Sold In Solera Oak Valley Greens, April 2014

Sold In Solera Oak Valley Greens, April 2014

DURING THE MONTH OF April, 2014 | REAL ESTATE NEWS By Diana Mangan

Where Have All the Buyers Gone?

I have been humming that little tune for the last several months. There’s a real slowdown in housing activity in Solera and other senior communities in southern California. I have researched the reasons for the slowdown, and have come up with the following: First, the loss of affordability. The increase in prices, combined with higher interest rates have led to a drop in housing affordability. Second, we are seeing fewer buyers because investor activity has dropped significantly from this time last year. Since 2009, investors comprised a large share of buying activity, but with increased prices and higher interest rates, investor activity has waned. Another reason for the slowdown has been the increase in the inventory of homes for sale. When I wrote this article there were 26 homes for sale in Solera. That’s a very large inventory for our community.

Homes are selling in Solera, but sellers have to be very patient. They also need to price their homes properly. Sellers who start with a price that out-paces the "comps" often have to drop their price, and then risk the problem of being "old news". It’s almost never a good idea to chase the market down. It’s difficult to sell a "stale" listing.

Average Prices of Recent Sales in Solera:

• Princesses:  $189,500 (only one Princess sold during this period)

• Trillons:       $238,000

• Emeralds:    $280,875

There are three floor plans offered at Solera Oak Valley Greens. Home choices vary from the 1,392 sq-ft Solera Princess plan, to the 1,687 sq-ft Solera Trillion plan, or the 2,137 sq-ft Solera Emerald plan. All of Solera's homes feature two bedrooms, to baths, a den, a nicely sized great room and a covered patio.

As a long time resident of Solera Oak Valley Greens, Solera's Real Estate News Reporter and a Realtor who proudly represents Solera buyers and sellers, I am 100% dedicated to every real estate transaction in our community. I enjoy keeping you updated on what's happening in the community an sharing with you recent homes Sold In Solera Oak Valley Greens each month. If you have any questions on what's happening in the real estate market here in Solera, never hesitate to call or email me.... I am always happy to help!