DESERT REAL ESTATE MARKET REPORT
2018 Year in Review
As we start 2019, it’s time to take look back at how the Desert Real Estate Market performed last year and look for developing trends.
In 2018, there were 5,836 single family home sales throughout the Coachella Valley. Those homes sold at an average of $610,300 and an average of $260. / Sq Ft. Homes that were priced correctly for the market, sold on average in 89 days. The highest sale price in 2018 was $12,000,000 for a home located in The Madison in La Quinta.
With those statistics, we compared 2018 sales to the previous year and found that while the number of sales were down slightly overall, (2%), Selling Prices were up 10% and the price / sq ft was up 8%. The time it took to sell was down 10% from the year prior. The highest priced home sale in 2017 was $8,700,000. for a home located in The Vintage Country Club in Indian Wells.
When we look at the performance of each individual city; prices are up across the valley with two stand-outs –Palm Desert had a 20% price increase and La Quinta had a 15% price increase.
While prices are up, inventories remain low as compared to this time of season in years past. Historically when the inventory of homes for sale is low, prices tend to rise due to the pressures of supply and demand.
Interest rates also play an important role in how markets perform; rates are still low despite the fact that the Fed gave us 4 rate increases in 2018. As rates increase, buyers can afford less house for the same mortgage payment, which ultimately puts downward pressure on home prices.
But good news, rates pulled back a bit this week. Conforming loans, (up to $484,350) for a 30 year fixed rate is still just 4.47%.
The Coachella Valley has long been viewed as a destination forthe soon to retire and already retired home buyers looking for an active lifestyle, but with the increase in mobile commuting, people can work from anywhere. We’re also seeing more young home buyers who are looking for a quality lifestyle, moving to the Desert full time. Easy Freeway and International Airport access makes that possible.
Combine the Lifestyle that only the Coachella Valley offers along with affordable home prices – the Valley is and will continue to be a destination for both full time residents, second home buyers and
We have a strong and steady real estate market here in the Coachella Valley.
If you would like more detailed information about your neighborhood specifically, drop me a line – we just finished our 2018 “Year in Review” Market Report, I’m happy to send you a copy.
Cathi Walter
Broker Associate with Bennion Deville Homes
760.218.5752
Cathi(at)DesertAreaHomeFinder(dotted)com
