Every market shift creates new opportunities for different people. In today's market and in this article, the group is "move up" home buyers. These are people with growing families or growing dreams who would like to sell their home valued under $500,000 and buy a property priced over $500,000.

In Orange County, properties under $500,000 are in a deep seller's market. Demand is at its 2009 high, reaching levels not seen since 2005 and pending sales are 45% higher than the same month last year. High demand, coupled with shrinking inventory have resulted in properties selling within weeks, with multiple offers at or above listing price. Surprised? Despite what the news is reporting, the real estate market is in high gear in these price ranges. In Riverside county, the story is the same, but the price range point is $300,000, instead of $500,000.

On the other side of the market are homes priced over $500,000 and especially over $700,000. Properties over $1 Million account for only 5% of Orange County demand, but nearly 25% of supply. The higher the price, the deeper the buyer's market. Demand is low, supply is high and sellers are motivated. It's a great time to get a killer deal in this price range.

In short, it's the perfect scenario for move-up buyers. You get to sell in a seller's market and buy in a buyer's market. And if good planning and good luck have enabled you to rent your current home, instead of selling - you're even better off. The market contradiction of low prices, low interest rates, high demand and shrinking supply cannot last, and historically signals a clear market bottom.

If you're ready to start exploring your options, give us a call. As market analysts and real estate professionals, we use real market data, crunch your specific numbers, consider your unique goals and help you make well-informed real estate decisions.

Nancy Moeller, CPA, Real Estate Broker

Seven Gables Real Estate

Direct (714) 276-7006

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