April Yocum

    As a Realtor I get asked two questions on  a regular basis.  Are things picking up and what does the market look like?  Both questions are one in the same if you really think about it.  Let’s take a look at the numbers and Iwill explain as we go along.

Quick note (all numbers are from Carolina Multiple listing Service- information is believed to be accurate but not guarenteed)

    In Mecklenburg County employment  increased by 129 jobs in April and May but the number of those looking for a job also increased.  The effect of  these two trends was an increase in the average monthly unemployment rate from 10.2%  for the first quarter and  10.6%  in the first two months of the second quarter. The solid job growth may provide home sales, while historically low mortgage rates boost affordability.

     In Mecklenburg County the average sales price is $227,800 for the 2nd quarter which is up from the 1st quarter price ( $197,700). This number is expected to go down a bit in the 3rdquarter.  The number of homes on the market has gone up in the 2nd quarter( 8,573) from the 1st quarter numbers(8,370). This number is expected to go up in the 3rd quarter . More homes are being sold, 2nd quarter( 2,049) from 1st quarter (1,457).  There has been a slight increase in New Homes being built, 2nd quarter (216) from 1st quarter (202).  The average  days of a home for sale being on the market has increased slightly also. It has gone from 101 days to 104 days.

      The area with the most homes under contract is North Mecklenburg County with 207.  The average sales price is $209,407  with a 95.90% of the  asking  price.  So after negotiations on average  people recieved 95.90% of what they listed their house for. Most areas range in the low to mid 90,s.  The highest average  sales price after negotiations is  the Myers Park area coming in at  $393,029. Inventory is up and it is still a buyers market.  In spite of all that  we hear in the media of the housing market we must all remember that Real Estate is regional. Trends in Real Estate are slow to change. Although it may be tougher to get a loan  it is still a great time to buy.  I hope this information was helpful to you. If you would like to see more information on this subject or another please comment and let me know.

April Yocum

There is so much to do in the Queen City this weekend!

                Charlotte  Irish Festival

     If you are Irish, like festivals or just enjoy the color green you should head to uptown Charlotte for the third Annual Irish Festival.  There will be food, drinks and games, including a cornhole tournament ( I don’t know what that is). There will also be an attempt at a new world record for largest choreographed riverdance. The festival begins at 6pm today and resumes at 12pm on Saturday. Located at 3rd street and Tryon.  It should be a great time for the whole family. Hope to see you there!  For more information  go to   www.charlotteirishsummer festival.com

    Symphony Park at Southpark

  Located behind the Southpark mall is where Movies under the Stars is located.  Every Friday in the month of August at 6pm you can enjoy music and a movie on a 42′ screen. This is free family entertainment at it’s best!  Don’t forget your lawn chairs and blankets and enjoy the show.   Located at 4400 Sharon Rd  Charlotte 28211

Julius Caesar

  Don’t miss the chance to see this political thriller by Collaborative Arts.  Julius Caesar is the second play of  it’s 2009 Shakespere Festival. Located in the McGlohon Theater in Spirit Square (345 N. College Street) Show times are 8/14, 8pm; 8/15, 2pm & 8pm;  8/16, 3pm.  Free!   I went last week with my family and we all really enjoyed this. For more info call 704-625-1288

We all see signs of the current economy each day. Businesses going under and people losing their jobs. I recently read some news that brought a smile to my face. Yes, you read this right , the news made me smile. The Labor Dept reported 247,000 jobs lost in July versus economists’ expectations of 328,000 jobs lost. This is down quite a bit from June’s 443,000 job loss and the smallest loss since august 2008. But the smiles don’t stop there! The unemployment rate dropped to 9.4% from the prior month’s reading of 9.5%. This reading stopped the 9 month trend of increases. So….what does this all mean? It could signal that the worst recession in our lifetime could be drawing to a close. See! There IS good news out there.