November Contracts: Back on Trend
November exhibited the typical 4th quarter decline in activity, but outperformed November of 2017 by 4%. There were 672 single-family home contracts in Greater Hartford during the month, a number that was comparable to the September 2018 result.
As we approach the year end, the chart at the top has basically finalized its shape. The months of June, July, August, and September feel out of line. It’s not that we’re questioning the data, rather we’re observing that those four months do not smoothly connect the May and October data points like they do in some years.
The reasons behind the abrupt market change are, unfortunately, not a mystery that we are likely to solve. We neither predicted the change, nor were able to explain it as it happened. Even now, a few months removed, hindsight has not provided any additional information. No single factor has emerged as the defining narrative for the summer months. As always, we prefer to acknowledge the uncertainty and factor it into our thinking rather than pretend to be able to explain it.
Even though the year isn’t quite over, we’ve begun the planning process for 2019. We’re looking forward to another active year in the real estate markets.
How can we help you with your real estate goals?
3 Burr Street, Unit A-2, West Hartford
Come see this nicely updated one bedroom, one bathroom end unit condo located in the heart of West Hartford Center and Blue Back Square.
The eat-in kitchen is renovated and features tile flooring and backsplash, stainless steel appliances, and plenty of storage space. A living room with electric fireplace opens to the kitchen. The bedroom has double closets and a fully remodeled bathroom.
The condo also comes with laundry in the unit, a reserved parking spot, low condo fees ($276/month), and plenty of guest parking.
Supremely convenient to restaurants, retail and grocery shopping, a movie theater, the Town library, highway access, and public transportation- the location can’t be beat.
3 Burr Street, Unit A-2 is offered at $155,000. If you’d like to see this home, please have your agent arrange a showing or call Amy at 860-655-2125 to schedule a visit. More details and a photo tour are available.
16 Charter Oak Place, Unit D, Hartford
Enjoy pretty City views from this end unit town house condo, located on quiet, historic Charter Oak Place.
Inside this lovely Victorian building you’ll find the unit’s main living area is a wide open plan, allowing for natural light and flow throughout. The eat-in kitchen overlooks the formal living room. The living room features a working wood burning fireplace, as well as access to a balcony, offering beautiful views of the City and beyond. A powder room is tucked away near the front entrance. There is oak hardwood flooring throughout this level.
Upstairs, the vaulted ceiling provides great light and amplitude. This level features two bedrooms, both with generous closets, a full bathroom, and laundry area.
The condo also features thermopane windows, gas heat, central air, basement storage space, low monthly HOA fees ($150), and one parking spot behind the building.
16 Charter Oak Place, Unit D is offered at $154,900. If you’d like to see this home, please have your agent arrange a showing or call Amy at 860-655-2125 to schedule a visit. More details and a photo tour are available.
October Contracts: Surprise!
Just when it seemed like the real estate year was over, the month of October turned out to be surprisingly active.
Hartford County recorded 812 single-family home contracts, which was more than 11% higher than October of last year. The total was also a significant jump from last month, September 2018, when the county finished with just 684 contracts.
This single-month reversal is one of the largest we have seen since we began reporting on monthly contract data. There appears to be no direct cause for the increase. The economy has not dramatically changed, election day has not arrived, mortgage rates remain slightly below 5%, and we are not aware of any major new narratives that would justify such a significant market shift.
We’re happy to be reporting positive market news, however unexpected it may be. Consult with your favorite real estate agent to find out how this upswing impacted your town or neighborhood market. There may still be opportunities this year, and this is the time to begin planning for next year’s spring market.
