Venice Bits

It's a snail's pace start for sales in Venice as compared to January 2008.

Total sales for January 2008 were $18,100,988 as compared to $13,985,632 for January 2009. A decline of 27%. Units sold, went up from 70 in 2008 to 78 in 2009 up 10%, but the average sold price declined 35% from $270,164 to $179,303.  The stimulus package is offering  $8000 credit for homes that close this year for first time home buyers. 

Our town is busy with visitors and on open houses I've done the past 3 weekends it is not unusual to have 15 couples tour during a 3 hr. open house.  Much better than January open houses. Showings from other agents are increasing and renters are booking for next year in 2 and 3 month increments versus this year when tenants only rented one month. Mortgage companies and banks have greater loan limits on FHA financing. Short sales by banks and mortgage lenders are responding to contract offers in shorter time periods.  Those are positive indicators.   

Unfortunately, buyers from out of state are mislead when they arrive in our community and think we are devastated and sellers are giving homes away.  Don't be mislead by what you read in the newspapers and watch on tv.  Our median age in Venice is 67 and most home owners are financially sound. Our restaurants are full and busy and new restaurants are opening.

The Italian Festival at the Venice airport was busy as was the Orchid Show at the community center.  I enjoyed the expensive car show at St. Armands Circle.   I never saw so many Ferrarris, Lamborginis, but it as love at first site, the Bugatti.  That's what I want. So come on down and buy a home. 

Alice Salaices