Homes are Selling Twice as Fast in Central Coastal Counties

Arroyo Grande, CA – May 24, 2017—Record home pries coupled with chronically low inventories of homes for sale contributed to curtailing home sales in California’s Central Coastal Counties in April.  Despite difficult conditions for home buyers, demand remained strong and properties sold in a median of 20 days or less in San Luis Obispo, Santa Barbara, and Ventura Counties—about twice as fast as in March, according to CENTURY 21 Hometown’s April Market Report.

Prices across the three-county region rose from 6.5 to 10 percent above a year ago, and inventories near five-year lows limited the affordable options available to many buyers. Median sales prices in all three counties reached five-year highs in April.  Sales fell in every county; the greatest decline was posted in Santa Barbara County where sales plunged 80 percent below April 2016 and reached a five-year low.

Supplies of homes for sale leveled off in April compared to March but remained significantly below 2016 levels.  Lower sales and new listings helped to stabilize supplies of homes for sale.  New listings increased in March and continued at the same level in each county as more sellers took advantage of the strong sellers’ market. Listings sold at a torrid pace, spending less than two weeks on market before they received contracts.

“The combination of limited supplies, strong prices, and fast sales created excellent conditions for sellers, which should continue through the summer sales season.  Buyers are placing contracts on listings in less than three weeks across the region—a sign that demand remains very strong.  We are experiencing an excellent sellers’ market, and homeowners who are thinking about listing their homes this year could not find a better market in which to sell,” said Amy Gallagher, corporate broker of record for CENTURY 21 Hometown Realty.

In February, CENTURY 21 Hometown Realty closed on 125 homes totaling $62,161,692.

San Luis Obispo County

April sales fell 30.3 percent from March and were15.6 percent below levels of a year ago in San Luis Obispo County.  At $192,239,151, total sold volume was declined 5 percent sales in April 2016.

Prices were 12.5 percent than they were a year ago, reaching a record high of $529,000.  Homes sold in a median of 20 days, 35.5 percent faster than in March.

New listings fell 5.7 percent from March, but the county ended the month with a net increase of 10.8 percent in listings, due to reduced sales. Despite the modest increase in new listings, the inventory of homes for sale remained seriously low, at 31 percent below the five-year average.

In San Luis Obispo city, sales fell 48.9 percent from March and were 15.8 percent lower than they were in April 2016.  Total sold volume dropped 30.3 percent to $31,066,033.  The city’s median price reached $630,000, 44.7 percent higher than in March and 7.5 percent higher than a year ago. Active listings reached their highest level since last July but still trailed the five-year average for April by 29 percent.

In Atascadero, sales fell 26.7 percent from a year ago and 18.5 percent from February sales.   Total sold dollar volume dropped to $9,525,550, percent decline from February.  The city’s median sold price reached $443,758, a 24.8 percent year over year decline and 37.2 percent higher than in February.  Homes sold in only 14 days, 22.2 percent faster than in April 2016.

Local market data and listings for San Luis Obispo County communities are available at  Arroyo Grande, Atascadero, Avila Beach, Cambria, Cayucos, Creston, Grover Beach, Los Osos, Morro Bay, Oceano, Paso de Robles, Pismo Beach, San Luis Obispo, Santa Margarita, San Miguel, San Simeon, Santa Ynez, Shandon, and Templeton.

Santa Barbara County

Santa Barbara County saw closed sales fall 58.7 percent from March and 80.2 percent from April 2016—the lowest number of monthly sales in over five years.  Total sold volume fell to $25,884,860, a 48 percent decline from March.   Prices reached a median of $390,000, 10.2 percent above April 2016 and .5 percent above March prices. Home sold in a median of 20 days, 54.6 percent faster than they sold in March and 46 percent faster than in April 2016.

Active listings or homes for sale ended the month where they began, at about 600 properties, 36 percent fewer than the five-year average and 21.8 percent less than the total for sale a year ago. New listings plunged from March, falling by 49.3 percent.  In April, the county reported the fewest number of new listings in five years.

In Santa Barbara city, total sales volume ended the month at $12,554,000, and total sales fell by 50 percent from March.  Sales were slow, spending a median of 99 days on market before getting a contract.

Sales in Santa Maria fell 29.6 percent from March and were 72.7 percent below closings a year ago.   20.3 percent from a year ago and 28.2 percent from February, for a told sold volume of $11,150,261.  Prices rose 14.8 percent year over March and 12.7 percent above a year ago.

Homes sold in 37 days, 23.7 percent faster than in March.

Local market data and listings for Santa Barbara County communities are available at  Ballard, Guadalupe, Lompoc, Los Alamos, Los Olivos, and Solvang.

 April Home Sales, Ventura County (blue), San Luis Obispo County (purple) and Santa Barbara County (red)

Ventura County

Sales in Ventura County fell 5.6 percent from March and were 5.5 percent below sales in March 2016.  Total sold volume ended the month at $11,790,601,630, up one percent from March.   Prices rose 3.8 percent over March and 5.6 percent above April 2016.  The county’s median sales price reached a new high of $560,000. Homes sold in a median of only 18 days, 14.3 percent faster than in March,  Total listings increased only five percent during the month as new listings declined slightly from March, by 9 percent.  Active listings were 19 percent fewer than they were a year ago.

In the city of Ventura, sales fell 2.1 percent from March and the city’s total sold volume declined to $50,560,999.  Prices rose 8.1 percent above April 2016 prices  and homes sold in 39 days,

April Median Home Prices, Ventura County (blue), San Luis Obispo County (purple) and Santa Barbara County (red)

About Century 21 Hometown Realty

CENTURY 21 Hometown Realty is the leading real estate firm on the central coast. Since 1947, it has supported the needs of home sellers and buyers throughout California’s Central Coast region with 19 branch locations in San Luis Obispo, Santa Barbara, and Ventura Counties. Our offices cover the California Coast from Paso Robles in the north to Camarillo to the south.

We offer specialty services including Luxury Real Estate, Agricultural and Ranch Real Estate, Vineyards, Ocean Front Real Estate, Commercial Real Estate, and Residential Real Estate.  Our agents have a keen focus on these areas and multilingual and generational expertise. Visit our website at C21Home.com  to see our California listings and our office locations.

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Homes Sell Faster Despite Lower Sales in Central Coastal Counties

Arroyo Grande, CA – April 17, 2017—New listings picked up in California’s Central Coastal Region in March but not enough to fill the deficit of homes for sale as the spring home buying season opened.

Throughout the region, homes are selling 5 to 10 percent faster than they were a year ago, creating ideal conditions for sellers planning to list their homes this year, according to the latest Regional Market Report from CENTURY 21 Hometown Realty.

In San Luis Obispo and Santa Barbara Counties, sales fell more than 10 percent February and prices rose 4 percent as active listings of homes for sale fell 19 percent below levels of a year ago.

As March sales fell nearly 50 percent below the February and prices rose 6.1 percent in February and 0.4 percent over March 2016.  Days on market declined to a median of 71 days across the two counties, 21.2 percent faster than a year ago.

March sales and prices were stronger in the Ventura region as demand kicked in with the launch of the spring season. Sales rose 47.5 percent in March and ended the month higher than they have been since September.  The region’s Median sales price increased by 6.2 percent above a year ago.  Active listings of homes for sale were 6 percent lower than a year ago.

“Supplies of homes for sale in San Luis Obispo and Santa Barbara Counties are trailing last year by double-digit figures as new listings fail to keep up with demand.  Homes are selling faster than last year and prices are steady, creating great conditions for sellers to list their homes as the spring season heats up.  Ventura County is booming as sales took off in March and prices are up 12.6 percent from 2016, ”said Amy Gallagher, corporate broker of record for CENTURY 21 Hometown Realty.

In February, CENTURY 21 Hometown Realty closed on 108 homes totaling  $47,277,299.

San Luis Obispo County

With 21 percent fewer listing than last year, buyers had less to choose from, and sales in the county were down 57 percent from last year   Total sold dollar volume fell to $71,703, 906, a 36 percent decline from February.  The county’s median sold price was stable, ending the month at $493,500, a .3 percent decrease from February. Homes sold in only 70 days, 29.3 percent faster than in February and 4.1 percent faster than in 2016.

New listings in the county fell 59.5 percent compared to March 2016 and failed to make a debt in the county’s deficit.  Active listings ended the month down 21 percent below March 2016 and lower than they were in January.

In the city of San Luis Obispo, low inventories caused sales to fall 48.8 percent from levels of a year ago and 11.9 percent from February.  Total sold volume reached $14,567,956 for the month, down 11.9 percent from February.  The city’s median sales price fell to $619,000, down 3.3 percent from January but 8.8 percent higher than a year ago. Homes sold in 101 days, 11 percent slower than in January.   New listings were 70 percent lower than a year ago, the greatest year over year decline in five years.  As a result, there were  50 percent fewer home for sale in the city than there were a year ago.  Despite the drop in sales, homes sold in only 67 days, down 24.7 percent from February, and the lowest time on market since May 2016.

In Atascadero, sales fell 26.7 percent from a year ago and 18.5 percent from February sales.   Total sold dollar volume dropped to $9,525,550, percent decline from February.  The city’s median sold price reached $443,758, a 24.8 percent year over year decline and 37.2 percent higher than in February.  Homes sold in 114 days, 11.6 percent faster than in February.

Local market data and listings for San Luis Obispo County communities are available at  Arroyo Grande, Atascadero, Avila Beach, Cambria, Cayucos, Creston, Grover Beach, Los Osos, Morro Bay, Oceano, Paso de Robles, Pismo Beach, San Luis Obispo, Santa Margarita, San Miguel, San Simeon, Santa Ynez, Shandon, and Templeton.

Santa Barbara County

Santa Barbara County saw closed sales fall 18.4 percent from a year ago and 38.5  percent from February.  Total sold volume reached $81,937,317 for the month. A decline of .6 percent from a year ago. Prices rose to a median price of $367,500, a 6.5 percent decrease over last year and 38,5 percent higher than 2016.   New listings increased by 6 percent from February, but total inventories still ended the year 13.5 percent lower than they were a year ago. Homes took 102 days to sell in February, 11.3 percent faster than a year ago and 6.4 percent faster than in January.

In Santa Barbara city, total sales volume ended the month at $5,148,900, and the median sold price reached $1,704,90.  Homes took 83 days to settle.

Sales in Santa Maria fell 20.3 percent from a year ago and 28.2 percent from February, for a told sold volume to $31,173,654.  Prices also fell 5.7 percent year over year but rose 6.2 percent from February.  Home sold in only 59 days, 27.2 percent faster than they did in February.

Local market data and listings for Santa Barbara County communities are available at  Ballard, Guadalupe, Lompoc, Los Alamos, Los Olivos, and Solvang.

  March Home Sales, Ventura County (blue), San Luis Obispo County (red) and Santa Barbara County (purple) 

Ventura County

The spring sales season opened with a bang in Ventura County as March sales rose 40.6 percent from February and ended the month just 2 percent lower than a year ago.  Total sold dollar volume reached $52,867,848, up 26.2 percent from February.  Prices rose 12.8 percent higher than February 2016 and .9 percent higher than last month.  In March, homes in the county settled in 65 days, 1.5 percent faster than a year ago.  High demand cut the median waiting time for listings to get a contract to only 49 days, the shortest wait since June 2013.   New listings were down 4 percent from a year ago, and total lists fell to 11 percent lower than in 2016.

In Ventura city, closed sales fell 2 percent from last March and rose 40.4 percent over last month. Total sold dollar volume reached $52,867,848 for the month.  Prices fell rose 12 percent from last year and 0.9  percent over February, for a median price of $535,000. Homes settled in 65 days, 1.5 percent faster than a year ago.

Local market data and listings in Ventura County communities are available at  Agoura Hills, Camarillo, Lake Sherwood, Moorpark, Newbury Park, Nipomo, Oak View, Ojai, Port Hueneme, Santa Maria, Santa Paula, Simi Valley, Thousand Oaks and Westlake Village.

 CENTURY 21 Hometown Realty accessed data from the Central Coast Regional Multiple Listing Service and the Ventura County Regional Data Share to prepare its February market analysis.

March Median Home Prices, Ventura County (blue), San Luis Obispo County (red) and Santa Barbara County (purple)

About Century 21 Hometown Realty

CENTURY 21 Hometown Realty is the leading real estate firm on the central coast. Since 1947, it has supported the needs of home sellers and buyers throughout California’s Central Coast region with 19 branch locations in San Luis Obispo, Santa Barbara, and Ventura Counties. Our offices cover the California Coast from Paso Robles in the north to Camarillo to the south.

We offer specialty services including Luxury Real Estate, Agricultural and Ranch Real Estate, Vineyards, Ocean Front Real Estate, Commercial Real Estate, and Residential Real Estate.  Our agents have a keen focus on these areas and multilingual and generational expertise. Visit our website at C21Home.com  to see our California listings and our office locations.

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Century 21 Hometown Realty has received the 2016 Art Bartlett 2100 Cup Award, which is given by Century 21 each year to a company that demonstrates the highest level of leadership, customer service and professionalism. Pictured here are Hometown Realty executives, left to right, Chris Gallagher, chief financial and IT officer; Amy Gallagher, broker of record; and Jack Hardy, president and CEO.

Century 21 Hometown Realty has received the 2016 Art Bartlett 2100 Cup Award, which is given by Century 21 each year to a company that demonstrates the highest level of leadership, customer service and professionalism. The award is given to the top franchise of the year, among 7,000 worldwide.

Jack Hardy, president and CEO of Hometown Realty, and his leadership team were honored recently in Las Vegas.

“From Paso Robles to the north and Oxnard to the south, home buyers and sellers across California have a real-estate resource they can trust in Jack and Century 21 Hometown Realty,’’ said Rick Davidson, president and CEO of Century 21 Real Estate LLC. He praised the local firm’s “unwavering dedication to customer service,” positive culture and commitment to giving back to its region.

Hometown Realty is an independently owned, full-service real-estate brokerage company with 13 offices on the Central Coast

Central Coastal Inventories Fell to Five-year Lows

Arroyo Grande, CA – March 14, 2017— February home sales rose slightly from January lows as new listings failed to keep pace with demand and inventories of homes for sale in California’s Central Coastal counties fell to five-year lows.  Supplies in the Ventura region increased marginally from record lows in December as sellers took advantage of higher prices and shorter days on market.

Annualized sales rose only 2.2 percent in the Central Coastal counties, and prices fell 9.3 percent to a regional  median of $399,000.  Homes settled in a total of 90 days, 5.9 percent faster than in January.  In the Ventura region, sales also increased modestly, 2.3 percent above February 2016,  Prices rose 6 percent, to a median sale price of $461,000.

Inventories in both regions remained thin as the spring sales season nears.  In the two-counter Central Coastal region, supplies dropped 15.7  percent from a year ago—a five-year low—and new listings fell 3.7 percent from January.  Supplies in the Ventura region improved for the third straight month, but February new listings were still 16.34 percent lower than they were a year ago.

“Conditions for selling a home are ideal right now.  Median prices across our region are 6 to 10 percent higher than they were a year ago, mortgages are still very affordable, homes are selling quickly, and demand is high.  With the spring season just weeks away, owners who are thinking about listing their homes should take advantage of this opportunity,” said Amy Gallagher, corporate broker of record for CENTURY 21 Hometown Realty.

In February, CENTURY 21 Hometown Realty closed on 53 homes for a total sold dollar volume of  $21,814,050.

San Luis Obispo County

 Annualized sales in San Luis Obispo County rose only 2.6 percent in February.  For a total sold dollar volume of $115.,564,708. 23.2 percent is fewer than in January. The county’s median sold price rose to $495,000, 2.1 percent higher than a year ago but 1.2 percent lower than January. Homes sold ten percent slower in February, at a median rate of 90 days, the slowest rate since January 2013.

New listings in the county fell 17.5 percent compared to February 2016, and active listings fell to the lowest monthly level in more than five years.  Only 775 homes were listed for sale in the county during February.

In the city of San Luis Obispo, sales fell 47.5 percent from levels of a year ago and 37.6 percent fewer than last month.  Total sold volume reached $13,016,060 for the month.  The city’s median sales price rose to $640,000, an increase of 7.7 percent over January. Homes sold in 81 days, 9.5 percent slower than in January.   New listings increased by 4.9 percent over last February.

In Atascadero, sales rose 22.7 percent over a year ago.  Total sold dollar volume reached $15, 164,746, a 5.4 percent decline from January.  The city’s median sold price reached $397,496, up 6 percent from 2016. Homes sold in 98 days, 3 percent faster than in January.

Local market data and listings for San Luis Obispo County communities are available at  Arroyo Grande, Atascadero, Avila Beach, Cambria, Cayucos, Creston, Grover Beach, Los Osos, Morro Bay, Oceano, Paso de Robles, Pismo Beach, San Luis Obispo, Santa Margarita, San Miguel, San Simeon, Santa Ynez, Shandon, and Templeton.

Santa Barbara County

Santa Barbara County saw closed sales rise 14 percent over 2016 and 6.9  percent over January, reaching a total sold dollar volume of $45,453,774 for the month.  Prices rose to a median price of $338,250, a 3.9 percent decrease from last year and the first year over year price decline since December 2014.  Homes took 79 days to sell in February, 23.3 percent faster than a year ago but 1.3 percent slower than in January. Total listings declined 14.9 percent from February 2016, and new listings trailed last year’s pace by 18.5 percent.

In Santa Maria, annualized closed sales fell to 16.1 percent from a year ago, and monthly sales fell 31.4 percent from January.  Prices fell 10 percent from 2016, and 9.9 percent from January to a median price of $283,172.  Listings fell 22.8 percent from a year ago, and new listings declined 20 percent.

Local market data and listings for Santa Barbara County communities are available at  Ballard, Guadalupe, Lompoc, Los Alamos, Los Olivos, and Solvang.

 February Home Sales, Ventura County (red), San Luis Obispo County (purple) and Santa Barbara County (blue)

Ventura County

January sales in Ventura County fell 6.4 percent over sales a year ago, the lowest level since February 2014, and reached a total sold dollar volume of $295,653,799 for the month.  The county’s median price reached $537,000, 7.4 percent over January 2016 and 3.3 percent higher than January.   In February, homes settled in a median of 72 days, 17.2 percent faster than a year ago and 4  percent slower than in January.  Inventories of homes for sale in the county declined 11.4 percent from last February, and new listings fell 10.6 percent below levels of a year ago.

In Ventura city, closed sales fell 2.8 percent from last February, and total sold dollar volume reached $41,755,175 for the month.  Prices fell rose 8.2 percent from last year and 10.4 percent over January, to reach a median of $530,000. Homes settled in 65 days, 23.4 percent faster than a year ago and 8.5 percent are longer than in January.

Local market data and listings in Ventura County communities are available at  Agoura Hills, Camarillo, Lake Sherwood, Moorpark, Newbury Park, Nipomo, Oak View, Ojai, Port Hueneme, Santa Maria, Santa Paula, Simi Valley, Thousand Oaks and Westlake Village.

 CENTURY 21 Hometown Realty accessed data from the Central Coast Regional Multiple Listing Service and the Ventura County Regional Data Share to prepare its February market analysis.

February Home Prices, Ventura County (blue), San Luis Obispo County (red) and Santa Barbara County (purple)

About Century 21 Hometown Realty

CENTURY 21 Hometown Realty is the leading real estate firm on the central coast. Since 1947, it has supported the needs of home sellers and buyers throughout California’s Central Coast region with 19 branch locations in San Luis Obispo, Santa Barbara, and Ventura Counties. Our offices cover the California Coast from Paso Robles in the north to Camarillo to the south.

We offer specialty services including Luxury Real Estate, Agricultural and Ranch Real Estate, Vineyards, Ocean Front Real Estate, Commercial Real Estate, and Residential Real Estate.  Our agents have a keen focus on these areas and multilingual and generational expertise. Visit our website at C21Home.com  to see our California listings and our office locations.

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Inventories Trail 2016 Despite New Listings

Arroyo Grande, CA – February 16, 2017— January home sales in the Central Coastal and Ventura regions opened the new year on a strong note as sales topped last January’s totals. As demand picked up in what is traditionally the slowest month of the year for sales, new listings struggled to replenish depleted inventories of homes for sale.

Annualized sales rose 12.5 percent in the Central Coastal counties and 5.2 percent in the Ventura region during January, traditionally the slowest month of the year for home sales.

Healthy sales helped prices in the Central Coastal counties rise 2.3 percent over last January but 3.3 percent below December.  In the Ventura region, January prices fell 1.3 percent from 2016.

January inventories in the Central Coastal counties registered the fifth straight month of yearly over year declines.  Inventories increased 1.5 percent from December’s three-year low, but total inventories in the region still ended the month 6.6 percent below 2016 levels.  In the Ventura region, inventories of homes for sale were 6.6 percent lower in January than they were a year ago.

“Strong demand launched the new year with sales significantly higher than last year. To sustain the momentum in the months to come, our markets need to restock their supplies of homes for sale.  Throughout our region, conditions are ideal for sellers to take advantage of the healthy demand and strong appreciation in home values. The spring season is just around the corner and homeowners who are thinking of selling their homes this year should be getting them ready now,” said Amy Gallagher, corporate broker of record for CENTURY 21 Hometown Realty.

In January, CENTURY 21 Hometown Realty closed on 77 homes totaling $35,060,700.

San Luis Obispo County

Annualized sales in San Luis Obispo County soared 15 percent in January and the total sold dollar volume rose even more, to $14,068,645, 12.5 percent, an increase of 12.5 percent over January 2016.  Prices also rose 8.9 percent over levels of a year ago, to a median price of $594,295, the highest since last September.

Though new listings in the county increased 32 percent over December, the supply of homes for sale in the county fell to the lowest level in more than five years.  Inventories ended the month 27.4 percent below levels of a year ago and 20.4 percent below December.  In January, homes sold 31.5 percent faster in the county than in December as strong demand and historically low supplies cut the median days on market from 98 days to 74 days.

In the city of San Luis Obispo, sales rose 3.6 percent over January 2016 and total sold dollar volume rose 14.7 percent, to $176,978,145 for the month.  Prices were 10.7 percent higher than a year ago, reaching a median of $594,295.  Unlike the county as a whole, inventories of homes for sale in the city of San Luis Obispo ended the month higher than they were in 2016 by 28.3 percent. Home sold in 74 days, 24.5 percent faster than they did in December.

In Atascadero, January closed sales were 26.9 percent higher than they were a year ago, totaling $16,025,000, a 29.3 percent increase in total sold dollar volume.  The city’s median sold price reached $475,000, up 5 percent from 2016. Homes sold in 101 days, 13.5 percent slower than a year ago, and 27.9 percent slower than in December.

Local market data and listings for San Luis Obispo County communities are available at  Arroyo Grande, Atascadero, Avila Beach, Cambria, Cayucos, Creston, Grover Beach, Los Osos, Morro Bay, Oceano, Paso de Robles, Pismo Beach, San Luis Obispo, Santa Margarita, San Miguel, San Simeon, Santa Ynez, Shandon, and Templeton.

Santa Barbara County

Santa Barbara County saw closed sales rise 4 percent over 2016 in January, reaching a total sold dollar volume of $56,233,051 for the month.  Prices rose to a median of $359,000, a 4.1 percent increase over last year.  Total listings rose 5.3 percent from December, but still trailed supplies of homes for sale a year ago by 14.9 percent.  New listings were slightly higher than they were a year ago, an increase of 2.6 percent over January 2016.  Homes took 78 days to sell in January, 17.9 percent faster than a year ago but 9.9 percent slower than in December.

In Santa Maria, closed sales rose 10.5 percent from 2016 and total sold dollar volume rose 35.8 percent from a year ago to $7,469,785.  Homes sold in a median of 94 days, 62.1 percent longer than in December.

Local market data and listings for Santa Barbara County communities are available at  Ballard, Guadalupe, Lompoc, Los Alamos, Los Olivos, and Solvang.

January Home Sales, Ventura County (blue), San Luis Obispo County (red) and Santa Barbara County (purple)

Ventura County

January sales in Ventura County rose 5.2 percent over sales a year ago, reaching a total sold dollar volume of $314,891,720 for the month.  The county’s median price reached $520,000, 1.3 percent over January 20126.   In January, homes settled in a median of 75 days, 10.7 percent faster than a year ago but 2.7 percent slower than in December.  Inventories of homes for sale in the county were 4.7 percent higher than December but ended the month 8 percent below levels of a year ago. Total new listings added during the month trailed January 2016 by 5.8 percent.

In Ventura city, closed sales rose 4.6 percent over last January and total sold dollar volume reached $34,164,800 for the month.  Prices fell 2 percent from December, to a median of $480,000, the same level as January 2016. Homes settled in 71 days, 15.5 percent faster than a year ago but 12.7 percent longer than in December.

Local market data and listings in Ventura County communities are available at:  Agoura Hills, Camarillo, Lake Sherwood, Moorpark, Newbury Park, Nipomo, Oak View, Ojai, Port Hueneme, Santa Maria, Santa Paula, Simi Valley, Thousand Oaks and Westlake Village.

 CENTURY 21 Hometown Realty accessed data from the Central Coast Regional Multiple Listing Service and the Ventura County Regional Data Share to prepare its January market analysis.

 January Home Prices, Ventura County (blue), San Luis Obispo County (red) and Santa Barbara County (purple)

About Century 21 Hometown Realty

CENTURY 21 Hometown Realty is the leading real estate firm on the central coast. Since 1947, it has supported the needs of home sellers and buyers throughout California’s Central Coast region with 19 branch locations in San Luis Obispo, Santa Barbara, and Ventura Counties. Our offices cover the California Coast from Paso Robles in the north to Camarillo to the south.

We offer specialty services including Luxury Real Estate, Agricultural and Ranch Real Estate, Vineyards, Ocean Front Real Estate, Commercial Real Estate, and Residential Real Estate.  Our agents have a keen focus on these areas and multilingual and generational expertise. Visit our website at C21Home.com  to see our California listings and our office locations.

Prices Soared to New Regional Record

Arroyo Grande, CA – January 23, 2017— December home prices ended the year by setting a Central Coastal regional record even though sales quieted down after rising 25 to 30 percent Central Coastal and Ventura Regions in February.  In the Central Coastal counties the year closed with median prices 9.8 percent higher than they were in December 2915 and 3.3 percent higher in the Ventura region.

A new record median price of $460,000 was an unexpected Christmas present for homeowners, but failed to motivate sellers to list during the holidays.  The lower than average inventories that resulted kept prices high as soaring interest rates, which increased 60 basis points following the election, put a damper on sales volumes.  Homes sold nearly ten percent faster in the Central Coast and 4 percent faster in the Ventura region than then did a year ago.

“Despite rising rates, prices reached record levels as the year ended, consolidating gains from the strong spring and summer markets. With inventories about 4 percent lower than they were at the end of 2015 and houses selling in less than 90 days, 2017 may be one of the best years in recent history for sellers. Sellers who are ready to list when the spring season opens will benefit from last year’s 10 percent appreciation,” said Amy Gallagher, corporate broker of record for CENTURY 21 Hometown Realty.

In December, CENTURY 21 Hometown Realty closed on 81 homes totaling $34,706,492 Million bringing its total year-to-date sales to 1359 homes worth $570,383,126 Million.

San Luis Obispo County

The median price in San Luis Obispo County rose to the third highest of the year—and the past five years, $519,450.  December ended with sales down 3.9 percent from a year ago (322 sales) and total sold volume is falling to $189,092,556.  Homes settled in 90 days, 2.2 percent faster than November.  Active listings were down 14 percent from a year ago.

After setting a five-year record in November, prices in the city of San Luis Obispo fell 12.7 percent to a median of $583,628.  Sales rose 14.3 percent over 2015, reaching a total sold volume of $38,836,317.  Homes settled in a median of 98 days, 17 percent faster than in November.  Only 66 homes remained in the for-sale inventory at the end of the month, down from a five-year average of 91,

In Atascadero, December sales rose 14.3 percent higher than last year, reaching a total sold volume of $38,836,317. The median price in the market rose to $583,628, up 5.2 percent for 2015 but 12,7 percent lower than November.  Homes took 96 days to settle, 11.8 percent longer than last year.

Local market data and listings for San Luis Obispo County communities are available at  Arroyo Grande, Atascadero, Avila Beach, Cambria, Cayucos, Creston, Grover Beach, Los Osos, Morro Bay, Oceano, Paso de Robles, Pismo Beach, San Luis Obispo, Santa Margarita, San Miguel, San Simeon, Santa Ynez, Shandon, and Templeton.

Santa Barbara County

Santa Barbara County saw sales fall for the fifth straight month in December.  Sales fell 8.1 percent from last year, to 160 units worth $67,454,632.  Prices rose to $361,900, approaching the county’s five-year record of $368,000 set in May. Homes sold 24.5 percent faster in Santa Barbara County than they did a year ago, a median of 71 days.  Active listings fell to 413, 16 percent lower than at the end of 2015.

In Santa Barbara City, only four homes were sold in December, for a median price of $1,092,500.  Homes sold in 68 days and the year ended with only 13 homes listed.

In Santa Maria, sales fell for the second straight month, falling 7.1 percent.  Total sold dollar volume dropped to $32,742,502.   Prices rose 5 percent over 2015 to a median of $360,000.  Inventories fell 25.8 percent from 2015. Homes sold faster in December than they did a year ago, settling in a median of 76 days.

Local market data and listings for Santa Barbara County communities are available at  Ballard, Guadalupe, Lompoc, Los Alamos, Los Olivos, and Solvang.

December Home Sales, Ventura County (blue), San Luis Obispo County (red) and Santa Barbara County (purple)

Ventura County

December sales in Ventura County rose for the fifth straight year, outpacing November sales by 11.6 percent, for a total sold dollar volume of $422,290,686.  Prices in the county hit a five-year high, reaching a median of $520,000.  Homes settled in only 73 days, 5.2 percent than a year ago.  Inventories of hoes for sale ended the month at oaky 1799 homes, down 11.1 percent from the five-year average.

In Ventura city, sales soared 15 percent over last December, for a total sold dollar volume of $52,309,850.  Prices fell 7.1 percent from November, to a median of $490,000.  Homes settled in 70 days, down 9.1 percent from a year ago.

In Thousand Oaks, sales fell 21.1 percent from a year ago.  Median sold price rose 9.4 percent to $650,000,

Local market data and listings in Ventura County communities are available at:  Agoura Hills, Camarillo, Lake Sherwood, Moorpark, Newbury Park, Nipomo, Oak View, Ojai, Port Hueneme, Santa Maria, Santa Paula, Simi Valley, Thousand Oaks and Westlake Village.

 CENTURY 21 Hometown Realty accessed data from the Central Coast Regional Multiple Listing Service and the Ventura County Regional Data Share to prepare its February market analysis.

December  Home Prices, Ventura County (blue), San Luis Obispo County (red) and Santa Barbara County (purple)

About Century 21 Hometown Realty

CENTURY 21 Hometown Realty is the leading real estate firm on the central coast. Since 1947, it has supported the needs of home sellers and buyers throughout California’s Central Coast region with 19 branch locations in San Luis Obispo, Santa Barbara, and Ventura Counties. Our offices cover the California Coast from Paso Robles in the north to Camarillo to the south.

We offer specialty services including Luxury Real Estate, Agricultural and Ranch Real Estate, Vineyards, Ocean Front Real Estate, Commercial Real Estate, and Residential Real Estate.  Our agents have a keen focus on these areas and multilingual and generational expertise. Visit our website at C21Home.com  to see our California listings and our office locations.

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Regional Fall Sales Enjoy Late Season Boost

Arroyo Grande, CA – December 19, 2016— November home sales in Central Coastal and Ventura Regions rose 25 to 30 percent above 2015 levels as buyers took advantage of historically low interest rates before they shot up over 4 percent following the election.  Despite inventories of homes for sale at yearly lows, the combination of strong demand and short supplies kept prices at seasonal highs, consolidating gains from the region’s hot spring and summer sales season.

Prices well above last year’s levels failed to encourage sellers, and new listings in November reflected seasonal patterns, reaching the lowest level in the Central Coastal region since last December.  The time it took to sell homes in the region also reflected the slower pace of the fall sales season as the median days to settle rose for the third straight month.

“The rapid increase in rates resonated with Central Coastal home buyers, who responded with a late-year boost in home sales across the region.  Many of the homes that sold in November had been listed for three months or longer, awaiting buyers motivated by rising rates.  The November surge is helping 2017 to end as an exceptional year, with both sales and prices well above last year and far above annuals norms.  As we enter the holiday season, conditions are exceptionally good for sellers who find themselves in the market and for buyers looking for value before the year ends,” said Amy Gallagher, corporate broker of record for CENTURY 21 Hometown Realty.

In November, CENTURY 21 Hometown Realty closed on 82 homes totaling $34 Million bringing its total year-to-date sales to 1277 homes worth $535 Million

San Luis Obispo County

Sales in San Luis Obispo County soared to a sold dollar volume of $193,154,921, 40.9 percent above last November.  At 340 homes, sales were 16 percent higher than in October.  Strong sales depleted listings, which fell for the sixth straight month.  New listings fell for the fourth month even though November prices stayed a healthy 5 percent higher than they were a year ago.  The county’s median sold price rose 7.9 percent over October to $493,000. Homes took 92 days to settle, increasing for the third straight month.

November home prices set a five-year record in the city of San Luis Obispo, reaching a median price of $688,500.  Sales rose 67.7 percent over 2015 but fell 8.8 percent monthly.

Homes took longer to settle, rising to 118 days, 23.4 percent over November sales.  Higher end properties dominated November sales.  Some 52 homes sold for a total of $38,266,593, a 127.8 percent increase in sold dollar volume.  Inventories in San Luis Obispo are 7.9 percent lower than last year at this time and lower than they have been since December 2015.

In Atascadero, sales rose 6.4 percent above October’s level and were 60.2 percent higher than they were a year ago.  Total sold dollar volume reached $20,995,224, a $77.4 percent over last year.  At 96 days, homes were selling slower than they have been since February and inventories fell to the lowest since March. Median prices fell 11.4 percent to $416,500.

Sales in Paso Robles rose for the third straight month to 63 homes or .8 percent above last year.  The median price rose to $424,000, a 4.3 percent increase over last year.  Homes sold at a slower pace, a median of 79 days to settle.

Local market data and listings for San Luis Obispo County communities are available at  Arroyo Grande, Atascadero, Avila Beach, Cambria, Cayucos, Creston, Grover Beach, Los Osos, Morro Bay, Oceano, Paso de Robles, Pismo Beach, San Luis Obispo, Santa Margarita, San Miguel, San Simeon, Santa Ynez, Shandon, and Templeton.

Santa Barbara County

Sales in Santa Barbara County fell for the fourth straight month in November, the slowest month since February.  Total sold volume fell 19.6 percent to $64,936,561.  Closed sales ended the month at 161 homes, 145.2 percent below a year ago.  However, prices remained 4.4 percent above last November and 2.9 percent higher than October.  Median sold price in the county reached $360,000.  Homes sold slightly faster in Santa Barbara County in November.  Inventories were low, 13.3 percent below a year ago and the lowest since March 2015.  New listings in November were down 9.4 percent from 2015.

In Santa Maria, sales plunged in November, down 24.1 percent from a year ago and 18.3 percent from last month.  Total sold dollar volume fell to $33,542,411.  Median sold price rose to  $358,500, 5.1 percent higher than in 2015.  Homes sold slightly faster than in October, settling in 76 days.

Local market data and listings for Santa Barbara County communities are available at  Ballard, Guadalupe, Lompoc, Los Alamos, Los Olivos, and Solvang.

November Home Sales, Ventura County (purple), San Luis Obispo County (red) and Santa Barbara County (blue)

Ventura County

November sales in Ventura County were the lowest since February, with 628 closed sales totaling $389,718,655, yet sales still topped totals of a year ago by 14 percent. The median price in the county rose to $533,500, a 3.5 percent increase over 2015.  Homes sold 9.1 percent faster in November, settling in 70 days.  Active listings in Ventura County fell to the level of last March and closed the month with 2486 active listings, the same level as last year.  New listings were lowest since December 2015.

In Ventura city, prices rose for the third month in a row, to a median of $528,412, up 11.8 percent over last year.  Sales were 50.9 percent higher than last November and 1.9 percent over October.  Homes settled in 70 days, down 9.1 percent from a year ago.

Local market data and listings in Ventura County communities are available at:  Agoura Hills, Camarillo, Lake Sherwood, Moorpark, Newbury Park, Nipomo, Oak View, Ojai, Port Hueneme, Santa Maria, Santa Paula, Simi Valley, Thousand Oaks and Westlake Village.

 CENTURY 21 Hometown Realty accessed data from the Central Coast Regional Multiple Listing Service and the Ventura County Regional Data Share to prepare its February market analysis.

 November Home Prices, Ventura County (purple), San Luis Obispo County (red) and Santa Barbara County (blue)

About Century 21 Hometown Realty

CENTURY 21 Hometown Realty is the leading real estate firm on the central coast. Since 1947, it has supported the needs of home sellers and buyers throughout California’s Central Coast region with 19 branch locations in San Luis Obispo, Santa Barbara, and Ventura Counties. Our offices cover the California Coast from Paso Robles in the north to Camarillo to the south.

We offer specialty services including Luxury Real Estate, Agricultural and Ranch Real Estate, Vineyards, Ocean Front Real Estate, Commercial Real Estate, and Residential Real Estate.  Our agents have a keen focus on these areas and multilingual and generational expertise. Visit our website at C21Home.com  to see our California listings and our office locations.

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October Sales Decline in San Luis Obispo and Ventura Counties as

Santa Barbara County Enjoys Late Season Expansion

 Arroyo Grande, CA – November 16, 2016— October home sales fell across Central Costal housing markets by 6.5 percent and are slightly below levels of a year ago, but prices remain above 2015 levels as they consolidate gains realized in the spring and summer months.

Sales and prices declined in San Luis Obispo, and Ventura Counties declined on a monthly basis Santa Barbara County enjoyed a strong October with both sales and prices ending the month about 10 percent higher than they were a year ago.

Across the three-county region, homes took slightly longer to sell than they did in September as demand slows with the fall season.  Inventories of active listings fell in October as sellers listed fewer new homes for sale but remain close to 2015 levels.

“With some exceptions, demand is slowing as we enter the fourth quarter.  Prices are still Higher than they were last year in most markets as the pace of new listings slows down. Conditions are good for sellers who want to sell before the end of the year.  With interest rates still historically low and inventories about the same as last year, buyers will find better opportunities this fall than they did during the strong sellers; markets early this year and even a year ago,” said Amy Gallagher, corporate broker of record for CENTURY 21 Hometown Realty.

In October, CENTURY 231 Hometown Realty closed on 108 homes totaling $41,805,451, bringing its total year-to-date sales to 1194 homes worth $500,628,230.

San Luis Obispo County

Closed unit home sales in San Luis Obispo County fell to 315 homes October, a 10.8 percent decline from September.  Sales in the county were 9 percent lower in October than a year ago. Total sold dollar volume fell 18.7 percent, to $166.478,414.  At $489,000, the median sold price for homes in the county fell to the lowest level since June but ended the month 2.2 percent higher than in 2015.

Home are in the county are selling at a median rate of 86 days, five days slower than they were in September and inventories of homes for sale are 8 percent higher than they were a year ago.

In the city of San Luis Obispo, sales rose to 57 homes, a 1.8 percent monthly increase and 14 percent above sales a year ago.  At $565,500, the median sales price fell 2 percent from 2015 and 5.6 percent from September.  Homes sold in a median time on market of 93 days, nearly 37 percent slower than September and the slowest rate since February.

Sales rose briskly in Atascadero in October.  Some 47 homes closed during the month, 27 percent more than in September and the highest monthly total since February 2015.  The market’s median price rose 3.3 percent to $470,000.  Strong demand dropped the media days on market to 77 days, 8.3 percent faster than a year ago.  Inventories of active listings reached 115 homes, the highest since August 2014.

In Paso Robles, sales fell 22.5 percent in October, to 55 units. The market’s median price fell slightly from February to $416,000, still 2.7 percent higher than a year ago. Demand was strong during the month and homes sold in a median of 77days, down from 97 days in August.

Local market data and listings for San Luis Obispo County communities are available at  Arroyo Grande, Atascadero, Avila Beach, Cambria, Cayucos, Creston, Grover Beach, Los Osos, Morro Bay, Oceano, Paso de Robles, Pismo Beach, San Luis Obispo, Santa Margarita, San Miguel, San Simeon, Santa Ynez, Shandon, and Templeton.

 October Home Sales, Ventura County (purple), San Luis Obispo County (red) and Santa Barbara County (blue)

Santa Barbara County

Home sales in Santa Barbara County rose 1.9 percent in October, to a total 193 closed sales, 11 percent more than a year ago.  Total sold dollar volume rose to $80,739,079, nearly 20 percent above sales in October 2015. The county’s median sold price increased to $350,000, 1.7 percent higher than September and 9.4 percent above a year ago.

Demand lowered inventories in the county by 7 percent, to 514 homes by the end of the month.  New listings also declined, to 190 homes, 11 percent lower than a year ago.  The uptick in sales and decline in inventories put pressure on buyers and the median days on market fell to 76 days, 1.3 percent faster than a year ago.

In Santa Maria, sales rose 0.8 percent to 120 closings, 30.4 percent above the level of a year ago.  Though the median price fell 2 percent to $341,000, prices were still 7 percent higher than in October 2015.  Days on market fell 3.8 percent, to 76 days.  The month ended with 220 active listings, a 7 percent increase over last year.  Some 112 new listings also outpaced last year by 8 percent.

 October Home Prices, Ventura County (purple), San Luis Obispo County (red) and Santa Barbara County (blue)

Ventura County

Sales rose slightly in Ventura County in October, rising 1.4 percent to 728 homes, 7.9 percent higher than last year.  Total sold dollar volume rose 7.9 percent to $458,555,660 during the month, trailing last year’s level by 5.4 percent.

Prices rose 3.9 percent during the month, to a median of $530,000, 5 percent above a year ago.  Homes sold slightly faster in October, spending a median of 72 days on market, 2.7 percent less than in September.

Ventura County closed the month with 2486 active listings, the same level as last year.  New listings were down 8 percent from 2015, at 834 during the month.

 Local market data and listings for Santa Barbara County communities are available at  Ballard, Guadalupe, Lompoc, Los Alamos, Los Olivos, and Solvang.

About Century 21 Hometown Realty

CENTURY 21 Hometown Realty is the leading real estate firm on the central coast. Since 1947, it has supported the needs of home sellers and buyers throughout California’s Central Coast region with 19 branch locations in San Luis Obispo, Santa Barbara, and Ventura Counties. Our offices cover the California Coast from Paso Robles in the north to Camarillo to the south.

We offer specialty services including Luxury Real Estate, Agricultural and Ranch Real Estate, Vineyards, Ocean Front Real Estate, Commercial Real Estate, and Residential Real Estate.  Our agents have a keen focus on these areas and multilingual and generational expertise. Visit our website at C21Home.com  to see our California listings and our office locations.

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Prices Remain Above 2015 Levels in San Luis Obispo, Santa Barbara and Ventura Counties

Arroyo Grande, CA – October 20, 2016— With the end of the summer home sales season, September home unit sales fell a modest 4.1 percent in California’s Central Coastal Counties and remained close to levels of a year ago.  The total dollar volume of sales remained 6.5 percent above September 2015 totals.  The market demand is steady, but home prices continue to escalate.

Prices in the region also fell 1.1 percent from August to September, but on a year over year basis; prices are still comfortably above levels of a year ago in all three counties in the region.  New listings replenished supplies of homes for sale and kept prices balanced with demand as homes in the region now sell 7.5 times faster than they did in August. Homes priced right are selling quickly.

“The fourth quarter is shaping to be a balanced market for both buyers and sellers. Prices remain strong and are consolidating gains from earlier in the season.  New listings and adequate inventories providing buyers a wide range of choices at moderate prices.  With interest rates still at historic lows, conditions for buyers are favorable as we enter the fall season,” said Amy Gallagher, corporate broker of record for CENTURY 21 Hometown Realty.

San Luis Obispo County

Closed unit sales in San Luis Obispo County fell 2.5 percent in September and are just 0.8 percent higher than they were a year ago.  However, total sold dollar volume exceeded $204.7 million during the month, 8 percent higher than in 2015.

The median price in the county rose 4.5 percent in September to reach $519,000  after falling in August.  It ended the month 10 percent higher than a year ago.  Homes are selling 5.1 percent faster than they were a month ago, at a median of 74 days from list to settle.  Supplies of homes for sale 5 percent lower than they were a year ago and active listings ended September lower than they have been since April.

In the city of San Luis Obispo, unit sales fell 9.1 percent in September, dropping 26.5 percent below levels of a year ago.  Prices rose 11.9 percent, and still trailed prices of September 2015 by 1.9 percent.  Homes sold 16.1 percent faster in September than August, settling in 68 days. Gallagher says that they need listings. There are many more buyers than sellers in San Luis Obispo. The company has pent up demand.

Local market data and listings for San Luis Obispo County communities are available at  Arroyo Grande, Atascadero, Avila Beach, Cambria, Cayucos, Creston, Grover Beach, Los Osos, Morro Bay, Oceano, Paso de Robles, Pismo Beach, San Luis Obispo, Santa Margarita, San Miguel, San Simeon, Santa Ynez, Shandon, and Templeton.

September Home Sales, Ventura (blue), San Luis Obispo (red) and Santa Barbara (purple) Counties

Santa Barbara County

Unit sales in Santa Barbara County fell 6.9 percent in September and ended the month 3.6 percent above sales in September 2015.  Prices declined 6.3 percent and now are 4.1 percent higher than they were at this time last year.   Homes are selling 9.6 percent faster, a median of 75 days.  New listings of homes for sale are up ten percent, and inventories are virtually the same as last year, with 550 homes listed at the end of the month.

In the city of Santa Barbara, both sales and prices fell 3.3 percent in September.  The median price reached $570,000 and homes were selling in 55 days by the end of the month.  In Santa Maria, sales fell 8.3 percent and prices were down 0.3 percent from August.

Local market data and listings for Santa Barbara County communities are available at  Ballard, Guadalupe, Lompoc, Los Alamos, Los Olivos, and Solvang.

September Home Prices, Ventura (blue), San Luis Obispo (red) and Santa Barbara (purple) Counties

Ventura County

Unit sales in Ventura County fell 18 percent in September and trail levels of a year ago by 10.7 percent.   The county’s median sold price fell slightly, to $510,000, just one percent above a year ago.  Inventories are only 2.9 percent lower than they were a year ago and new listings fell to the lowest level since January,

About Century 21 Hometown Realty

CENTURY 21 Hometown Realty is the leading real estate firm on the central coast. Since 1947, it has supported the needs of home sellers and buyers throughout California’s Central Coast region with 19 branch locations in San Luis Obispo, Santa Barbara, and Ventura Counties. Our offices cover the California Coast from Paso Robles in the north to Camarillo to the south.

We offer specialty services including Luxury Real Estate, Agricultural and Ranch Real Estate, Vineyards, Ocean Front Real Estate, Commercial Real Estate, and Residential Real Estate.  Our agents have a keen focus on these areas and multilingual and generational expertise. Visit our website at C21Home.com  to see our California listings and our office locations.