Santa Barbara County's Record Year

The November numbers are in from Santa Barbara County's CORT report, which charts monthly sales for both North and South county. Santa Barbara South County sales for 2012 are up a staggering 41% over 2011. Last month's sales were up 50% over the same month last year, and 90% over November 2007. Meanwhile, Rebecca Riskin & Associates has closed 32 sales year-to-date for a total of $218 million, four times the amount of sales in 2011.

Santa Barbara's Stellar Market

More than anywhere else in the country, California metros are showing some of the largest year-over-year asking price increases according to Realtor.com. The Santa Barbara metro area tops that list, posting a 32.05% year over year increase, a staggering 6% higher than any other metro area nationwide. Complementing this trend, California metros are also posting some of the largest inventory declines.

September numbers are also in from CORT, confirming a continued improvement in Santa Barbara South County Sales over the past five years. Last month's closed sales were up 8% over September 2011. Here at Rebecca Riskin & Associates, we have had four closings in the past 30 days, with 3 more listings pending.

Local, National Sales Continue Strong

Zillow announced yesterday that U.S. home values continued to climb for the eight consecutive month, according to data from their July 2012 Real Estate Market Reports. Home values are up 1.2% nationwide, a healthy number supported by low inventory in many markets. Here in Santa Barbara, July South County sales shook off the previous month's dip to return to positive growth. 2012 sales are an astonishing 44% higher than last year. Meanwhile, inventory is at a 6 year low! Does this mean home prices are finally on the rise?