LANE COUNTY (KMTR) – The housing market, in some parts of Oregon, is on its way up. New numbers from RMLS in Portland show 273 homes sold in Lane County in August of 2011. This past August, that number went up 30% to 355 closed sales. Pending sales are also up from this time last year from 2,193 to 2,406.
One Eugene realtor says some people who've been sitting on the fence for about five years are ready to buy, and more homeowners are selling at affordable prices.
Broker Parks McCants says, "Today, if a home is priced correctly, it sells within a matter of weeks and not months. We've gone from about 145 days to 110 days on average so it’s a good opportunity to get your home out there if you're ready to do something with it. "
McCants says a majority of the best sellers are under $200,000. Foreclosures are also down in the Eugene and Springfield area from last year.
In terms of advice for homeowners and buyers, McCants says try and remove the emotion. It's a little harder for sellers, but realize that someone else is ready to take over your home - and get more than one market analysis.
If you're a buyer, get out and get pre-approved for a loan, and figure out what it'll take to maintain your home.
