The view looks good from where we sit this summer and we have you to thank for it.
Houlihan Lawrence remains at the top, as the #1 brokerage serving Greenwich, Connecticut. It is a credit to our world class agents, staff and most of all our clients that we participated in 7 of the top 10 sales in the second quarter.
As the previous quarter closed out, we predicted that when the weather improved, pent-up demand would boost our local property market. Because of our close ties in the community, we knew that serious and focused buyers were waiting in the wings, ready to finally buy their dream homes this spring.
We are thrilled to have been correct on that call. We were able to erase most of the declines of the first quarter, as both home sales and prices rose this in the most recent quarter. Rising home prices is also being seen at the national level. Home values jumped more than 7 percent in May, the biggest increase in 4 years according to CoreLogic.
We also remain vigilant in keeping tabs on relevant changes tied to the broader economic situation and political action in Washington D.C. Despite volatility, the stock market was higher in the second quarter. The job market remains strong, and corporate profits continue to grow, thanks in part to tax relief.
Buyers are still very specific when it comes to selecting a property. Homes are on the market longer, on average nearly 8 months. That is an indication that while buyers will buy when they see what they want, at the price they want, there is still no sense of urgency.
Serious sellers must have a competitive mindset ahead of listing. That means pre-market painting, along with updates, and in many cases, professional staging. Initial pricing needs to be strategic and realistic. Rising mortgage rates, and the increased cost of borrowing money for buyers also needs to be considered. An impartial outsider assessment of a property is an essential set in preparing to list a home.
Some regional statistics we'd like to share:
Greenwich North of the Parkway saw a spike in home sales, rising more than 85 percent in the second quarter compared to last year. Sellers still have to be patient. On average it can take close to a year to sell a property. But buyers are seeing value in the area and offers are conservative. That trend is reflected in a decline in average sales prices.
Sales were slower in Greenwich South of the Parkway but there were some price increases, most notably in the $4- $5m range. The highest demand is for properties priced under $2 million.
We were not surprised to see that home sales South of the Post Road benefited from their proximity to town and the waterfront community. The number of homes sold, and the average price, both gained traction.
Cos Cob was a standout success. The number of homes sold soared by 64 percent in the second quarter compared to last year. Average sale prices were higher by a staggering 34 percent. The area is close to the train for commuters, as well as dining and shopping.