The summer, however, tends to be quieter in real estate. While we saw a modest improvement in market conditions in the second quarter it wasn't enough to erase the losses from the previous quarter. Home sales dropped 12% year over year in Q2. A weak NYC market, the impact of recent tax reforms and a perception that the market has more room to decline has kept some buyers patiently on the sidelines. Those that have stepped up and are making offers are getting value-driven deals done.

What catches a buyer's attention today? Strategic initial pricing plays a key role in reducing days on market and maximizing a selling price. In 2019, it's taken, on average, more than 230 days to sell a home. However, when a home is priced in a way that doesn't require a reduction to sell the average days on market falls to just 80 days. With inventory on the rise, it is more important than ever to price leaner than the competition. Condition also plays a critical role in attracting buyers today. Buyers are doing their initial home tours online and a seller can run the risk of rejection before the buyer even physically visits a home. Savvy sellers have noticed and are sprucing up their homes and often staging them to get more online clicks, showings and offers.

Among the highlights from the second quarter was a nearly 40% jump in the geography North of the Merritt Parkway. Buyers have taken notice of price declines here and stepped in to take advantage of the value propositions. Mid-Country Greenwich also experienced a nearly 8% increase in home sales last quarter. Value is proving to dictate where the buyers perform.

We are grateful to our world class agents and loyal clients who have made Houlihan Lawrence retain our leadership position in Greenwich, Connecticut for more than four and a half years. Thank you.