More often than not these days, I hear (or overhear) people suggesting or even saying, frequently without basis or merit, that they believe real estate is stagnant; that nothing in the market is moving, adding to our recession woes nationally, regionally and, most important, locally—here on Amelia Island.

Actually, quite the contrary is true: real estate is one of the truly bright spots among leading economic indicators, like job growth, that otherwise continue to lag and disappoint.

According to the National Association of Realtors^® (NAR), existing-home sales rose sharply in December, increasing for the fifth time in the past six months. Such sales—which represent completed transactions that include single-family, townhomes, condominiums and co-ops—rose 12.3 percent to a seasonally adjusted annual rate of 5.28 million in December, up from 4.70 million in November.

And Lawrence Yun, NAR’s chief economist, reported sales are on an uptrend. “December was a good finish to 2010. The pattern over the past six months is clearly showing a recovery. The December pace is near the volume we’re expecting for 2011,” he said, “so the market is getting much closer to an adequate, sustainable level.”¹

Further, existing-home sales in the southern United States increased 10.1 percent to an annual pace of 1.97 million in December, NAR reported.

Here at home, Nassau County statistics parallel this positive trend. From 2008-2010, existing-home sales in the month of December increased 13 percent, while similar sales for January, from 2009-2011, jumped 10 percent.

Year-to-year county comparisons are even more encouraging. After total property volume closures slipped a devastating 38 percent from 2007-2008, this number improved by a whopping 26 percent between 2008-2009 to a drop of just 12 percent.

In the latest year for which data is available, 2009-2010, the turnaround not only is complete but reveals cheerful optimism for the years ahead. Nassau County registered a 21% increase in total dollar volume sales year to year, with 1,580 units sold and an average sale price of $247,000.

COLDWELL BANKER The Amelia Group led all of Nassau County in 2010 volume with over $63 million in closed sales. Our office also led with $161 million in listed property.

Personally, I’m pleased to report that I was Top Producer for all of Nassau County in 2010, closing over $15 million in volume sales—and also led our office with over $43 million in volume listings.

Clearly, we are seeing very positive signs of real estate growth in Nassau County and, in particular, on Amelia Island. It’s time to rethink your buying and selling priorities, and to move confidently forward if you’re considering the sale of your home or the purchase of property.

As a proven market leader, I take great pride in working tirelessly to ensure that every buying and selling experience exceeds my clients’ expectations.

Contact me at your convenience, and I’ll be glad to explain the competitive advantages you can achieve as your agent of choice.

1-National Association of Realtors; Washington, DC; January 20, 2011.