Can Statistics Be Made to Say Anything?

Sometimes they can. In the case of real estate statistics for Laguna Niguel they speak loud and clear. I’ll try not to bore you so hang in there with me.

In October 2010 there were 430 active homes on the market in Laguna Niguel, of all prices and styles. About 34 percent of those (149) were short sales. At that time there were 192 in pending or backup status.

One year later, in November, there were 299 active homes of all prices. About 28 percent of those were short sales. And 190 were in pending or backup status.

Go forward one year to June 7. There are only 180 active listings in Laguna Niguel and only 16 percent of those are short sales. There are 141 in pending or backup status which is about 78 percent of the active group.  Keep in mind as well that it is JUNE when we should be at our highest inventory. Instead there is very little to look at. Why then are some not selling?

If homes are not selling they are either priced too high or there is some serious condition or location problem.

What does all this mean? It means of course that it is a good time to be a seller. Secondly, it means prices will start to trend up because frustrated buyers are competing with each other. It also means that buyer’s agents will be working long hours.

Sellers who want to sell must be within reason on price and have the best condition and staging they can present. If care is taken, and especially if there has been money spent on upgrading, a seller in today’s market ought to expect a lot of action and maybe multiple offers.

What never changes? The fact that Laguna Niguel is a wonderful place to live.