HometownGeorgetown.com

Last year, we enjoyed record home sales here in Georgetown, Texas, so this year has been understandably slower. But how did sales in November of 2007 compare with those of the nine prior years? To find out, I searched the MLS for residential sales between November 1 and November 30 of ten consecutive years, beginning in 1998. These numbers include all single family homes, including condos and mobile and manufactured homes.

As you can see, we had significantly fewer sales this November compared with the previous three years, and significantly more than the six years prior to that. Sales price, on the other hand, has seen a pretty steady rise over the years, including this year.

There was a wonderful upward blip in 2002. Which means that in 2003, people spoke morosely about how awful it was that home prices had dropped from the previous year. But just give it time, and the prices will rise again. So too will the number of sales. We’re experiencing a downward blip this year in terms of number of sales, but with the job growth in our area and the other economic indicators looking good, we shouldn’t worry too much.

That said, home sellers need to realize that we are in the middle of a downward blip. If they need to sell now, then they need to think about what they can do to make their house more attractive than the others currently on the market. One big way to do that is to lower the price. Probably the biggest way. Because if you lower your price, then suddenly you’re competing against houses that might be a little smaller than yours, or a little more worn, and your house is the best home a buyer can get for that price. Suddenly, you rise to the top of the list, and your home gets sold. It’s tough to think about lowering the asking price, I know. Everyone wants to sell at the top of the market. Each homeowner needs to decide what is most important to them. Would they rather stay in the same house for another six months or even a year, in the hopes that prices will rise again soon? Or is the best decision for their family to get this house sold so they can move on? Remember, if you do have to accept a lower price for your home, chances are that the house you buy will also be at a lower price than it would have in a different market?

If you’re thinking of buying or selling a home, please give me a call at 512-876-6544. I’d love to help you navigate the real estate waters!

I had so much fun yesterday! During the Christmas Stroll, I joined the other agents at Moreland in cohosting a Gingerbread Open House. Kids were drawn to the colorful decorations on our building, and parents were drawn along with their kids. We gave away cookies and candy and popcorn and lemonade and hot apple cider.

Speaking of hot apple cider… I found some great gift ideas from Diva on the square, one of my favorite stores of all time. They have tons of very luxurious looking traditional Christmas decorations in the store, so it was difficult to choose what to feature on the blog. These hot apple cider warmers were so unique and appealing, they won a spot.

The snowman with the red scarf was priced at under $100, and the one with the silver-colored detailing was about $40 more. If you know someone who likes to entertain, either one of these should be a big hit. Another gift idea for the entertainer would be these beautiful guest nameplates, priced at under $5 each.

You can find gifts at Diva for every price range, and even those that cost just a few dollars look very luxurious. Check it out. Diva is located at 115 West 7th Street here in Georgetown, Texas, right on the courthouse square.

It’s kind of a rainy day this morning, but you should plan on getting out and about, despite the weather. Lots of fun stuff is happening. First and foremost, the Christmas Stroll takes place today. Over 100 vendors will be selling their wares around the square from 10 a.m. until 6 p.m., so it’s a great time to buy unique Christmas gifts from local artists. The parade starts at 11 a.m. At Moreland, we’re hosting a Gingerbread Open House from 10 until 3. Stop by for a cookie and some hot apple cider.

 If you have a four-legged family member of the canine persuasion, check out the first Yappy Hour at the Bark Park on Holly Street. You might miss the parade if you attend Yappy Hour, which runs from 10 until 11 this morning.