Proof that home buyers in Macomb County MI want to purchase non-bank owned homes

Cynthia:   The foreclosures are still selling and they do have a greater market presence, but they are not the only homes selling.   I wish one of our local papers would write an article or two about the privately owned homes that have sold.  People need to hear that also.

Ann:   (I forgot about the tweets!)  I'm running into more and more buyers that are darned tired of seeing cold, boarded up, dirty homes that are typical of the foreclosures here.  They want to view homes that are well kept and priced well.  Sounds like you are seeing (and hearing) the same things.  Thanks for coming by Ann.

Lenn:  Yes, the greater percentage of homes sold were bank owned.  And no, a 1% drop in bank owned homes sold doesn't change the fact that the predominant number of homes sold are foreclosures.  What I am trying to convey is this:   Privately owned homes ARE selling in our area.  Home owners should not feel defeated before they've had a chance to even have their homes marketed.  Being realistic with them (as I stated in the post) is always top on my list, but I will not tell them that "only foreclosures are selling".    That simply is not the case.  There are homes selling (consistently - I didn't post the previous months data but I will) that are not bank owned.  It's important to me that people know this.  Edit:    That's what I get for not re-reading my post 3 times instead of twice.  I changed the wording above the table to reflect that the percentage of non-foreclosure sales did go up from November to December (instead of "more homes sold last month than in the previous month that were non-foreclosures")  I can now understand where the confusion came into play and I apologize for not wording that correctly Lenn.

Richard:   Ditto- when I see in the remarks that it is privately owned and not a distress sale I am very excited for my buyer clients.   Also, if it comes into my radar that means it is priced competitively and that's the key to getting a home sold in my market as I'm sure it is in yours.

Dorie:   Heck yes the foreclosures are the competition, but in my opinion they shouldn't be the only story told.  Consumers should hear it all and not just the negative.  They're smart enough to make an educated decision about what is right for them if they have all the facts, not just partial facts.

Charles:  The negative does need to be told, and I didn't think I sugar coated it.  However, home owners shouldn't be terrified of selling their homes if they choose to do so by only hearing about the foreclosures selling.  In November and December 428 private home owners in Macomb County moved on to wherever they were heading because their homes sold.

Lenn:   Thank you.  And yes, the negative equity is affecting a large percentage of homeowners in this area.  Myself included...hubby and I are perfect candidates for condo living now (empty nesters, tired of shoveling snow, etc.) however we wouldn't be able to sell our home without bringing cash to closing.  I would love to downsize into a nice condo but can't.  I hear this same story over and over again from those who would want to sell.

Richard:   I just wanted to let people know that there is a bit of rosiness in all the dark doom and gloom. Thank you.

Heather:  If the privately owned homes are priced well then buyers will flock to them.  Pricing is and always has been the key.  Thanks Heather.

Gary:   I'll be checking out your blog to see if you have an update in your area.  I do enjoy reading and learning about other parts of our fine country.  Thanks.

Carole:    Homes are selling, and most are foreclosures, but not all.  New construction is almost at a standstill here in my area, but it doesn't sound that way for yours. Thanks so much Carole.

Terry:   That is a bright light indeed!  So many buyers are tired of the long turn around time, the endless addendums, and the lack of maintenance that viewing a well taken care of home is a joy.

Jim:   You're right - pricing is key.  Thankfully most home owners in my area get that.  They know that they have to compete with the bank owned homes. 

Bill:   The bank owned homes are creating interest, but not to the exclusion of privately owner occupied homes.  In my area there are buyers that are tired of viewing the distressed sale homes and want something in good condition.