Real estate sales were very good during the month of December.  The question is would that strength carry over to the new year.  The answer is yes.  In the first 10 days of the year, both buyer activity and seller activity has been very brisk.  Although this is readily apparent in the actually contracts ratified or listings activated, it is apparent in the activity that is a precursor to sales and listings.

In our office the number of buyer leads and buyer search activity has increased 75% in the last 10 days.  We are seeing a spike in the number of people registering at our website and signing up to search for properties.  Our agents are all working with buyers who are at or very near making offers on properties they have seen since the new year started. 

On the listing side, we have had 4 of our listings go under contract this year.  We have also had 3 others receive offers that have not been ratified.  This is very strong activity.  We have also had 4 homes listed by our agents and 3 others that are going to list in the next week.  Also, our agents have gone on more listing appointments in the first ten days of January than the entire month of December.

Right now there has been a balance of activity with regard to buyers and sellers.  Active listings has held steady throughout Loudoun County.  Traditionally, the listing activity has not picked up until the month of February but with warmer weather this year, we are keeping an eye out on the inventory.  The inventory level will dictate whether prices will hold up during the first quarter.