Realtors cautiously optimistic

While only 43 single-family homes were sold in Yuma in January, Realtors are cautiously optimistic, since pending contracts for February are up and inventory of houses for sale is down, according to Michael Hall, Broker Matt Fischer ERA Realtor in Yuma.

  Homes in the $250,000 or less price range continue to be the highest number sold, with 33 purchased in January. Nine homes sold in the $250,000 to $399,999 price range, and just one home was sold in the $400,000-plus category.

  Active listings numbered 673 in January, which was down 14.5 percent from November. Supply of homes has also decreased to an average of 15.7 months, a decrease of five months from the November figures.

  An increase in the number of pending contracts provides good news for the local real estate industry. Pending sales numbered 143, an increase of over 25 percent compared with November, when the report was last published. The average listing price of $205,059 was also an increase over November's average, as was the average sales price of $192,312 for January, up 11 percent.

  In the $149,999 or less category, there were 190 active listings in January, with 58 under contract. Fifteen homes were sold in January. Days on market averaged 144, and there was a 12.7-month supply of homes.

  From $150,000 - $249,999, there were 291 active listings, with 57 sales pending. Eighteen homes were sold. The average number of days on the market was 113, and there is a 16.2-month supply of homes in this price category.

  At the $250,000 - $399,999 level, there were 147 active listings, with 20 contracts pending. Just nine homes sold in this higher price category, and the average days on the market is also higher at 147. A 16.3-month supply of homes is available.

  At $400,000-plus, 45 active listings are available, with one home sold in January and eight sales pending.  No average days on the market or supply were available.

  Hall reports on the single-family homes sold in Yuma each month. Depending on the day the report is filed, some statistics could vary.