We get asked this question all the time.  For the most part, it’s a pretty straight-forward question and answer……………or is it?

The first question that comes to mind is………………compared to what? 

If you are comparing it to yesterday, it’s probably about the same.  As the length of time increases, the answer gets a little more convoluted.  It may also vary on whom you may ask.  A seller who has had his home on the market for over a year may have a totally different perspective on this question than a real estate professional, Realtor,  who is actually working in the real estate market on a daily basis.

And what are we comparing?  How many properties are on the market?  The average list price?  The average sales price? The average days on market (time from when it was listed until it sold)?  These all effect the local real estate market.

The first lesson to be learned is that real estate is local.  You can’t pick up your home and move it to Ohio very easily, or down south. When the media is talking about the real estate market in California or Florida, it may or may not be the same as in Pennsylvania, and more importantly, in your community.  This lesson is very important and especially to this question.  Even to say that one county is doing well, may not mean that all communities in that county are doing well.  There are 30 miles between Milton and Shamokin and even though they are in the same county their real estate markets are vastly different. There are many elements to the real estate market and all are equally important.

Buyers are concerned with the local economy and the general beauty of the downtown, the school district, and the general perception of the residents of the area/region.  The last one normally has the most affect on those who are relocating to the community and have no previous knowledge of it.  After they have been around for some time, they will develop their own perceptions of the community/area.

There is no question that interest rates and the national economy influence the local real estate market, but some areas are rather insulated from the effects of those influences.

With all the explanations given above, it is sometimes easier for us as Realtors to compare geographic regions, and one of the best for this area is by school districts.

Here are the most current reports for the Milton Area School District Market Stats, Warrior Run School District Market Stats and Lewisburg School District Market Stats.  This is for residential listings only (no commercial, lots, multi-family homes, etc) and is for March 2012.

Leading local insurance associate Danielle Radel, ACSR of the Coup Agency in Milton and Lewisburg has been named the company’s top producer for the 1st quarter of 2012.

“This award was established to recognize the efforts of the agency’s sales team who perform at the highest level for the previous quarter.  We are proud to acknowledge Danielle’s commitment, teamwork, accountability, positive attitude, overall productivity and ability to effectively handle changes in her areas of expertise,” explained R. Jeffrey Coup, President of the Coup Agency.  “We foster a team effort in our organization and Danielle has shown that spirit of partnership with the other employees and with her customers.”

The Coup Agency has been serving the insurance and real estate needs of the central Susquehanna Valley for over 70 years.  It is a fourth generation business and has seen strong growth throughout its history.  The key to that growth is by simply offering the highest degree of respect and professional service to clients and prospects.  The entire staff of the Coup Agency believes in friendly, professional service and follows management’s lead of service to their customers and to the community.

 For more information visit The Coup Agency’s Insurance Website.