Friday, February 13, 2009

Seneca Crossing Subdivision, 2008 Rated Market Update by Lawrence Evans of Team Limejuicer

Seneca Crossing
Market Update for 2008

Seneca Crossing is located between Route 355 and Route 27 (Ridge Road). In 1995, this subdivision came off the drawing board and building commenced. It was a popular subdivision right out the gate with a brand new Elementary School added almost immediately. The four builders involved were Crane Homes, Winchester Homes, Ryan Homes and U.S. Homes. They built a lot of different models ranging in size from 2100 square feet to 6000 square feet. The models that they built were as follows: Exeter, Avalon, Raleigh, Foxhall, Cypress, Benfield, Devon, Newcastle, Sinclair, Arizona, Talbert, Collins, Browning, Kennett, Chelsea, Owens, Glenhaven, Birchfield, Barcroft, Wellington, Belvedere, and the Newport. Needless to say, there are ample choices of floor plans that make this subdivision interesting to any prospective purchaser. This location is convenient to shopping with Milestone Shopping Center right across the way and an I-270 on ramp only 1/2 mile away.

The children go to Sally Ride Elementary School (Magnet Program), Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Middle School and Seneca Valley High School.

Highest Sale for 2008

11407 Seneca Forest Circle - Colonial built by Winchester Homes sold for $685,000 in March 2008

The home was in average condition, priced above market and scored a 5. Total score for the buyer was 19 and for the seller was 25. The higher the number for the buyer the better, the lower the number for the seller the better.

Lowest Sale for 2008

11727 Scarlet Leaf Circle - Colonial built by U.S. Homes in 1999 sold for $465,000 in August 2008. Total score for the buyer was 19 and for the seller was 25.

Total number of Successful Sales in 2008 - 19

Total number of Failed Sales in 2008 - 21

A good portion of these failed sales were short sales (pre-foreclosures) we can anticipate these coming back on the market as foreclosures (bank-owned properties)

Best Buyer Deal in 2008

20826 Tall Forest Drive - Regular Sale came on the market 28 August 2008 for $474,000, went under contract 24 September 2008 and sold 9 October 2008 for $465,000. This home was in above average condition and scored a 9, value scoring was an 8. The buyer scored a 24.

Worst Buyer Deal in 2008

11407 Seneca Forest Circle came on the market 21 November 2007 for $730,000, went under contract 26th March 2008 and sold 28 May 2008 for $685,000. This home had an unfinished lower level, was rated in average condition with a 5 value. The buyer scored a 19. For your information there was a property around the corner for less money, similar condition, same square footage and a finished basement. Why did the buyer buy this one? Mmmmmm, maybe they didn't drive around the corner!

Best Seller Deal in 2008

Goes without saying if the buyer didn't do well then the seller must have....the winner is 11407 Seneca Forest Circle - Seller scored a 25

Worst Seller Deal in 2008

Winner is 11618 Settlers Circle came on the market 18 March 2008 for $656,000, lowered the price to $599,900 on April 13th, again lowered their price to $589,900 on April 16th, again lowered their price to $549,900 on 22nd April. Contracted on 15th May and Sold 26th June for $515,000 with $20,000 closing help. I rated this property 26th March with a 6 condition meaning less than expected condition for this price range - it needed showcasing and some TLC, cost would have been $5,000. This home sold could have sold for $90,000 more....Seller scored a 31.

Forecast for 2009


The market value for these homes should stabilize this year, they are now at market, but can expect further decline during the first three quarters. There should be at least 15 to 20 sales on these streets with the Sold Prices for the foreclosures being no lower than $425,000 and the improved regular sales capping out at $550,000. A steady depreciation of 1.2 to 1.4% on a monthly basis can be expected. Should Germantown's inventory numbers decrease to between 270 and 320 total properties available one can anticipate we will have reached the last of the monthly depreciation. Current Germantown inventory numbers are 458 total homes available a decrease of over 30% since November 2008.

I hope you found this information useful, please feel free to contact me directly if you would like to make sure you get the best deal in town for both buying and/or selling.

Lawrence Evans
Team Limejuicer - Re/Max Town Center - Germantown

Email me at Lawrence@Limejuicer.com or my cell phone (301) 922-2156


The Limejuicer Rating System is copyright protected 2009

No comments: