The purpose of this page is to give you a current view of the Humboldt County real estate market. I update this page every few months to give you useful information, to assist you in your buying or selling decisions.The purpose of this page is to give you a current view of the Humboldt County real estate market. I update this page every few months to give you useful information, to assist you in your buying or selling decisions.

Background

Between 2001 and 2005, Humboldt County experienced a boom in real estate prices, with home prices more than doubling. By early 2006 the median sale price in Humboldt County had reached  $333,000. Sale prices then began a gradual descent which continued until a bottom was reached around 2012. At this point, sale prices were 25 - 30% below what they were six years earlier. In 2013 sale prices began increasing - a trend that has continued to the present.

Current Conditions

The median sale price currently is about $315,000. That number has held constant for the last few months. The number of homes for sale has increased by 10% from a year ago which helps stabilize prices and allows people to sell who have been holding off until prices recovered. The biggest concern at present is what will happen with interest rates going forward? They have ticked up recently to over 4.25%, which is lower than the historical average, but higher than they've been during most of the rise in sale prices over the past five years.

Advice for Buyers

If you haven't been pre-qualified for a mortgage loan recently it is a good idea to do so. I would be happy to provide a list of some local lenders that have done a good job for my clients. Assuming you will need a loan to finance your home, having a pre qualification letter from a lender is essential in negotiating with a seller when you find the house that's right for you. To stretch your buying dollar further, you should consider homes that have somewhat dated interiors, if the design, construction quality and location is desirable to you.

I can work with you to lower your out-of-pocket purchase costs when writing your offer to purchase. I know how to help buyers negotiate the best terms and see beyond the surface appearance of homes and the effect of location on market value and appeal.

Advice for Sellers

Sale prices are higher than they’ve been for over 10 years. To get the maximum sale price for your home, you will likely need to do some things to get it ready for sale. To know which things are more important, or which things are more cost effective to make your home sell at the highest price in the shortest period of time, can be very valuable to you. I've been selling homes for over 30 years, and as the commercial goes, "I know a lot because I've seen a lot."

Finally, you need to price your home competitively. It's critical to look at recent SALE prices of comparable homes, NOT asking prices. I can render an accurate opinion of value. Clean, sharp looking homes sell quicker -- and at a higher price, than homes with deferred maintenance. Ask for my free report, "Marketing Tips To Prepare Your Home for Sale."