Thank You Barry County!

We wanted to show our appreciation for the place we love, live, work and play! Thanks Barry County for a great 2016!

2015 Barry County Market Update

This Data is for all of Barry County and only includes Residential Homes as reported in the MICHRIC MLS System.

January 1st - December 31st 2014 there were 728 Homes Sold at an Average Sale Price of $149,408.

January 1st - December 31st 2015 there were 797 Homes Sold at an Average Sale Price of $161,742.

Miller Real Estate and our team of Agents have felt a significant increase in the market overall. The increase in average sold price, increase in number of sales and decrease in distressed listings, creates a clearer picture for analysis on your current market value. For the past 4+ years most of the increase in average sales price was in part due to the decrease in active foreclosure listings. Last year there were fewer foreclosure listings than in the past, which better represents the increase in the market as a whole. The above data shows us an 8% increase in overall market value.

In December the Federal Reserve announced it was increasing the federal funds rate from 0 to a target rate of .25 to .50 percent. While this created a lot of media buzz and worried buyers, the 30 Year Fixed Mortgage Rate has not jumped dramatically and is still at all time lows. Click link HERE to see a chart showing rates since 1971.

The Mortgage Interest Rate has a lot of effect on overall values, especially when it comes to what price range a buyer is able to purchase in. The 2 data points below, may help paint an accurate picture of why the rate is so important.

1. Low Mortgage Interest Rates have fueled some of the increase in Average Sold Price as buyers are able to afford more. Take for example the graph below....

Analysis: Lets say based on your debts, you can afford $1,200 a month, not including taxes, insurance and etc. If the rate is at 4.5%, you can afford a property around $285,000. If that rate jumps to 6%, you can now only afford closer to $250,000.

2. As Mortgage Interest Rates will most certainly rise over the next 2-4 years, buyers will find themselves not being able to afford higher priced homes. Sellers sell at what a buyer is willing to pay in the current market. If the rates do rise, the sellers in the future may find themselves dropping prices accordingly to where the buyers are able to afford.

This creates a great time to sell and buy! Rates are still historically low, purchasing a home allows build up of equity and holding that valuable asset is still desirable. Rental vacancies are at an all time low, while rental rates are at an all time high. If you don't know where to start, make sure you get in touch with one of our Agents today!

If your thinking of selling, now may be the time to get a Free Market Analysis and be ready while the time is right!

Miller Real Estate, serving Barry County for over 75 Years!

Buyers Market is Continuing to Fade into the Past!

We have been tracking some interesting data based on the Real Estate market locally in Barry County! The Buyers Market of years past continues to fade into a distant memory! Whether your currently in the market to buy or sell a home or not, the news is clear that there is significant movement. The old criteria still applies: If you have an accurately priced home, in a good location, that is in good condition...it is highly likely the property will sell fairly swiftly.

If you talk to an Agent @ Miller Real Estate, ask them about Multiple Offers. You will likely hear that the Multiple Offer situation is more prevalent than it has been in the last 6 years. Miller Real Estate has become more in tune with Multiple Offers and can effectively help both the Buyer and Seller through this process. The fact is, someone wins and someone looses. You just need to know how to present correctly the first time and be ready for those challenges.

So on to the data......

In April of 2014 there were a total of 463 Active listings throughout the month. There were 48 Sold listings at an Average Sale Price of $144,371.

In April of 2015 there were a total of 419 Active listings throughout the month. There were 61 Sold listings at an Average Sale Price of $154,449.

-This data is provided through MICHRIC (Michigan Regional Information Center) and includes all of Barry County single family residential homes.

It is interesting to see that Active listings are down 10%, Sold listings are up 21% and Average Sale Price is up 7%. This data further proves that NOW is the time to list your home. There are fewer Active listings, selling at higher prices and with more listings turning into sales. Miller Real Estate and their Agents are more than willing to come visit your property and give an accurate Analysis of Value.

The process of buying a home has become more regulated. The numerous inspections, documents, title issues, zoning laws, mortgage contingencies and etc. have made the Realtor even more important. If you are currently in the market to purchase, talk to one of our Agents today! We will easily walk you through this ever changing process and help you obtain your end goal.....a place to call Home!

3 Month Market Update

This data is for all of Barry County and only includes Residential Single Family Homes as reported in the SWMRIC MLS System.

April 1st - June 30th 2013 there were 215 Homes Sold at an Average Sale Price of $147,517.
April 1st - June 30th 2014 there were 157 Homes Sold at an Average Sale Price of $162,943.

Miller Real Estate and it's team of Agents have felt a significant increase in overall selling values!

This data again shows an overall increase in average sale price year for year. While the number of homes sold is lower in 2014 compared to 2013, the law of Supply and Demand are at work here. The supply of decent / move-in-ready homes has dwindled. With this and the lack of discounted listings, the sale price obviously increases. More and more buyers are having to look in higher price ranges just to find a home worth purchasing.

While the above data is strongly encouraging, we are still below the pre-crash (2009) numbers.

The below data is from the same timeline as above data.

2005 - 235 Homes Sold @ $145,289
2006 - 199 Homes Sold @ $164,515
2007 - 183 Homes Sold @ $172,635
2008 - 182 Homes Sold @ $123,733
2009 - 138 Homes Sold @ $99,474

You can clearly see that in 2007 we were at a 10 year high, then in 2008 the overall market dropped significantly (Pre-Crash) and even more in 2009 (Full Crash). We are getting much closer to a stabilized market and with the FED's announcement of their Qualitative Easement ending, we see signs that continue to show our economy is strengthening. Read the FED article by clicking HERE!

The law of Supply and Demand continues to dominate pricing strategy. Miller Real Estate still is seeing abundant demand with little quality supply. This factor may not be as much of an influence with properties in the City of Hastings or Village limits, but properties with 1+ Acres and a dwelling, are much harder to find. This type of property of course being the "Bread and Butter" of Barry County Real Estate.

If your thinking of Buying or Selling give Miller Real Estate and its Agents a call today! We will guide you through the current market and provide options that best help you achieve your Real Estate goals!

3 Month Market Update

This data is for all of Barry County and only includes Residential Single Family Homes as reported in the SWMRIC MLS System.

January 1st - March 31st 2013 there were 144 Homes Sold at an Average Sale Price of $108,562.

January 1st - March 31st 2014 there were 117 Homes Sold at an Average Sale Price of $119,016.

Miller Real Estate and it's team of Agents have felt a significant increase in overall selling values!

We want to be sure to not rush to any conclusions and look at the actual data. While the above may lead you to believe your homes value may of increased by 9% since this time last year, we would like to point out a couple of key details.

1. There were 27 fewer homes sold in this period compared to 2013. In 2013 there was an average of 373 homes for sale in January to March. In 2014 there was an average of 311 homes for sale in those same months. The law of Supply and Demand has buyers looking and buying at higher priced ranged homes due to this lack of inventory.

2. There are fewer discounted (foreclosure) homes on the market. January to March of 2013 saw an average list price of $184,000. January to March of 2014 saw an average list price of $219,500. 2014's higher average list price can be attributed to the shortage of listings under that famous $100,00 price point.

This data clearly shows a lack of inventory that creates an higher overall average selling price. While property values are on the increase, don't be totally fooled by the upfront data.

Miller Real Estate and our Agents feel that 2014 will be our starting point to a better determination of property value increases! As we transform out of a discount (foreclosure) based market, we will truly gain an understanding of the full inflation of a properties value.

Selling your home in the Winter? 10 Ways to get the best of it!

When selling your home this winter, remember there are important seasonal issues to master even if there non-existent at other times of the year. It is best to have your home presented in the best possible light at all times! Which brings us to our number 1 tip.....

1. Let those lights shine! - Winter brings short and cloudy days. The best way to combat this is to have every light on during a showing. The closet, den, bedroom, basement lights all should be on prior to the buyer viewing the home. Most buyers / agents may get frustrated trying to find the light switch in the dark and this may influence their opinion on the home. Along with this, make sure there are no burned out light bulbs. Keep plenty of bulbs on hand in case you find one that has stopped working.

2. Open all drapes, curtains, blinds and take down "blanket blinds". These are important for keeping the cold winter from seeping through your windows, but it is MORE important to have the window coverings open for lighting and so the buyer can enjoy your views!

3. Provide Convenient Parking! - Those pesky snow storms will have you outside for a 3rd time in one week working away the hardy snow from your drive and walkways. Make sure this is always done prior to any showing. If a buyer has to trudge through loads of snow or worse, gets stuck in your driveway, you better believe this will leave a bad taste in their mouth even if they like everything else. Along with this, make sure the buyer has an easy spot inside the house to remove their shoes. Some homes may have tight entrance areas, but get creative with shoe racks, rugs and etc.

4. Keep Odors under control! - In the winter your home tends to get stuffy as you hopefully rarely ever open a window. This allows odors to build up which can be a huge draw back to a buyer. Use a fragrance when needed and clean the house more often. This is especially important if animals are a part of the household.

5. Don't ignore the outdoors! - Curb appeal is still equally important in the winter. Make sure the exterior of the home is in tip top shape, decks / porch is cleared of snow, dead limbs are taken care of, the fence isn't leaning because of your large plowed snow piles and etc. While the buyer can't get a good feel of everything outside, it is also a good tip to have summer pictures laid out on the counter for all showings. "Hopefully your agent will have already recommended this or put them online!"

6. Don't Roast the Buyers! - More often than not the buyer will keep their coats on as they stroll about the house. If you are used to a higher temperature, make sure your thermostat is set at a comfortable 65-67 degrees.

7. Keep Winter Clothing under control! - One major challenge of selling a home in the winter is the overabundance of cold weather gear that must be stored. The buyer doesn't want to find the mudroom or entryway filled with heavy boots and hooks piled with winter coats. Shift coats and boots to other closets so the buyer can get a good sense of how the space feels with less clutter!

8. Encourage Daytime Showings! - Your home shows to its best advantage during daylight hours, which are scarce in the winter. Try to encourage your showings before 6 PM. There will be circumstances where this may not work, so revert to tip 1!

9. Outdoor Buildings / Sheds. - If you have an outdoor structure that will more than likely be viewed during the showing, make sure there is an easy way to get  to that structure. Shovel a path and make sure they can easily enter.

10. Light a couple candles! - In the winter season the warm glow and scent of a candle will calm the senses of any buyer. Miller Real Estate will provide you with our own Unique Candle at time of listing. Make sure to use it in a safe way!

Despite these unique challenges to selling a home in the winter, there is one big advantage! Buyers out looking in the winter months are, as a group, quite serious about buying. Sellers tend to benefit because each showing is more productive and fewer showings are needed to sell the property!

Why is the buyer doing a final walk through?

Miller Real Estate was recently asked by a seller "Why is the buyer doing a final walk through?" The question surprised us, because it seems so obvious. After all -- We are in the real estate business. But hey, if this seller asked, that means that there are others out there that are asking this same question!

Unfortunately, not all sellers are thoughtful toward their buyers. There have been times when sellers would leave junk in the home for the new buyer to get rid of. There have been times that the home was damaged during the moving process and the seller did not make the necessary repairs.

One of the most common things a seller will agree to in the sales contract, is to leave certain non realty items, and then they take one of the items with them. 

A final walk through insures that the property was left in acceptable condition to the buyers, and that the terms of the contract have been fulfilled. For example, if the contract states that the refrigerator stays, the buyers will look to make sure the refrigerator is still there.

So if your buyers schedule an appointment right before closing, don't take it personally, they are just doing exactly what they should do. As long as you, the seller,  have done what you are supposed to do, you should have nothing to worry about!

Happy Buyers and Happy Sellers. That is the goal of the Final Walk Through!

3 Month Barry County Market Update

This data is for all of Barry County and only includes Residential Single Family Homes as reported in the SWMRIC System.

From April 1st - June 30th 2010 there were 183 Homes sold at an Average Sale Price of $104,439.

From April 1st - June 30th 2011 there were 161 Homes sold at an Average Sale Price of $119,283.

From April 1st - June 30th 2012 there were 157 Homes sold at an Average Sale Price of $130,080.

From April 1st - June 30th 2013 there were 215 Homes sold at an Average Sale Price of $147,517.

*You can see that this period in 2013 has been fantastic for home sales in Barry County. This period of time is usually the very busy buying season with more buyers out looking in the market.

*We have averaged a 12% increase in Average Price since this time in 2010. The market is in rebound mode and we are still feeling this continue into the end of 2013. Their of still lots of buyers, but very few quality listings to choose from. With the lack of discount "foreclosure" listings on the market, many buyers are having to move up in price to purchase their future home. The lack of discount listings obviously increases the average sold price due to this move up activity.

*Recently our National Association of Realtors released statistics on pent up demand from Young Adults. This demand shows that in the next 2-5 years more and more new buyers will be flooding to the market. The basis of their report shows that the share of adults under the age of 35 living at home or renting is the highest since 1981. Obviously they go on to say this is due to the lack of job opportunities in the past 5-10 years and uncertainty about future property investment return. Home values are on the increase and these Young Adults are now realizing this. Rates are on the slow but steady increase and they realize that it is one of the best times to still buy a home.

*Another bonus to the increase in activity is buyers coming to the market that have recently went through Foreclosure / Short Sale. Rental vacancy is the lowest it has been in 10 years. Read the report by clicking here. The main reason for this low rental vacancy is many homeowners that had their home foreclosed on could not buy and have rented what was available. Depending on the type of loan they had and how they have structured their Credit Worthiness, a home owner that has gone through Foreclosure or Short Sale can usually buy another home within 2-5 years. The significant amount of Foreclosure activity in 2009 and 2010 is now bringing some of those past owners back into the market.

*Their has been a slight decrease in activity and confidence due to the Government Shutdown. While most of the home buying experience has not been affected, some of the programs and required documentation has been:

1. Their is an IRS form you sign at time of Mortgage Application. This form is then forwarded to the IRS for verification of income. The IRS is no longer approving these and lenders are turning to different methods to verify income.
2. FHA backed loans have slowed a bit, but are still processing applications.
3. Rural Development (USDA) is at a standstill. RD employees are on furloughs and are not currently working on any outstanding or new deals.
- Their are always ways to deal with these types of issues, so make sure you contact an Agent with Miller Real Estate today!

*Miller Real Estate and our Agents see 2013 ending as a fantastic year. We hope you make the decision to buy or sell and in doing so, call one of us today. We pride ourselves on our years of service and Full Time Real Estate attitude. Miller Real Estate has the knowledge and skills to make your experience one that you will never forget.

3 Month Market Update

This data is for all of Barry County and only includes Residential Single Family Homes as reported in the SWMRIC System.

January 1st - March 31st 2012 there were 136 Homes Sold at an Average Sale Price of $111,164.

January 1st - March 31st 2013 there were 144 Homes Sold at an Average Sale Price of $108,562.

This data shows a slight decrease in Average Sold Price from 2012 to 2013. In looking further into the data, there were 3 homes in 2012 that sold over 1 Million. During that same time period in 2013, there was no home sold past the $550,000 mark. This has greatly influenced the Average Sold Price value.

There were also slightly more sales in 2013. Many of the sales in early 2013 were of homes that had been on the market for a significant amount of time in 2012. Ultimately those sellers made a decision to complete a price decrease to end up obtaining a ready, willing and able buyer.

Miller Real Estate is currently experiencing a decrease in listing activity and in some cases are having a real issue finding listings for our current buyers. Many buyers are having to expand their search based on location, price, or excluded details they may have wanted in a home. This activity has turned the market into a Sellers Market. While that activity is great for Sellers, they must still realize that the correct price will ultimately produce a sale.

There are still many homes that are holding on the market for long periods of time. We have seen this type of activity in the Lakefront, $200,000 + Market and the Under $100,000 Market (if not priced properly). Those buyers looking in the Lakefront and $200,000 + Market tend to use Conventional means of financing and put 20% or more down. Lots of times these buyers may be second home or "final" home buyers. These buyers are still concerned with the overall economy and are holding on tightly to those hard earned dollars. They are keeping those funds in easily accessible, safe and secure types of markets like Money Markets, CD's, Savings accounts.

We are seeing a real upswing in overall selling prices from the past 6 years. 2013 is certainly turning into the "swing" year for Barry County Real Estate. Miller Real Estate and its Agents are seeing a decrease in Foreclosure activity, a significant increase in Buyer activity, a slow down in Listing Activity, which the laws of Supply and Demand dictate is a Sellers Market.

Buyers are now in a market where Multiple Offers, Offering over Listing Price and not finding many listings to choose from is becoming the new normal.

If you are currently in the market for buying Real Estate, make sure you talk to a Miller Real Estate Agent today for the quickest, smartest, most knowledgeable experience in purchasing Real Estate.

In the market to Sell? Miller Real Estate and its Agents are ready to take on your listing. Our top of the line approach to finding the right way to list your property, dedicated persistence to see the deal through to closing and requirement that our agents are Full Time make it a wise choice to call us today!!

3 Month & Year End 2012 Market Update

It was a very busy and productive 2012 for Miller Real Estate and its Agents. We were happy with what we saw in 2012 and are seeing a valued increase in overall values of property. Miller Real Estate looks for 2013 to be a fantastic year.

This data is for all of Barry County and only includes Residential Single Family Homes. - Provided by www.swmric.com

From October 1st of 2011 - December 31st of 2011 there were 144 Homes sold at an Average Price of $114,147.

From October 1st of 2012 - December 31st of 2012 there were 159 Homes sold at an Average Price of $123,799.

* This above data shows a fantastic increase in years end from 2011 to 2012.

* Activity was certainly very strong and steady through 2012 year end. Miller Real Estate was delighted with this activity and still has many pending deals from 2012 going into the first quarter of 2013. Homeowners should be extremely satisfied as well, as this activity shows a solid increase in Property Value.

This data is for all of Barry County and only includes Residential Single Family Homes. - Provided by www.swmric.com

From January 1st of 2011 - December 31st of 2011 there were 601 Homes sold at an Average Price of $113,743.

From January 1st of 2012 - December 31st of 2012 there were 685 Homes sold at an Average Price of $123,033.

* This above data shows that overall average price increased 8% in 2012.

* There is still a lot of this activity swayed by the lack of Discounted Foreclosure sales. This lack of Foreclosure activity has required buyers to look for non-discounted "normal" homes listed by the Barry County citizen. Instead of finding the discounted $39,000 Foreclosure, that same buyer is now looking at the "normal" owner listed $65,000 listing. This type of activity increases the average sale price.

* Interest Rates are still at historic lows and values are still "discounted" based off years past. Buyers are still finding this market a great one to purchase a property in. What has changed is the current active listing activity. Miller Real Estate has multiple buyers in various price ranges. The problem we are encountering is the lack of good listing inventory. With this happening we are seeing the market return to a sellers market. Properties are selling quickly and with multiple offers if sellers take our advise, list at the true market value, have a desirable located home and make it "show room" ready. Markets in the West Michigan area have become similar and are returning to Sellers Markets. Read News Release.

* Rental Vacancies are at historic lows, Rental Rates are at historic highs, Property Values are on the steady increase and the Interest Rates are projected to rise. It is the perfect time to buy! While there may not be much to choose from we are seeing signs of an increase in listing activity. Coming into the spring "buying season" always increases listings offered to prospective buyers.

* 2013 looks to be a banner year for our Real Estate Market of Barry County. The facts of 2013 should show us true gains in actual Property Value. Watch for future Market Updates throughout 2013 to track this data. Miller Real Estate and it's Agents are ready to take 2013 head on and provide the excellence the County has come to find since 1940!

Looking to sell? Call a Miller Real Estate Agent today for a FREE, NO STRINGS ATTACHED Market Analysis.

Looking to buy? Call a Miller Real Estate Agent today for Quality, Efficient Service with Top of the Line Current Research Technologies for finding your perfect home.

3 Month Market Update

This data is for all of Barry County and only includes Residential Single Family Homes as reported in the SWMRIC System.

From July 1st - September 30th 2011 there were 169 Homes sold at an Average Sale Price of $115,270.

From July 1st - September 30th 2012 there were 223 Homes sold at an Average Sale Price of $127,626.

We are seeing a great year end for Real Estate in 2012. Miller Real Estate and its Agents feel there has been a turning point in the market for this year. The above data shows that upward swing and it has continued since the first of 2012.

Take a drive around Barry County and you will see very few "For Sale" signs compared to a year ago. Miller Real Estate and other agencies are seeing fewer Foreclosures, more buyers and are working with more buyers who can't find homes. There has been a slight shortage of listings over the last 3-6 months and some agents have buyers who they have been working with for over 6 months. While this can be very discouraging to a buyer, in the overall big picture of the market, it is great news.

The overall selling price has ticked slightly upward. If you recall we talked about the lack of Foreclosure sales that led to the increase in selling price. This is still a main factor, but now we are seeing a "real" increase in actual value. While that increase is around 1-2%, it is still in the right direction. That increase is being felt in the ever slower Foreclosure market. While we used to see several $20,000 to $40,000 Foreclosure listings on the market at one time, they are now very hard to find. This is mainly due to the rebound of the market, and with these Foreclosures still being listed, they are now more accurately priced without a heavy discount.

The recent national unemployment rate dropped, there are employers in Barry County hiring, many Barry County residents feel more secure with their current job, and we are seeing families move back and into Barry County. These signs promote strong economic security in our area. While it may not be all of Michigan, it starts with the small things. Securities in the smaller communities and in your home start to become the overall big picture. Soon those small microeconomic developments become Nationwide with macroeconomic results.

Sellers are hoping to become buyers again, and soon! We are seeing back to back transactions more often, and those sellers that are once again buying, are buying here in Barry County. This is a very good sign as to the health of Barry Counties Real Estate Market!!

If you're looking to purchase Real Estate, Miller Real Estate is ready for you! Call one of our Agents today to take that next step. If you're looking to sell, call an Agent for a FREE MARKET ANALYSIS. See what proven results can do for you!!

3 Month Barry County Market Update!

This data is for all of Barry County and only includes Residential Single Family Homes as reported in the SWMRIC System.

From April 1st - June 30th 2010 there were 183 Homes sold at an Average Sale Price of $104,439.

From April 1st - June 30th 2011 there were 161 Homes sold at an Average Sale Price of $119,283.

From April 1st - June 30th 2012 there were 157 Homes sold at an Average Sale Price of $130,080.

* 2012 has turned out to be a great year, and we are seeing signs of a turning point in Market conditions. This data goes to show that overall 2012 is looking to be a much better year than previous.

* Miller Real Estate is very encouraged by this data, and still continues to work with multiple pending deals waiting to close. Although we cannot predict the future market of Real Estate, we can see the overall prices are on the slow but certain steady increase.

* Fewer active listings are the driving force to this increase sale price activity. While there are fewer and fewer discounted listings, buyer have to make the choice and purchase non foreclosure / short sale deals. This is great news for the conventional sellers that are hoping to sell their home. If the homeowner has had a solid Market Analysis completed, and lists the home accordingly, the end result may be a sale.

* There are still many homeowners that are underwater with their current Mortgage. What is also encouraging is the Banks are becoming more willing to help the homeowners in trying to sell the home short of what they owe, before the Real Estate goes into Foreclosure.

* With all the above happening, we feel an overall sense of economic recovery in the Barry County with regards to Real Estate, and we feel the citizens are able to make a more secure choice in finding that perfect home!

If you are looking to purchase Real Estate, Miller Real Estate is ready for you!! Call one of our Agents today to take the next step. If you are looking to Sell, call an Agent for a FREE MARKET ANALYSIS! See what proven results can do for you!

3 Month Barry County Market Update!

This data is for all of Barry County and only includes Residential Single Family Homes.

From January 1st 2011 - March 31st 2011 there were 119 Homes sold at an Average Price of $94,586.

From January 1st 2012 - March 31st 2012 there were 131 Homes sold at an Average Price of $111,746.

* We are having a Great start to 2012. Miller Real Estate's Agents have many sales pending, buyers looking, and new listings coming on the market.

* It is very encouraging to see the amount of activity taking place in the Barry County Real Estate market. While September through February are usually slower months, Miller Real Estate and its' agents were busy the whole time showing and selling homes. While the warmer weather could be a significant factor in this, we feel overall that the population of Barry County is feeling fairly economically secure.

* The market as a whole, is currently seeing fewer Foreclosure listings available in the market, which in turn is driving up the overall average selling price. While the average selling price is increasing, it does not mean that home values overall are increasing substantially.

* These are encouraging signs that we are in recovery mode in Barry County! Roads are being repaired, grants are being given to businesses for downtown development, vacant homes are being rehabbed, jobs are being added to Manufacturing / Service / Health industries, and overall we feel a sense of progress as we walk the streets of Barry County!

In the market for a home? Looking to sell? Contact a Miller Real Estate Agent today!

Banks are Destroying America’s Neighborhoods

Always wonder why you may see a house vacant for months on end? Ever wonder why a house is posted for Foreclosure but takes months to become listed?

Take a read of this Great Article out of Colorado! I am sure some of you have heard about the Foreclosure in Kent County that is sitting there with "Varmin." While really it is the new owners issue (The Bank).....this article may explain in better detail what the beast of a "Foreclosure" means.

While we hear of this data daily, it's all the more reason to commit to keeping your Mortgage local. The Local / Regional Banks have more compassion to the situation, and are always committed to keeping the local homeowners and market out of a dangerous Foreclosure territory. It's the larger National Banks that have so much more inventory which in turn, pushes them further towards what this article below explains!

Just another good example of a reason to shop local!
Banks are Destroying America’s Neighborhoods

3 Month Barry County Market Update

This data is for all of Barry County and only includes Residential Single Family Homes. - Provided by www.swmric.com

From October 1st of 2010 - December 31st of 2010 there were 101 Homes sold at an Average Price of $101,152.

From October 1st of 2011 - December 31st of 2011 there were 144 Homes sold at an Average Price of $114,147.

* This data shows we had a fantastic end to 2011!

* While we may hear differently on the National level, Locally Barry County is in rebound mode. We see this as a slow transition, but happily, it's in the right direction.

* Miller Real Estate was astounded at the level of business we produced during this same period, with  activity still continuing into 2012.  This time of year is usually slow, but the above data proves otherwise. Warm Weather? More Approved Buyers? Motivated Sellers? The reasoning could be endless. Two things are for sure....
1. The data shows an increase in # of homes sold and average price.
2. 2011 was also an increase overall compared to 2010.

* With a large number of approved buyers, pending sales, and closings Miller Real Estate has had since January 1st, we feel 2012 will be a fantastic year! If you want to Buy or Sell get in touch with a Miller Real Estate Agent today!!

3 Month Market Update!

The data below is for Barry County and for Single Family Residential Homes only!

From July 1st 2010 - September 30th 2010: 127 Homes were sold at an Average Sale Price of $121,867.

From July 1st 2011 - September 30th 2011: 169 Homes were sold at an Average Sale Price of $115,270.

This data shows many buyers are still purchasing homes into the Fall Season. This is great news for current sellers, as there is still activity happening within the Barry County Market.

While the Average Price has dropped from 2010 numbers, we feel that much of that is contributed by the slight increase in Foreclosure listings, with very discounted prices.

The overall Real Estate Market is still seeing a lot of active buyers. Miller Real Estate's agents have multiple pending closings going into the Fall Season. This is GREAT news as usually this time of year the Real Estate Market usually slows. There are still many homes for sale, the homes receiving the most showings and activity are usually attracting Multiple Offers. We have found that most of this activity is in the Foreclosure Market as these homes are usually deeply discounted. Price, we have found, is still the ultimate factor in buyer's behavior on buying current listings.

If you are ready to Buy or Sell, don't let the winter months ahead discourage you. Miller Real Estate is seeing a good amount of activity that is likely to last into the snow of upcoming Winter.

If you have any questions please call an agent of Miller Real Estate @ 269-945-5182.

3 Month Market Update!

This data below is from all of Barry County. This only includes Residential sold properties.

From April 1st - June 30th 2010 180 Homes were sold at an Average Sale Price of $105,216.

From April 1st - June 30th 2011 157 Homes were sold at an Average Sale Price of $119,896.

This news looks very promising, and while all markets are different, Miller Real Estate tries to shed light on our specific area with real time Barry County data.

What is truly remarkable is even though the period in 2010 had a higher number of homes sold, the period of 2011 had a higher Average Sale Price with fewer homes sold.

The market is seeing a lot of active buyers and few active sellers. Most of today's buyers are looking for a great deal on a good solid home. With those "Great" homes being listed few and far between, we are seeing multiple offers on all listings; Foreclosures, Short Sales, Normal Listings, and REO's. Buyers should be prepared to make any offer knowing there could be this multiple offer situation.

Miller Real Estate still has multiple Pending sales, and is working with several buyers into the month of September. We hope this trend continues into the Winter months of 2011.

If you have any questions please call an agent of Miller Real Estate @ 269-945-5182

3 Month Market Update!

This data below is from all of Barry County. This only includes Residential sold properties.

From January 1st - March 31st 2010 Barry County saw 115 homes sold. The average price of these homes was $97,061.

From January 1st - March 31st of 2011 Barry County saw 113 homes sold. The average price of these homes was $97,652.


*This data proves we are on track to have a good, if not better year than 2010. The increase in the average price, yet small, proves we are in rebound mode and we hope this continues into the latter part of 2011.

*Currently there are many buyers looking for Real Estate. Local lenders are commenting on how their traffic is up with buyers looking for Pre-Approvals.

Miller Real Estate has many sales pending at the current time, and lots of prospective buyers looking for homes as the selling season kicks in. The Spring / Summer months are usually the most active and unlike 2009, we feel the market is on an upswing with hopes this will continue. Unfortunately the price of homes has not increased much at all. Until we reduce supply, average sale prices will continue to be flat.

If you have any questions please contact an agent of Miller Real Estate at 269-945-5182.

December Market Update

The overall market dropped from 2009 to 2010 in December. 2010 overall was much better than 2009, and we hope this December drop will not continue into 2011.
Below are the results!

- December 1st to December 31st of 2009 we saw 44 homes sold in Barry County. The average sale price of these homes was $100,058.

- December 1st to December 31st of 2010 we saw 30 homes sold in Barry County. The average sale price of these homes was $91,183.
We feel that most of this was due to the First Time Homebuyer Tax Credit. While there are more and more foreclosures on the market daily, we are seeing a rise in activity over the $100,000 price range. We feel that many homes that have been listed over some time with no activity, will start to see some increase because of buyer confidence! Many buyers who could have bought over the $100,000 price range in the last 2 years, are now more secure with their financial standing and jobs to make the leap and purchase Real Estate.

Merry Christmas from Brandon Johnson, Dianne Feldpausch, Mark Hewitt, Heather Lewis and Justin Peck!

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