July Home Values Report – Anaheim Hills North OC 2018

July 2018 Anaheim Hills Home Values Report North OCDiagram of growth in real estate prices.

Anaheim Hills real estate sales decreased 1.5% in July for a total of 63 closed transactions. Last year this time there were 64 sales.  The recent sales included 16 condominium/town homes and 47 single family residences. The median sale price, for all homes sold, increased by 5.2% from the year prior to $755,000.

Condos and town homes represented 25.3% of all sales in the City. They sold quickly, closing escrow in 34 days. These homes, on average, sold for $525,750 at $414.07 per square foot and featured 3 bedrooms and 3 baths with 1,387 square feet of living space.

Single family homes sold possessed 4 bedrooms and 3 baths with 2,358 square feet of living space and 8,165 square foot lots. The properties were in escrow in 24 days for $855,000 at $372.43 per square foot.

Luxury home sales increased in July. There were 4 estate homes sold with and average sale price of $1.525M and sat on 19,516 square foot lots, with 4,396 square feet of living space, 5 bedrooms & 5.25 baths. These homes sold quickly, in less than 74 days, for approximately $350.00 per square foot. The North OC Luxury Real Estate market trails the main stream market in the recent recovery and we believe it is poised for significant appreciation in 2018. Right now, luxury homes are priced low and are, in our opinion, the best deals in Anaheim Hills.

Today, there are 115 homes for sale (Active on the MLS) in Anaheim Hills as follows: 26 condominiums and 89 single family residences, 25 of which are luxury property priced above $1.35M, leaving 64 properties priced within the median range for the City.

Based on current demand, the absorption rate (time it will take to sell all units) for condos and townhomes is 49 days. Similarly, the absorption rate for SFR’s is 44 days. Luxury home absorption rate is 187 days. Traditionally, an absorption rate of less than 90 days has signaled a seller’s market in which homes are sold quickly. An absorption rate above 180 days is an indicator of a buyer’s market in which homes are not being sold as fast.

In theory, in today’s super heated sellers market, where the absorption rate for condos, townhomes and SFR’s is below 65 days, most every home currently listed for sale in Anaheim Hills should sell prior to month’s end. In practice this is not the case because sellers get to decide upon the list price of their home and less than scrupulous real estate agents say anything to secure a listing telling sellers what they want to hear…. often times overpricing homes by more than 10% of fair market value. In the above scenario, a home will not sell even in today’s heated sellers market!

Here’s Why Homes Don’t Sell: According to the California Association of Realtors (CAR), if a home is priced at 5% above fair market value (FMV), only 30% of perspective buyers will look at the property. The effects are significantly more catastrophic at higher overpricing scenarios, at 10% above FMV, only 2% of perspective buyers will be reached. So what happens if a home is priced at FMV? Surprisingly, only 60% of buyers will even see a home priced at FMV. Some may ask, when will 100% of perspective buyers see a listing that is within their budget and search criteria? When is a listing appealing to close to 100% of its perspective buyer pool? The answer is when a home is priced 10% below FMV, 98% of its perspective buyers will see this home online. 100% is a bit too optimistic even at 10% below FMV.

Our message to sellers: if your about to list your home, price it right! If your home is in Anaheim Hills and surrounding cities in the North OC and its been on the market more than 60 days, start looking at the price it’s listed at and if it has any major impediments to its sale. Take a hard look at what the comparable recent sales support for homes like it in your tract and lower the price accordingly.

Home inventory is historically low in Anaheim Hills. For Seller’s, it’s the ideal time to sell. It’s time to take advantage of the current conditions and make the move they have always dreamed of. We believe that it will remain a seller’s market through the summer and possibly into the last two quarters of the year giving motivated sellers ample time to get to their dream destination. Over the past 45 days, mortgage interest rates have moved up significantly almost .75% and both sellers and buyers need to keep this in mind when pricing homes and timing their market entry.

Nicolaou Real Estate Services remains informed about market trends and forecasts so we can help you make strategic home buying and selling decisions. As residents of North Orange County, we bring our passion for this extraordinary community to every transaction. Our award-winning Realtors® share a commitment to serving you with professionalism, accountability, and uncompromising standards of customer care. It’s always a great time to invest in Orange County! Welcome to our neighborhood!