Greetings,
I hope that 2020 finds you well and feeling excited for the year ahead with fond memories of the last year and its accomplishments, as I am. People ask me daily about our local real estate market, so I thought I’d share our year-end statistics to help keep you informed. Overall, though inventory was lower, the 2019 local real estate market was very strong with increases in both residential resales and new construction.
The Market:
According to our Eastern New York Regional MLS which contains the entire Capital Region through the Adirondacks, in 2019 the total number of properties listed decreased to 27,476 from 28,801. The number of properties sold stayed constant with 54% (15,064) of listed properties sold compared to 54% (15,564) sold in 2018. The average sale price of those sold increased from $220,006 in 2018 to $227,995 in 2019, and the sale-to-list price ratio was 97% both years. Lastly, the average days on market decreased from 81 to 76 days last year.
It is interesting to note, that in Saratoga County a few of these market indicators are markedly stronger. The total homes listed did fall as well from 7,132 to 7,067, but the percentage sold rose from 48% to 55% and the average sale price - while it increased at the same rate - is considerably higher than in the overall MLS at $324,081 up from $312,097 in 2018. The average days on market ticked up a bit to 67 days from 62 in Saratoga County, and the sale-to-list price ratio only went down by a quarter of a percent to 98%. Again, it appears this past year that the tax advantages and other perceived attractions have kept Saratoga County homes at a higher value and in greater demand.
Our Stats: We were fortunate to have another year of growth as well at Cartier Real Estate Group where our total sales increased in 2019 as well to $27.5 million, up from $18 million in 2018. Broken down we sold $23.3 million in residential and $4.5 million in commercial sales for a total of 66 transactions. Individually, I increased my total sales to $18.2 million including residential and commercial up from $12 million in 2018.
Our Approach: As a boutique brokerage, we work diligently to stand out among our competition by producing smart, striking marketing materials, creating buzz about listings through strategic marketing, networking with fellow realtors through social media and unique broker events, and using creative methods to find homes for buyers. We work proactively and ethically for clients with budgets of all sizes. Every client is a big client to us – and we thrive on making things happen.
While we are proud of sales we’ve achieved for our clients, we believe success is measured by our ability to give back to our local community each year.
Giving Back: This year we maintained memberships with the Saratoga County Chamber of Commerce, Saratoga Springs Downtown Business Association, and supported several local nonprofits including: Upstate NY Autism Alliance, The Dake Foundation for Children, Saratoga County Children’s Committee, Hope Club of Capital Region, Saratoga Regional YMCA, The Incredible Teddy Foundation, Proctors, Lions Club of Greenfield and Saratoga, Catholic Charities of Saratoga, Greenfield Historical Society, and several local schools, sports teams and fire departments. In addition, we make a donation annually to Shelters of Saratoga each December for each house we represent during the year. In 2019 were thrilled to be able to donate $2,500 to help the fight against homelessness here in Saratoga.
Looking Ahead: I’m grinding through January and am optimistic that 2020 will be another record year. I’d so appreciate your help in that goal by referring your friends, family, neighbors or co-workers that I can help to buy or sell this year. For each referral in 2020 I’ll send you a $100 gift cardto your place of choice as a token of thanks for your continued support.
Best wishes to you and yours for a happy, healthy and prosperous 2020! Please know that it means so much to me to be your RealtorÒ and that I’m always available to you, or someone you send my way.
Warm regards,
Melissa Cartier
Real Estate Broker/Owner
c: 518.321.5762