Looking back at 2009

After taking a few weeks to settle in and reflect on the past year, I can safely say that I am looking forward to 2010 as a stabilizing year.

2009 was filled with the highest of highs and the lowest of lows. The spring found me at an all time high, as I married my lovely wife Katrina. And the end of the year concluded with the loss of one of my closest friends, Bob Przybylski. Bob and I both started with Coldwell Banker Anchor Real Estate in 1998. We partnered together on new construction projects for most of those years.

My real estate business was the same. We were hit hard here in Northern Indiana by the economy. Unemployment in Elkhart County spiked at 18.8% in March. The 4th quarter however, brought the relocation of several new companies to the area, spurring a renewed sense of optimism. I also officially merged my real estate practice with Katrina and launched our new website www.IndianasBestHomes.com to better serve our clients.

Here are to the end stats 2009 vs 2008

Elkhart County
Homes Sold '08 1,449
Homes Sold '09 1,361
% Change -6.1%
Median Sales Price '08 $109,000
Median Sales Price '09 $90,000
% Change -17.4%

St. Joseph County
Homes Sold '08 3,079
Homes Sold '09 2,599
% Change -15.6%
Median Sales Price '08 $83,000
Median Sales Price '09 $85,000
% Change 2.4%

Statewide
Homes Sold '08 61,141
Homes Sold '09 57,001
% Change -6.8%
Median Sales Price '08 $107,900
Median Sales Price '09 $105,300
% Change -2.4%

I look forward to the opportunities that 2010 will bring!

Remember, your opportunity to take advantage of the $8,000 tax credit for 1st time home buyers, and the $6,500 tax credit for move-up buyers is expiring soon! You must have an accepted purchase agreement by April 30, 2010 to qualify. So call us today!