According to KFNX, Halloween, celebrated on October 31st, is the eve of the Western Christian feast of All Hallows’ Day. It begins the three day observance of Allhallowtide, the time in the liturgical year dedicated to remembering the dead, including saints (hallows), martyrs and all the faithful departed. It is widely believed that many Halloween traditions originated in Britain and Ireland from Celtic harvest festivals which may have pagan roots and that this festival was Christianized as Halloween. Others believe that Halloween began as a Christian holiday. Halloween dates to about 1745 and is of Christian origin meaning hallowed or holy evening.

We are very excited to be coming into our peak selling season!  Here is this month's outlook for Metro Phoenix:. 

For Buyers:  The median home size sold through the MLS this year is 1,774 square feet. Interestingly, this measure has not fluctuated more than a couple square feet up or down since 2015. Considering the increasing cost per square foot, the fact that the median sized home sold has not fluctuated much means that buyers are willing to pay more for the right sized home if they have the choice. For buyers with less flexibility on price, the cost of waiting comes in the form of sacrificing extra closet space, work space, or even a bedroom. Last year, the median home size for buyers in the $150K-$175K price range was 1,470sf. This year it’s only 1,380sf, a difference of 90 square feet.

For Sellers:  The first half of 2017 was more exciting than the second half is turning out to be so far for MLS sales. 1st Quarter 2017 MLS sales outperformed 2016 by 14% and 2nd Quarter sales were up 7%, so a 2% growth rate for the 3rd Quarter puts a damper on our excitement. Low supply in the lower price ranges is mostly to blame as it’s difficult to have record sales growth if there are fewer people willing to sell their home. There are more people willing to put their home on the market in the higher price ranges however. New listings over $600K were up nearly 10% in the 3rd Quarter and sales were up an impressive 27%.

Commentary written by Tina Tamboer, Senior Real Estate Analyst with The Cromford Report  ©2017 Cromford Associates LLC and Tamboer Consulting LLC. We are a proud paid subscriber to the Cromford Report

Always be Joyful, Never stop Praying, Be Thankful in all Circumstances!  Happy Thanksgiving!  Denise & Patrick     1 Thessalonians 5:15