare an offer. Determine whether or not the house is priced fairly by doing a thorough Comparative Market Analysis. Then review the seller’s disclosure and make appropriate adjustments and write your initial offer. Offers should include an earnest money check (made out to a title company), and an option money check (made out to the seller).

Some of the words in the previous paragraph may not be familiar to you. Let’s look at them:



Option Money – a check made out to the seller in exchange for the unrestricted right to terminate the agreement for a specified number of days. This is not found in many states.



Earnest Money – a check made out to a Title Company as a show of “good faith” that you are seriously intending to buy the house. The amount is usually around 1% of the home’s value.



Escrow Account – a special account administered by the Title Company that holds your earnest money until closing.



Title Company – a company that verifies the validity of a title and offers insurance to protect against problems with any liens on a property or clouds on a title. This company also conducts the closing.



Closing – the actual process of transferring the title of a house from the seller to the buyer (including assigning any liens to lenders for mortgages).



Inspection and Repairs

To protect your best interests, have structural and systems inspections done by qualified inspectors of your choice. Your lender will typically also require a termite and wood destroying insect (WDI) inspection. The inspection is a great opportunity to ask questions about your prospective home and learn important information about where everything is and how it works.

When the inspection reports come in, you will need to decide if the home is acceptable “as is”. If you require repairs to be made, then you will have to negotiate with the seller. At that point, you make a counter offer to the seller requesting either that the repairs be done before closing or extra money to be given to you at closing to cover repairs. The seller can either negotiate these points with us or decide to not continue to negotiate. If the seller rejects the offer and you do not want to buy the home as is, the contract falls through, the seller would be free to accept another offer, and your earnest money would be returned to you. If you come to terms an amendment to the contract will be made and we will waive our option to terminate. Then you will contact your lender to request an appraisal and start planning your move. A day before closing or on the same day, it is recommended that you walk through the house to make sure that everything is in order. This protects you from closing on a home that has been damaged in the move out process or that has been taken possession of by another party.

Closing

The exciting day is finally here! You will review the settlement statement (HUD-1) so that you can clear up any questions before closing. Possession of the home generally happens the same day that papers are signed, but sometimes a snag in the funding of the loan will cause a delay in possesion. For this reason it’s best to allow an extra day (or more if we are closing on a Friday or day before a holiday) before you need to be able to move in.

After closing you should file a change of address. File an official change of address form at you local post office or online in the advance so that your mail delivery will not be interrupted. Many corporations, such as credit card companies and magazine subscriptions, take 1 or 2 months to process a change of address.

Congrats! You are now a proud homeowner!

The economic recession has made people think much more carefully about how they spend their money, and holiday habits are changing to fit in with a new ethos of maximum return for every pound spent. As the pound weakens against the Euro and Dollar more UK holidaymakers are planning short breaks in the UK this year and the tourist industry is already reporting a rise in UK bookings. Cottage breaks in Devon and Cornwall are the perfect way to plan a budget holiday in one of the most beautiful regions of the country.

Devon and Cornwall are two of the most popular destinations for visitors and taking a cottage holiday is the perfect way to explore this wonderful region. Booking a cottage online is easy and as everyone is anxious to attract as many visitors as possible this year there are plenty of bargains to be found, especially if you book early. A cottage holiday gives you much more freedom to plan your own break around your interests, your own timeframe and your budget.

Cottage holidays in Devon and Cornwall can range from a cosy cottage perfect for an intimate getaway for two up to barn conversion complexes that are perfect for large family groups. Cottage holidays are designed to be self-catering, although if you get bored with cooking every night there are plenty of top quality restaurants throughout the region to choose from for a special meal out. The south west has an enviable reputation for some of the finest local produce in the country and over two hundred miles of coastline means that the freshest fish and shellfish are always available. Taking a cottage holiday gives you the chance to taste some of the best produce the region has to offer, cooked exactly the way you like it!

Cottage holidays are an ideal choice if you plan to go exploring a particular region. In Devon and Cornwall you are never far from the coast, fascinating historical landmarks and even theme parks for the kids. Two of the UK’s best national parks are situated in Devon and Cornwall has its own, wild beauty that takes you back to another age, rich in folklore and myth. However, both counties are also very much in touch with the 21st century and offer excellent modern shopping centres, theatre and concert venues and some of the most exciting and innovative attractions anywhere in the UK.

If you enjoy the outdoors, Devon and Cornwall are perfect for a wide range of adventure activities – from kayaking and rock-climbing to mountain biking and paragliding. The South West Coastal Walk allows hikers to explore the coastline, from the breathtaking and wild north coast to the ancient Jurassic coastline of East Devon. By using a cottage holiday as your base, you can build up your own itinerary around your interests and budget accordingly. With a little planning and forethought, you can make your pound go that much further.

One of the common myths is that holidays in the UK are more expensive than taking a trip abroad, but with the changing economic picture, that believe is no longer relevant. The south west may not have the same amount of sunshine as the Canary Islands or Turkey, but its climate is very mild for the majority of the year and the advantages more than make up for the odd spot of rain! Cottage breaks in Devon and Cornwall make an ideal budget holiday for families of any size and their popularity is growing – a visit to this stunning part of the world will show you why!

In the early 19th century, Wasaga Beach was a major route that fur traders used to get to the great North West. By the mid-20th century, the town, which boasts the longest freshwater beach in the world, had morphed into a popular resort spot for Toronto area water-lovers. Development occurred in sprawling concentric circles from the waterfront inland, with no focused downtown, and the cottages that once sparkled in the summer sun gradually faded with age and wear. Today, Wasaga Beach is undergoing a renaissance, with new developments rejuvenating this lakeside jewel – and Stonebridge By The Bay is leading the way.

“We have spent the last 12 years putting together over 90 acres of land with the intention of creating a true master-planned community that will become a residential and commercial centre for Wasaga Beach,” says Mark Crowe, a principal in Stonebridge Building Group. “We traveled all over North America for ideas on how we could make Stonebridge stand out in the way that famous coastal towns such as Cape Cod, Martha’s Vineyard, and Granville Island in Vancouver do. We studied the architecture of Robert Stern, and we combined elements from these examples with Wasaga Beach’s visual heritage from the early 20th century. The result will be a community of modern commercial businesses and residences with porches, gambrel roofs and other architectural highlights that hint at the past.”

The professionals at Stonebridge Building Group were sure they were on to something once they heard WalMart was coming to Wasaga Beach. “We knew at that point that this area would be a major town centre,” Crowe says. “We widened Main Street in front of our property to four lanes, and we’ve created an actual grid of roads that will connect to River Road East and Zoo Park Road. The planning for this community has been phenomenal.”

That planning includes an impressive two km of 12 foot-wide trails that will wend through the unprecedented number of mature trees, plus the parks and two landscaped ponds in this lakeside community, and connect with the town’s bike paths and trails. “We purchased the land next door, which was the Morris campground,” Crowe says, “and turned it into preserved greenbelt, which forms a beautiful buffer around this pedestrian- and bicycle-friendly community. We even bought property on the waterfront so that every resident of Stonebridge will have access to a private beach club.”

To enhance the special neighbourhood feeling, the company also received permission from the town to install boulevard plantings, which Crowe says makes the streets look more intimate and calms traffic. Stonebridge will, in fact, eventually have a stone bridge that will lead residents and guests over a pond in its main park area, reminiscent of the mounded stone bridges on older golf courses. The level of master-planning includes details such as light standards with a coastal/nautical feel to them, as well as bicycle racks and planters in the spirit of the charming downtowns of Orillia and Collingwood. Residents will also have the use of an outdoor pool, volleyball courts and more.

“There is a lot of zeal in this community design,” Crowe adds. “The commercial centre will offer stores, restaurants and a hotel, and the 375 residences will be framed by mature trees. Given their proximity to the water, this is rare – a Muskoka feeling without the Muskoka prices.”

The first phase at Stonebridge By The Bay offers innovative, well-appointed villa-style bungalows and two-storey residences clustered in groupings that resemble large estate homes rather than connected separate entities. Prices begin from an amazing $194,000.

If you are looking for the best golf community living in San Diego County, check out these top ten golf communities that are the best in sunny Southern California, according to Golf Community Realty. These exclusive gated golfing communities offer the most suitable lifestyle for golf lovers and have been chosen based on the homes available and the amenities they offer. All ten communities enjoy the exquisite Californian weather year round and are the ultimate golf areas in San Diego County.

1. Pauma Valley C.C., Pauma Valley

This golf community offers a magnificent golf course, 24-hr gate-guarded entrance, clubhouse, tennis courts, a swimming pool and a long private airstrip. Resale condos begin from the low $400s while single family homes start from $575,000.

2. Aviara Golf Club, No. San Diego County

The golf community boasts of a very picturesque resort, the Arnold Palmer Signature golf course and proximity to the Pacific Ocean beaches. The resort’s master planned housing area consists of executive homes and custom homes. Also available are numerous villas that skirt the golf course.

3. Bridges at Rancho Santa Fe, Rancho Santa Fe

This golf community is known for its award-winning villas that are available on the resale market from time to time. Custom-appointed homes begin from the mid $2 millions. Custom estate homesites and estate-sized homes are also available.

4. The Crosby Estate, Rancho Santa Fe

The Crosby Estate is home to the Crosby National Golf Club and beautiful homes with breathtaking views that include semi-custom homes, golf villas, and custom homesites. Also available are a clubhouse, a swim and athletic club, tennis garden, etc.

5. Encinitas Ranch, Encinitas

The Encinitas Ranch Golf Course offers 18 championship holes amidst a stunning natural scenario. Elegant executive homes line the golf course and are available from $895,000.

6. Golf Club of California, Fallbrook

This private golf club offers an 18-hole championship golf course, a charming clubhouse, a business center and more. Homes start from $895,000 and most of them offer wonderful views.

7. Maderas C.C., Poway

This Poway golf community offers a magnificent location, a top ranking 18-hole golf course and several custom homes that are available from 1,175,000.

8. Pala Mesa Resort, Fallbrook

The resort community offers a beautiful 4-star rating golf course, tennis club, swimming pool and a host of other amenities. Condos around the golf course start at $279,000 and other homes in the area begin at $650,000.

9. Santaluz, No. San Diego County

This is a private club with a championship golf course. Homes include single story homes of the Santa Barbara styled casitas and large custom homes. There are plenty of custom homesites too.

10. Village of Rancho Santa Fe

“The Village” of Rancho Santa Fe offers several championship golf courses and other amenities such as tennis courts, a riding club, etc. Homes in this area consist of custom homes, luxurious ranches and large estate homes.

Bungalow house plans are quickly returning as a desired home style. Bungalow house plans originally came from western areas of the United States but quickly drew interest from southern and northern area families. The original bungalow houses were quite small and only a single storey in height. Bungalows often had wide verandahs across the front or wrapping around the house providing additional family gathering areas. Today bungalows are still considered to be single stories but may include partial second floors or loft areas.

The popularity of bungalow floor plans is often the result of the desired convenience of having all the main living areas on one floor. In some cases it may be a requirement of necessity as the absence of stairs makes the floor plans well suited to those who are aging, have limited mobility or are confined to a wheelchair.

Bungalow floor plans come in a wide range of sizes from small, compact plans suitable for inner city lots to large, sprawling plans that take advantage of country locations. Therefore bungalows can be considered suitable floor plans for any type of homeowner – young or old, single or married, large families or small.

The smaller bungalow plans will be designed with strict, efficient use of all space as was typical in the original traditional bungalow designs. Simplicity of design is essential in creating a functional small bungalow plan. These plans can provide comfortable living spaces with all the current household conveniences that families are looking for while allowing for an ease of maintenance and smaller lot considerations. Smaller bungalow plans are suitable for individual homeowners or small families. They are often considered as ‘starter’ homes for families but are often found to be so efficiently designed accommodating grown families is possible.

Larger bungalow floor plans have become very popular in recent years. These floor plans provide families with designs that include more elaborate spaces in which to entertain, relax or engage in family activities. Often these larger plans may include separate ‘wings’ to allow for privacy between bedroom areas and active living spaces. Active living spaces may now include mini gyms, game rooms, home theaters and hobby spaces. In areas where construction practices include full basements bungalows with fully developed basement areas are extremely common. This helps to offset the more expensive aspect of bungalow construction. Since bungalows require more foundation and roof area on a per unit basis (per sq.ft, per sq.M) than the same living space in a two storey, bungalows are more expensive to construct. By retaining the convenience of all the daily living spaces on one floor and adding the amenities and/or extra bedrooms in the basement level the footprint can be kept smaller and maintain cost.

Bungalows can be designed in any style of exterior architectural design. Traditional exterior styles will customarily be Craftsman, Prairie, Shingle or Colonial designs. Typically clad in natural materials and finished in earthy colour schemes these styles all offer wonderful attributes for a comfortable family home and blend suitably in most surroundings.

Bungalows are also well defined by Modern, Post Modern and International styles of architecture. These styles will consist of strong yet simple forms enhanced with edgy detailing. Finishing materials will be clean and smooth with possible textured or boldly coloured accents. These styles offer the discriminating homeowner opportunity to make a contemporary lifestyle statement.

The real estate market tends to be cyclical with some periods favoring buyers and other periods favoring sellers. As with other free markets, the pricing and availability of real estate is directly related to the forces of supply and demand. While many real estate markets in the United States are experiencing a substantial slowdown, other markets remain robust, and some even continue to grow. What makes the situation even more complicated is that even within a particular city or county, there may be some areas that are hot and others that are cold.

In regions of the country in which the real estate market is slowing, there are some things homebuyers can do to increase their chance of getting the property that they want on terms that are favorable. Below are some strategies to consider:

1. Clarify What You Want. Be sure to understand what kind of property you want (e.g. bedrooms, bathrooms, size, yard, location, etc.). Identify items that you “must have” and items that you would be willing to forego if your other priorities were met.

2. Consult Experts. You’ve no doubt heard the saying that “all real estate is local,” so arm yourself with the best information available. Consult a local real estate expert who can guide you about what communities are hot and which ones are not. Obviously, you are more likely to find deals in communities that have excess supply and limited demand than vice versa.

3. Understand Market Data. Obtaining and evaluating data can be one of the most powerful tools in your arsenal. Identify communities that you find desirable and ask your real estate agent to provide you relevant sales statistics. For example, your agent can provide you:

a. A summary of how many properties are available in communities that you deem desirable.

b. How long properties are taking to sell this month, last month, last quarter, last year, etc.

c. How many properties have sold this month, last month, last quarter, last year, etc.

d. Changes in the median and average price of properties for a community this month, last month, last quarter, last year, etc.

e. Data on the sales price to list price ratio (SP: LP). This ratio provides information about how much, on average, sellers are reducing their price.

f. Detailed data on properties that are similar to the type of property you desire (often known as “comparables” or “comps”).

4. High Inventory Communities. Identify, or ask your agent to identify, communities that appear to be particularly slow, and that have an unusually large inventory of homes. You will have a broader variety of options in these communities, and you may increase the likelihood of finding a better deal.

5. Loan Pre-Approval. Be sure to consult with your bank or mortgage broker and obtain a loan pre-approval document. This not only let’s you know how much you can afford, but it also demonstrates to sellers that you are a serious buyer and that your offer is worthy of serious consideration.

6. Seller’s Motivation. While information about why a seller is selling is usually confidential, there are situations in which the seller will allow their agent to disclose important factors regarding their personal situation. Be sure to ask your agent to inquire about any information that the seller has disclosed to his/her agent that can be conveyed to your agent. This information may help you decide on making an offer on a property and the price you wish to offer.

7. Home Inspection. A home inspection conducted by a qualified inspector can provide you valuable information about the condition of a property. Moreover, if there are items that need repair or replacement, you can use this information to modify your offer price or terms.

8. Expand Search Scope. As mentioned above, even within a particular city or county, there may be some areas that are hot and others that are not. Be sure to provided detailed information about what you want to your agent, so that he/she can provide you a variety of community options.

9. Be Patient. Time is on your side when there is excess supply and insufficient demand. Try not to “fall in love” with a house so much that you cannot be objective. It may be that multiple offers and counter-offers occur before you either get the property you want or decide to walk way from a deal. You may also want to look at more properties than you normally would, so that you are exposed to a variety of options.

While the above is not an exhaustive list of strategies, it is a good starting point of issues to consider when buying real estate, particularly in a market that favors buyers. Obtain the services of a knowledgeable Real Estate agent who can provide you with additional strategies to help you reach your real estate objectives.

There are a number of reasons people choose to live in condos in the Philippines. For one, the kind of lifestyle that modern culture dictates is very suitable for condo living. For those who prefer to socialize or enjoy the company of others, condo-living provides a convenient condition for getting to know other people because condos in the Philippines usually hosts plenty of activities where people can meet and socialize with other residents. In addition to this, most condos provide certain amenities (swimming pool, tennis courts, etc.) that you probably would not find in single family residences (SFR).

Second, condo in Philippines is very similar to apartment living. A condo is an investment because it will eventually appreciate just like an SFR. Compared to other real estate companies, Condo Philippines will usually give you more living area for your money in terms of price per square foot than an SFR. Most of the time, the interior amenities are also superior to those in an SFR. Plus, due to the fact that condo Philippines rates change more slowly than those of SFRs, one can still find bargains in both new and resale condos even when single family residential prices are increasing rapidly.

Third, Condo in Philippines is ideal for a person who wants low maintenance living and a lower budget.

Fourth, because most condos are constructed near business districts, condo-living offers convenience and relief from long travels. Condo Philippines’ proximity to a series of important establishments makes it an ideal choice. The condo is within minutes of the Ninoy Aquino International Airport. It is near shopping areas like the Ayala Shopping Center and the Rockwell Center. It is also just minutes away from recreational grounds like the Wack Wack Golf Club and a horde of foreign and local restaurants and bars in Makati.

There are, however, a few disadvantages to owning a condo. First, owning a condo is not the same as owning a land. When you purchase a condo, the only property you own and have a limited right to alter would be the space inside your unit. This consequently prohibits you from building structures outside your living area such as a private yard.

Second, depending on where your unit is situated, you may share one or more of your outer walls with your neighbors – those that might be located above you, below you, and/or to the left and right of your unit. So if you’re planning on buying a condo in Philippines, consider the location of the unit first.

Third, another significant factor to consider when buying a condo is the regime fee, especially because regime fees are steadily increasing in certain areas more than in others. In Metro Manila, fees can be anywhere from 6000php to 12,000php a month. This additional expense can greatly influence the affordability of your home, so be sure to determine what the regime fees cost and what the fee covers when you compare different condos.

BelleVue Beach Bungalow and apartments are situated on the beach of Pereybere.

BelleVue apartments are situated on 1st floor. There are 2 apartments. Each consist of 1 bedroom (en suite), kitchen, sitting room and spacious balcony. They are fully furnished

BelleVue Beach Bungalow and apartments are situated on the beach of Pereybere.

BelleVue apartments are situated on 1st floor. There are 2 apartments. Each consist of 1 bedroom (en suite), kitchen, sitting room and spacious balcony. They are fully furnished

BelleVue Beach Bungalow and apartments are situated on the beach of Pereybere.

BelleVue Beach bungalow et apartements sont situé sur la plage de Pereybere.

BelleVue bungalow is situated on the ground floor. It comprises of 3 air-conditioned bedrooms, kitchen, 2 toilets, 2 showers, sitting and dinning room and a veranda facing the sea. The premises is fully equipped.

BelleVue bungalow est situé au rez de chaussée. Elle comprend 3 chambres a coucher climatisées, cuisine, 2 toilettes, 2 salles de bain, salon, salle a manger et un véranda faisant face a la mer. Elle est entièrement meublée.

Self-catering

Parking spaces inside the premises are for residents only.

The entrance door to the villa should always be locked even you are inside.

When leaving the Villa make sure that all electrical appliances are switch off including the air conditioner and all windows and doors are well locked.

At night when going to bed make sure that all windows and doors are well locked and the key be taken with you in your bedroom and kept in a safe place.

The capacity of the air-conditioner is for the bedroom only, so when using it makes sure the bedroom’s door is closed. Never leave the door open to cool down other room, if found an additional sum will be charge to you. 1 air-conditioner = Rs 200 per day for your whole stay.

If you hear something abnormal at night in the yard  stay in the Villa . Switch on all possible lights. Alert the watchman on 2924640

No disturbing noise after 22 hours.

Anything damaged or lost should be replaced by the residents.

Changing of bed linens will be performed twice weekly. You should arrange with the maid for the time convenient to you.

You are kindly requested to leave the place in a tidy state before leaving the premises

If you are looking for a investment in Italy why not look into Sicily? This island is still offering a wide range of different properties you can choose from. From cheap townhouses that are in need of renovation to luxurious villas with large plot and private pool.

The townhouses do either need complete renovation or just refurbishment and some of the cheapest options available can be found in the village Cianciana in Agrigento. A four storey townhouse with approx. 120 sqm in need of refurbishment recently got sold at 16.000 Euros after beeing advertised for 19.000 Euros for a couple of months.

After renovation the house can be worth up to double the purchase price and it will also make a nice holiday home.

The region Cianciana has loads to offer from trekking, mountain biking, birdwatching and enjoying the italian lifestyle of Sicily. The beach Ericlea Minoa is only 35 minutes away and is located right next to a small woodland in which you can cool off after a hot day at the beach.

Several restaurants are located just around this beach and not far away a golf course resort with Spa is being built. The estimated completion date of this golf resort is middle of 2009 and it will attract many tourists.

Cianciana itself has a nice towncentre and a couple of restaurants, bars, banks as well as a helicopter port for emergencies. The town also offers a nice high lookout from where you are able to see the surrounding area and the beautiful countryside.

Why not view some cheap properties in Sicily and have a look for yourself while on a short trip to Sicily?

The community of Clairemont (sometimes called Clairemont Mesa) is located in central San Diego County, California. The community is located off Interstate 5 at Balboa Ave and is within the 92117 Zip code.

The real estate and homes for sale in Clairemont fall into the moderate-income category for San Diego County. The number of homes sold in a particular year is relatively high. For example, during the period from January through July 2006, approximately 183 single-family homes sold. Approximately 226 homes sold for the same period in 2005.

One method to analyze pricing trends for a particular community is to evaluate the median and average price of homes for a particular month, and compare that data against the same period last year. What follows is a comparison of the median price and average price of homes for the past seven months (January through July 2006), compared against the data for the corresponding time period in 2005.

The median price of homes represents the point at which half the homes are above a particular price point, and half the homes are below a particular price point. The average price of homes is calculated by adding up the sales price of all homes sold in a particular month, and dividing that value by the number of homes sold.

The median price of homes in July 2006 was $560,000, compared to $562,500 in July 2005, which represents a 0.9% drop. The average price of homes in July 2006 was $575,114, compared to $585,602 in July 2005, which represents a 2.4% drop. Approximately 21 homes sold in July 2006 and 26 in July 2005. The data provides evidence that there was a downward price trend in July 2006 compared to the same period last year.

The median price of homes in June 2006 was $555,000, compared to $570,000 in June 2005, which represents a 2.6% drop. The average price of homes in June 2006 was $586,758, compared to $584,415 in June 2005, which represents a 0.4% increase. Approximately 30 homes sold in June 2006 and 34 in June 2005. The data for June 2006 was mixed, as median prices declined and average prices rose slightly from the same period last year.

The median price of homes in May 2006 was $550,000, compared to $562,000 in May 2005, which represents a 2.3% drop. The average price of homes in May 2006 was $584,012, compared to $582,000 in May 2005, which represents a 0.3% increase. Approximately 33 homes sold in May 2006 and 37 in May 2005. The data was mixed in June 2006, as median prices declined and average prices rose slightly from the same period last year.

The median price of homes in April 2006 was $564,000, compared to $565,000 in April 2005, which represents a 0.20% drop. The average price of homes in April 2006 was $584,722, compared to $612,897 in April 2005, which represents a 4.6% drop. Approximately 32 homes sold in April 2006 and 36 in April 2005. The data provides evidence that there was a downward price trend in April 2006 compared to the same period last year.

The median price of homes in March 2006 was $558,000, compared to $545,000 in March 2005, which represents a 1.5% increase. The average price of homes in March 2006 was $589,161, compared to $576,227 in March 2005, which represents a 3.60% increase. Approximately 29 homes sold in March 2006 and 39 in March 2005. The data provides evidence that there was an upward price trend in March 2006 compared to the same period last year.

The median price of homes in February 2006 was $560,000, compared to $525,000 in February 2005, which represents a 7.4% increase. The average price of homes in February 2006 was $582,435, compared to $571,708 in February 2005, which represents a 2.50% increase. Approximately 17 home sold in February 2006 and 29 in February 2005. The data provides evidence that there was an upward price trend in February 2006 compared to the same period last year.

The median price of homes was $585,000 in January 2006, compared to $525,000 in January 2005, which represents a 10% increase. The average price of homes in January 2006 was $634,524, compared to $542,708 in January 2005, which represents a 16.9% increase. Approximately 21 homes sold in January 2006 and 25 in January 2005. The data provides evidence that there was an upward price trend in January 2006 compared to the same period last year.

So what does the above data tell us? Overall, there was a 19% decline in the number of homes sold during this period from 2006 to 2005. The pricing trends early in the year (January, February and March) were in the upward direction for both median and average prices, which showed increases year-over-year ranging from 1.5% to 16.9%. However, since then, the pricing trend has been downward or mixed depending on the month. For example, April and July demonstrated downward median and average prices ranging from around half a percent up to 5%. For May and June, the median price was down around 2% from the previous year, and the average price was slightly up around half a percent. These findings suggest that at best, prices have leveled off, and at worst, are starting to decline. Continued monitoring of sale data in subsequent months is needed to identify enduring market trends.

Be sure to consult your Realtor on other factors that influence home pricing before buying or selling real estate in Clairemont.