The number of homes for sale in Clark County continues to be high.  In the month of April, there were 4,775 active listings.  There were 386 homes sold in this same period.  This translates to 12.4 months of inventory (active listings divided by the number of closed sales).  Another way to look at this is at the current rate of home sales, it would take more than 12 months to sell everything that is currently on the market, assuming no other homes were listed in that period.

Following is a graphic representation of monthly inventory levels starting in January 2006 through April 2008:

SOURCE: Based on data reported by RMLS.  Graph created by Patty & Scott Carroll.

The high inventory levels is both a function of an increase in the number of homes for sale and a decline in the number of completed sales.  Comparing April 2008 with April 2005, active listings have increased 351.6% (4,775 v. 1,358).  For the same months, closed sales declined by 49.7% (386 v. 768).

This, combined with continued low interest rates, seems to signal opportunity for saavy buyers.  If you or someone you know are considering buying a home in the Vancouver WA / Clark County area, please give us a call.  Be sure and ask about our VIP Benefits that can save our buyer clients up to $1,200.*

Patty & Scott Carroll - RE/MAX Equity Group, Vancouver WA

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