Strength in Numbers
While the number of home sales in Highlands/Cashiers area have not climbed, buyers have shown a favorable increase in the purchase of higher priced homes. This would seem to indicate a stronger second home market is on the rise.
Single Family Home Sales Statistics
Land Sales Statistics
Overall Market View
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Same But Better
At first, the above statement appears to be an oxymoron. That is, a statement that would contradict itself. So how can we say the real estate market for Highlands/Cashiers area is same but better?
In August of 2017, Highlands/Cashiers Board of Realtors® showed 75 unit home sales. August 2018 shows 74. So these 2 numbers are relatively the “same”. However, we seen a huge swing in the price range of homes for August 2018 as compared with July 2018.
For example, homes priced at $500,000 to $750,000 saw a 183% increase in sales. Homes sales over $1,000,000 saw a 37.5% increase. Our Median price range was at $488,500. The median has been increasing over the last year. While that number had been around the $250,000 range, it crept up into the $300,000 range. August was the third month in 2018 that saw this number above $400,000.
So while we look at the above chart, we can see that August 2018 was not anything exceptional in the number of homes sold. However, when we look at the pie chart below, we can see the market share some of the different priced homes held.
Now recall at the top where we stated, “…homes priced at $500,000 to $750,000 saw a 183% increase in sales. Homes sales over $1,000,000 saw a 37.5%“. Coupled with this is the fact that our inventory has been reduced by nearly 40% compared with August of 2017. You can see how the dynamics of Highlands/Cashiers real estate is changing.
A major factor to keep in mind here is that we are talking about home sales, not land.
Flat Land in the Mountains
This, too, can seem like an oxymoron. However, what we’re talking about here is not the topography, but land sales.
This month of August has shown typical land sales for Highlands-Cashiers area. In fact, the average unit sales for 2018 is 17 per month. This is unchanged from the previous 2 years. Inventory is still high, based upon these unit sales. As a result, one should not expect any better sales results for land than has been seen over the last several years. There’s just no real demand for land. This keeps prices low, regardless. What can one do to increase the opportunity to sale their parcel?
Tips For Selling Land
Land is different from homes. Homes have a visual aspect that appeals to the Buyer. They don’t have to imagine, it’s all there. If a lot is grown up and difficult for someone to walk around and see the possibilities, it can be very difficult to sell. Here’s what you can do:
- Survey – No one wants to incur this cost. However, if boundaries are not clearly marked, how does a buyer know what they are purchasing, unless there are neighbors on either side.
- Show Potential – Does the lot have a view? Then you need to be able to see it. Listing a lot saying, “With View Potential” does not have the same effect on a buyer as a lot that has been opened up and the view is clearly seen.
- Clean Up – You wouldn’t want a potential buyer for your home coming in to dirty dishes, trash piled in the corner, etc. Your lot is the same. If it’s overgrown and can’t be seen, it loses any appeal. After all, why did you purchase the lot in the first place?
- Price Correctly – This is the same whether selling a home or land. If you’re “on” the market, but not “in” the market you’re wasting your time. Buyers don’t buy just because you have a price and listed your property. There has to be demand and a reason they will purchase your lot. If you price like everyone else does and nothing is selling, then there’s no demand for property in that price range.
These are just a few selling tips for land. No demand means pricing must be low enough to attract a buyer.
Single Family Home Sales Statistics
Land Sales Statistics
Overall Market View
August 2018 Statistics for the HCBOR:
RECENT HOME SALES:
Total homes listed in Highlands/Cashiers MLS: 911
Homes Sold This Month: 74
Average Unit Sales per Month/1 Year Average: 61
YOY Inventory: 12.3 months. Inventory is dropping
Average DOM: 265
Average DOM (YOY): 330
Median Sales Price: $488,500.
Average List/Sell Ratio: 90.56%
Synopsis: The overall numbers are strong. The biggest factor is the Average List/Sell Ratio. That is, homes are selling for about 90.56% of the price for which they are listed. This is a very bad ratio. The basis for this is overpricing of homes. This has a negative effect for Sellers and creates higher Days On Market. Brokers sometimes feel forced to take a listing for what the homeowner says. However, this benefits neither. You can contact a Pricing Strategy Advisor Here to ensure your home is priced correctly.
RECENT LAND SALES
Land Units Sold: 21.
Total listed in all MLS: 1133
Inventory: 54 months.
Synopsis: With a high inventory on land, pricing will remain low. Although building and construction have sharply risen in the area, these are people who have owned lots for years and finally starting to develop on those lots. New land sales are still very low.
Overall Market View:
- 25% of home sales ranged from $200,000 to $499,999.
- 31% of home sales ranged from $500,000 – $749,999.
- 13% of home sales ranged from $750,000 – $1,000,000.
- 20% of sales were above $1,000,000.
The big winners for July were the homes between $500,000 to $750,000. Those sales had an increase of 183%! These make up the largest portion of the Market Share.
BUYERS: There is a swing in motion. The Highlands, Cashiers and Glenville area has long been sought after because of its quiet communities, cooler temperatures and mountain lifestyle. Pricing has been at its best for the last several years. However, it seems the market is catching up. It would seem the best opportunities may be passing soon. At current trends, next years pricing may soon be a thing of the past. It may be wise to take opportunity now before the next selling season begins about April.
SELLERS: This is welcomed news for Sellers as inventory has dropped. We are moving into a slow time of the year with the last push of Buyers coming into the area for our “leaf” season. Be sure you are priced correctly to attract the last of our Buyers or be prepared to wait for the 2019 selling season. To ensure you’re priced correctly, contact a Pricing Strategy Advisor.
CONCLUSION: There are strong indicators that the real estate market for Highlands, Cashiers, Glenville and Toxaway area are changing to a Sellers Market. While it’s not there yet, things may easily change for 2019. We shall see.
Selling Homes in Highlands, Cashiers, Glenville and Sapphire Area, as well as Franklin and Sylva. Contact Listing Agent Here.
