So, how was the real estate market in 2009? Well, here in Williamsburg, it was not all that different from 2008. As you already know, the Williamsburg real estate market has been in a slump for three years. But, in 2009, we did start hearing some positive news for a change. In fact, the news media has started looking for good news because good news IS news!
Here’s a chart summarizing the home sales in Williamsburg’s Golf Communities:
Notice that the number of homes sold in Ford’s Colony increased significantly in 2009 from 2008. This is a small sign, but hopefully, it signals the bottom. We are all ready to see a recovery. We have yet to see a significant impact from foreclosure sales here in Williamsburg. Less than 10% of the homes sold in 2009 were foreclosures.
If you would like to see the numbers behind the graph, click here.
The graph of lot sales volume changes since 2001 is even more dramatic than the home sale changes. Take a look (click chart for larger graph):
Here, too, Ford’s Colony is leading the way in recovery. Lot sales increased in 2009 over 2008 in Ford’s Colony. Lot sales are practically nonexistent in the other communities. For the details behind the graph, click here.
Inventories are high (350 lot listings in James City County on 1/31/10), and buyers are finding bargains. Note that the sale numbers do not include lot sales by the developers of any of these communities. However, developer sales have declined in a similar fashion.
I don’t think we are ready to throw a party and celebrate the return of prosperity for the real estate market. But, we are seeing the light at the end of the tunnel!