The title of this blog can be deceiving as are some statistics. While most real estate companies in most cities can say, "We're still selling", the question is, "Where, to whom and how much". It is also important to know how many months supply your city has on the market, often referred to as the "absortion rate".
The New Bern Multiple Listing Service primarily covers Craven, Pamlico and Jones counties. The population density is heaviest in Havelock and New Bern, both located in Craven County. Since MCAS Cherry Point continues to grow, you would assume that the areas near the Air Station, specifically New Bern and Havelock, would continue to sell; and you would be right! An additional point is that most of these marines are young and therefore first time buyers, with nothing to sell before they buy and very loan worthy. (A Realtor side note: these are usually not lucrative sales since the price level is low but much more fulfilling, which I prefer. If you have never worked with a Marine family, you are missing one of the best parts of real estate sales.)
So how were our sales in 2008? Havelock closed 260 homes in 2008 and as of today, there are 110 on the market. That means there is less than a 6 month supply available, indicating a sellers market. WOW! The city of New Bern did not fare quite as well with available homes at 331, closed sales for 2008 at 331; more than a 12 month supply which is clearly a buyers market and yet, selling more than most cities across the US.
You can search for homes in Havelock and New Bern at http://www.marcia-joy.com/new-bern-real-estate/all-new-bern.htm , look at the City of Havelock homepage at http://www.cityofhavelock.com/ , or look at New Bern's 300 year celebration site at http://newbern300years.com
Marcia
