How is the 2012 Real Estate year starting off in Orange County, you wonder? Well, I’m so glad you asked. As we know, the holidays tend to be a slow time for the real estate market nationally, and 2011 was no exception. Orange County saw a drop in activity, on both the buyer and seller sides, as people were focusing on family, food, and festivities. Not surprisingly, 2012 is off to a slow start, with 19& fewer homes on the market in Orange County this year compared to last year.
Do not be alarmed by these statistics. According to Orange County real estate economist Steve Thomas, this ‘lower number of listings will help spur immediate demand which will attract multiple, strong offers.’ If you are selling your Orange County home, sounds like now is the time! Talk to an experienced real estate agent before you list your home — you want to make sure your home is priced to sell. In this economy especially, ‘overpriced homes do not sell; they stay on the market until the price is reduced or they throw in the towel and pull their home off the market.’
You have a choice when listing your Orange County home — list it at what it is worth, and what an honest real estate agent prices it at, or listen to an agent more interested having a for sale sign in the neighborhood than actually selling a home.
Cheryl Marquis has been an active and successful real estate agent in South Orange County, California for more than 25 years. As a TOP PRODUCER in her company, Cheryl has received the specific accreditation of a Certified Relocation Specialist (CRS) and Accredited Buyers Agent (ABR) and is a member of the Who’s Who of Luxury Real Estate, a select network of the world’s leading luxury home agents. A member of C.A.R. (California Association of Realtors), N.A.R. (National Association of Realtors) and O.C.A.R. (Orange County Association of Realtors). To talk to Cheryl about buying or selling a home in Orange County, call her at 949.683.1501 or visit her online at www.CherylSellsOC.com.
