Median sale prices and homes sold rose in parts of Virginia’s Eastern Shore in October, according to the Long & Foster Real Estate Market Minute Report. Accomack County exhibited a 9% increase in homes sold, while Northampton County decreased by 26%.

Accomack County experienced a 38% jump in units sold, while Northampton County was down by 12%.  Inventory fell in the region, dropping by 22% in Northampton County and 19% in Accomack County when compared to October 2018.

The Long & Foster Real Estate Market Minute report for Virginia’s Eastern Shore region includes Accomack and Northampton counties.

 

 

 

“Although there is no relief in sight for our inventory challenges, October was a solid sales month for Long & Foster,” said Gary Scott, president of Long & Foster Real Estate. “November has started off solid and we may not experience traditional seasonality going into the holidays, since all other factors are boding so well – consumer confidence remains strong, interest rates are low, and homes are appreciating at a healthy pace.” Scott added that buyers and sellers in November and December are usually more serious buyers and sellers.

Scott commented buyers want a home that is move-in ready, in the condition, design and layout they want. “Today, convenience is an important piece of people’s world, and they don’t want to go through the process of converting a home into what they want,” said Scott. “The reality is a lot of homes have what buyers desire, but the pricing of those homes creates a disconnect.”

For sellers, Scott advised that even though we have inventory challenges, it’s best to make sure your home is the preeminent choice. “If your real estate professional recommends anything, such as declutter or stage your home, I’d advise you to do it.” He added that it’s important to price your home right. “Pay attention to prices of homes that have sold rather than the list price,” said Scott. “The only number that really matters is the number the buyer and seller agree to.”

Recently, the National Association of Realtors passed a rule to ban pocket listings – meaning that once a home has been marketed to the public, it needs to go onto a multiple listing service within one business day. The ruling allows consumers to see all homes available for sale and expose properties to a wider range of potential buyers. Scott believes the ruling is in the consumer’s best interest. “If I’m a buyer, I want to know everything that is on the market and as a seller I want to expose my property to as many people as possible,” Scott said.

To learn more about your local market conditions, visit Long & Foster’s Market Insights. You can also learn more about Long & Foster and find an agent at LongandFoster.com.