Here are the April sold statistics for properties that closed escrow in April, and they show some interesting differences between Ventura, Camarillo and Oxnard. Comparing differences with March stats, Camarillo and Oxnard are still showing price declines, but Ventura’s sold prices have jumped.

Because there can be variances that affect the list prices and sold prices, we tend to focus on the more “generic” price per square foot when we analyze where the market is going.

The drag on Oxnard, and to a lesser extent Camarillo, are the numerous “short-pays” and foreclosure properties (REO – real estate owned) that are putting the big hurt on regular sellers.

As painful as the market is for existing property owners, the overall effect is a cleansing of a marketplace that was way off kilter. We are seeing a flood of entry level, first time homebuyers coming into the market – and investors, who are making numerous “low ball” offers on properties hoping to score big in this down turn.

It’ll be fun to see how we progress through spring and into summer!

A leading indicator of real estate activity is pending sales – homes that have just gone into escrow. Buyers have put down hard cash as their security deposit for their offer and their offer has been accepted by the sellers.

We just compiled the March pending sales, comparing first quarter 2008 to first quarter 2007. Some big surprises! Oxnard is screaming up in home sales, Ventura is about even, but Camarillo for some reason is still “in irons”. You sailors out there know what that expression means!

The media may have you believe real estate is “in irons”, but these statistics for Ventura, Oxnard and Camarillo tell a different story!

Here are the March statistics for homes sold in Camarillo, Oxnard and Ventura. Oxnard is seeing a 19% spike in the number of single family homes sold since February.

The number of days a home is on the market is down dramatically for Camarillo, Oxnard and Ventura. This means there is greater buyer demand and homes are selling faster.

Prices have generally gone down for the three cities but it depends on the size of the home. The smaller homes in Camarillo and the largest homes in Oxnard increased in sold price. Ventura saw twice the number of larger homes sold than February but with fewer over the $1,000,000 range.

Condo prices in Camarillo and Ventura decreased since February.

Here you will see the comparison statistics for the 4th quarter of homes sold between 2005 to 2007 for Camarillo, Oxnard and Ventura.

Here are the February statistics for homes sold in Camarillo, Oxnard and Ventura.