Greater Columbus Area Market Trends

(May 24, 2007) Over 4,939 homes were listed for sale last month bringing the inventory of homes for sale in central Ohio up to 18,571 which is 8.5 percent higher than the number of homes for sale in April of 2006 according to the Columbus Board of REALTORS®.
 
"And these listed homes are easily accessible via the internet," says Brad Bennett, President of the Columbus Board of REALTORS®. "With very few exceptions, all of the listings in the Columbus and Central Ohio Multiple Listing Service are forwarded to Realtor.com so that buyers can easily browse the listings, day or night, at their convenience."
 
Home sales in April were just slightly ahead of the month before, but 9.6 percent lower than one year ago. Year to date, REALTORS® have sold 7,138 homes versus the 7,614 sold in the first four months of 2006.
 
According to Bennett, "Although sales are sluggish and market time a bit longer than last year, we expect that to change with the excellent buyer conditions and the break in the weather."

Year to date, Central Ohio homes are selling for a very affordable $167,779. Currently, there are almost 9,000 properties for sale for $170,000 or less.
 
"With interest rates still hovering around six percent and such an extensive inventory of homes to choose from, this continues to be a great time to buy a home," adds Bennett.