
The Denver area real estate market is showing improvement during the second quarter of 2008. In the first quarter there were no areas that we would consider Seller’s Markets. That has drastically changed over the spring. Ten areas for Single Family Homes are now seller’s markets and five areas in the Condominium/Townhome market. Things should continue to be active as we move into the third quarter. These figures are based on the absorption rates.
Considering Absorption Rate is one way to measure the health of our real estate market. Absorption Rate designates the number of months of housing supply on hand. The larger the supply, the more competition there is for sellers and the higher likelihood that prices will drop or concessions will be offered. The market has definitely improved in the last quarter.
More Months of Supply = Buyer’s Market = Possible Reduced Pricing and/or Concessions
Fewer Months of Supply = Seller’s Market = Possible Price Increases and/or Bidding Wars
The commonly accepted separation between markets is:
Seller’s Market 1-4 months of supply
Neutral Market 5-6 months of supply
Buyer’s Market 7 months and above
Single Family Homes
|
Area
|
Apr
AR
|
May
AR
|
Jun
AR
|
Avg.
AR
|
Market
Condition
|
|
Aurora North
|
3.7
|
4.0
|
3.2
|
3.6
|
Seller
|
|
Aurora South
|
4.6
|
4.1
|
3.7
|
4.1
|
Seller
|
|
Broomfield
|
8.1
|
8.0
|
6.4
|
7.5
|
Buyers
|
|
Douglas Cnty West
|
11.3
|
10.4
|
10.0
|
10.6
|
Buyers
|
|
Douglas/Elbert/Parker
|
7.5
|
6.9
|
8.0
|
7.5
|
Buyers
|
|
Highland Ranch/Lone Tree
|
4.6
|
3.3
|
2.8
|
3.6
|
Seller
|
|
Denver Northeast
|
5.7
|
4.4
|
4.1
|
4.7
|
Seller
|
|
Denver Northwest
|
4.0
|
3.8
|
4.0
|
3.9
|
Seller
|
|
Denver Southeast
|
7.5
|
6.7
|
5.9
|
6.7
|
Neutral
|
|
Denver Southwest
|
5.3
|
3.7
|
3.0
|
4.0
|
Seller
|
|
Jeffco Central
|
4.6
|
3.9
|
5.4
|
4.6
|
Seller
|
|
Jeffco North
|
3.9
|
3.3
|
3.4
|
3.5
|
Seller
|
|
Jeffco South
|
4.3
|
4.4
|
4.8
|
4.5
|
Seller
|
|
Jeffco West/Golden
|
6.2
|
4.8
|
6.1
|
5.7
|
Neutral
|
|
Jeffco North Central
|
4.0
|
4.0
|
3.8
|
3.9
|
Seller
|
|
Jeffco South Central
|
5.1
|
5.1
|
4.9
|
4.9
|
Seller
|
Northwest Denver Condominium and Townhome sales continue to be slow, but significantly improved during the month of June. Whether or not this will continue is yet to be seen.
Condominiums/Townhomes
|
Area
|
Apr
AR
|
May
AR
|
June
AR
|
Avg.
AR
|
Market
Condition
|
|
Aurora North
|
4.3
|
3.0
|
3.0
|
3.4
|
Neutral
|
|
Aurora South
|
3.9
|
4.5
|
5.0
|
4.5
|
Neutral
|
|
Broomfield
|
6.0
|
3.6
|
6.8
|
5.5
|
Buyers
|
|
Douglas Cnty West
|
6.5
|
12.4
|
7.5
|
8.8
|
Neutral
|
|
Douglas/Elbert/Parker
|
6.7
|
6.3
|
4.7
|
5.9
|
Neutral
|
|
Highland Ranch/Lone Tree
|
5.9
|
2.8
|
5.6
|
4.8
|
Neutral
|
|
Denver Northeast
|
13.2
|
14.1
|
11.1
|
12.8
|
Buyers
|
|
Denver Northwest
|
26.0
|
19.3
|
6.8
|
17.4
|
Buyers
|
|
Denver Southeast
|
7.9
|
6.8
|
6.6
|
7.1
|
Buyers
|
|
Denver Southwest
|
7.1
|
6.3
|
8.6
|
7.3
|
Buyers
|
|
Jeffco Central
|
6.2
|
4.7
|
7.3
|
6.1
|
Neutral
|
|
Jeffco North
|
5.6
|
3.8
|
5.0
|
4.8
|
Neutral
|
|
Jeffco South
|
9.1
|
5.4
|
4.8
|
6.4
|
Buyers
|
|
Jeffco West/Golden
|
5.5
|
6.6
|
5.9
|
6.0
|
Neutral
|
|
Jeffco North Central
|
4.1
|
4.0
|
4.7
|
4.3
|
Neutral
|
|
Jeffco South Central
|
6.0
|
6.0
|
5.1
|
5.7
|
Neutral
|
I think the only way to determine whether or not the market is improving is to look at the long term trends. Even three months worth of data only give us a brief snap shot. I can’t wait to see how the year continues to evolve. There are lots of buyers out there and sellers seem to be getting more reasonable with prices. Foreclosures and short sales are still reminders that times are difficult. Now we just need to see the mortgage companies and banks who need to make decisions on these sales become more customer friendly. A quick response and realistic price for these homes will help us in recovery.
Based on information from Metrolist, Inc. for the period of April 1, 2008 to June 30, 2008. Note: This representation is based in whole or in part in content supplied by Metrolist, Inc. does not guarantee nor is in any way responsible for its accuracy. Content maintained by Metrolist, Inc. may not reflect all real estate activity in the market.
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