Real estate statistics are essential to running a successful real estate practice. It is crucial to take the time to track and analyze the data available so that you might have a leg up in understand the direction of you market. Additionally, you need to be able to present your clients with this information in manageable, bite-sized pieces that they can understand and use.

The Experts Know the Numbers
Being able to answer general real estate statistics questions with actual numbers and hard facts immediately establishes you as a knowledgeable expert and valuable source of information Sharing more precise information about the market that the nightly news makes you the resource your circle of influence needs. And in this day and age of digital interface, being able to put a face and personality to information is unique and an invaluable way to connect.

Everyone Likes to Know the Numbers
Keeping an eye on real estate statistics is a common part of the informed individual and business owner’s routine. Even if they are not buying or selling, the real estate market is such an excellent reflection and indicator of bigger things, this kind of information is highly valuable. Sharing the information in the form of a quarterly report is an excellent, low-pressure way to stay on the radar, remind people you are in real estate, and that you are an informed expert. This is also the kind of interesting information people will share with their own circles, even their friends and family. This provides you with a valuable source of new leads.

Context is King
So you have the numbers and you can quote them verbatim at the next meet-up. But failing to share information within the context of something the layperson can understand defeats the purpose. Being able to answer the “why” regarding a particular set of real estate statistics sets you apart from the hordes of agents spouting out meaningless figures to the masses. Think about what you’re seeing in the marketplace that would affect those values: seasonal trends, changes in financing, economic changes, government incentives and so forth.

Which Numbers To Know
There are hundreds of real estate statistics that you could conceivably memorize and share at the right opportunity. But knowing just a few key stats is all that is required. The top three you should focus on are the average sales price, the median sales price and inventory levels.

Say it With a Picture
Charts and Graphs are the best way to explain and present real estate statistics to non-realtors. A simple graph can really drive home the dramatic ups and downs in the market trends, far better than your words can. If you keep track of just a few market stats every month in a spreadsheet, eventually you’ll have an enormous resource from which you can quickly make charts and graphs.

Anyone can learn and track these three basic real estate statistics and learn to use them like a well-oiled weapon in their practice. Master a few basics and watch your position as expert and valuable resource soar like an upward trending bar graph.

Lauren Roberts is an REO industry veteran and the founder of REO Maestro. Founded in 2001, Lauren’s objectives and approach were very deliberate: to aggressively broaden the talents of her REO agent team by combining their expertise with systemic tracking, reporting, organization and automation. She partnered with Shupe Software Technologies whose progressive approach to software development naturally and seamlessly complimented Roberts’ vast industry expertise. Inspired by overwhelming industry and peer demand, Roberts and Shupe Tech successfully launched REO Maestro to REO professionals nationwide. In 2010, the company changed its name to Realis as they welcomed even more advanced technologies to their product offering.

Scottsdale, Arizona is annually named one of the best places to reside in the USA. Scottsdale is rich with golf courses, restaurants, art galleries, parks, great schools, and outdoor activities that promote an active lifestyle. The World Series Champion San Francisco Giants spring training stadium is a popular spot to visit. The city also has very low crime rates which appeals to everyone. There are also cutting edge hospitals and medical research facilities in the area. The city has a unique mix of modern and southwestern style architecture that blends nicely with the beautiful desert landscape. The sunsets can be absolutely breathtaking most evenings.

North Scottsdale has some popular subdivisions including Ancala, Silverleaf, Estancia, Desert Mountain, Mirabel, Troon North, Desert Highlands, and The Boulders to name a few. Paradise Valley is also a beautiful district in the heart of Scottsdale. The average sales price for homes in North Scottsdale in 2010 was around $550,000. This area of the Valley carries a bit of prestige and allure that appeals to CEOs, movie stars, and some of the Valley’s most successful entrepreneurs. However, compare these home prices to California, New York, Florida, or Illinois and you will see that your income gets stretched a lot further here while still preserving a wonderful lifestyle. Many people move from these states to Arizona because of the affordability, sunny weather, and fantastic lifestyle that it offers.

TODAY’S REAL ESTATE TRENDS IN SCOTTSDALE

As of February 2, 2011 the average listed price of homes for sale is $737,000. The actual median sales price is $278,000. The average price per square foot of these homes for sale is $149 and there are currently around 4,500 properties listed for sale. Over the last five years homes have dropped in price nearly 35% in Scottsdale. However, this trend is starting to change. From November 2010 to January 2011 sales prices have increased about 1.7%. This is a big relief for property owners in the valley.

SCOTTSDALE REAL ESTATE FORECAST

With the recent slight increase of real estate sales prices it may be an indication that the market has bottomed out. Nobody can say for sure if sales prices will continue to increase or if there will be more dips. All we can do is track the numbers and make any educated assumptions. One thing is for sure, Scottsdale will continue to be an amazing place to live regardless of what happens to the home prices.