Buyers of homes over $300,000 in Prince Edward County saw the best selection ever as listings increased to an all-time high this past quarter.
Quarterly Report – April to June 2018
The situation for Prince Edward County buyers started to improve last summer when the real estate bubble ended. This trend continued in the second quarter of 2018. Sales for homes over $300,000 were essentially unchanged from a year earlier while listings increased to an all-time high, providing buyers with the best selection ever in Prince Edward County.
Listings Up Dramatically
The average number of homes listed for sale during the quarter grew 65% compared to last year. However, 2016 and 2017 were periods of extraordinarily low listings. Viewed historically, the second quarter number was on the long-term trend line and marked a return to normal.
Sales Flat
Unlike the number of listings, the number of homes sold during the second quarter of 2018 was essentially flat compared to the same time last year with an increase just over 1%.
Selling to Listing Price Ratio Moderates
The selling to listing price ratio is an indicator of supply/demand balance. For the second quarter of 2018, the ratio of 97.7% was down modestly from the all-time high which occurred just as the bubble peaked in the spring of 2017. The ratio remains high by historical standards when homes sold on average for 95-96% of listed price.
Average Days on Market Still Low
The second quarter in 2017 set a record in the County for the quickest sales ever. By comparison, homes took slightly longer to sell in the quarter just finished but they are still selling very quickly by historical standards.
Median Selling Price Softens
The median selling price within the segment for the quarter was down 10% compared to last year, reflecting a decline in sales of homes priced $500,000 to $750,000 and an increase in sales in the $300,000 to $500,000 price range.
Implications For Buyers
The record number of listings during the second quarter meant that buyers of homes over $300,000 enjoyed the best selection ever in Prince Edward County.
Softening prices also brought good news for buyers.
Despite this, homes continued to sell more quickly and closer to asking price than historically normal for the County.
Bottom line: there’s lots of choice and prices are more realistic than a year ago, but don’t be fooled. When you find the place you want, move quickly.
If you prefer hard copy, a pdf with the same information as this article can be downloaded here.
Based on residential data for MLS homes in Prince Edward County maintained by the Quinte & District Association of REALTORS Inc. Treat Hull & Associates Ltd., Brokerage solely responsible for interpretations presented.
Image Credit: SimplyCreativePhotography
Treat Hull spent three decades as a management consultant and marketing executive before moving to the County and taking up real estate. He is broker/owner of Treat Hull & Associates Ltd., a Prince Edward County brokerage which takes no listings and represents only buyers.
