So, has the housing market finally bottomed out? This is a topic where everyone seems to have a different opinion. The media certainly doesn't help clarify the situation and tends to cause more confusion for home buyers and sellers. Let's take a look at the statistics to get an unbiased, factual point of view about our local Santa Clarita real estate market.

A buyers' market is one where there are more sellers than buyers, of course, but specifically it's when there are more than six months of inventory (homes) for sale in the Multiple Listing Service. With that said, here are how many months of inventory the following price ranges have here in Santa Clarita.
• $0 - $99,000 has 9.8 months of inventory (buyers' market)
• $100,000 - $199,999 has 4.9 months of inventory (sellers' market)
• $200,000 - $299,999 has 5.5 months of inventory (sellers' market)
• $300,000 - $399,999 has 4.2 months of inventory (sellers' market)
• $400,000- $499,999 has 4.4 months of inventory (sellers' market)
• $500,000 - $599,999 has 5.2 months of inventory (sellers' market)
• $600,000 - $699,999 has 8.5 months of inventory (buyers' market)
• $700,000 - $799,999 has 12.8 months of inventory (buyers' market)
• $800,000 - $899,999 has 17.7 months of inventory (buyers' market)
• $900,000 - $999,999 has 31 months of inventory (buyers' market)
• $1,000,000 - $1,499,999 has 28.7 months of inventory (buyers' market)
• $1,500,000 - $1,999,999 has 29 months of inventory (buyers' market)
• $2,000,000 and above has 12 months of inventory (buyers' market)
* Information obtained from Tempo MLS is deemed reliable but not guaranteed.

Joshua Suess is with the Suess Home Selling Team at Re/Max 702-4640 www.suesssellshomes.com.

Is Santa Clarita a Draw for "Flippers?"
by Jennifer Thompson
Back when real estate was booming a few years ago, there were many jumping into the market as investors or "flippers" trying to make a quick buck by purchasing homes that needed work, restoring them to like new and then quickly turning around and selling them at a profit. Many of the investors had no real concern about the home or the communities they were buying in; they were only concerned about the next "flip."

Today, there are many bargains to be had because of the number of foreclosures and short sales rising among homes listed for sale. Investors are out scouring for deals in pursuit of great returns. However, more often than not, Santa Clarita draws buyers who want to invest in their future by purchasing a home.

With the government's economic stimulus plan, low interest rates, and affordable home prices, there are many folks out there for the first time, looking to buy and invest in real estate. Those wanting a piece of the American dream - home ownership - find the community that we all live in a very desirable place to be. Santa Clarita's amenities make the investment to buyers even more
meaningful.

Jennifer Thompson is a Realtor® and owner of Regal Realty of California
295-8715 www.regalrealtyca.com.

Get a Move On by Eliminating Clutter
by Casey Kirkman

It's common knowledge that clutter-free homes sell faster and for more money than their junk-filled counterparts. The question is, what do you do with all those personal mementos, storage boxes, holiday decor pieces, containers filled with clothes you don't fit in anymore (but will again soon!) - and all the other stuff you need to keep?

You need a storage solution that helps you clear the cutter without clearing out your bank account. Don't pay the high prices associated with traditional storage facilities if you don't need constant access to your goods.

The goal should be to pack up your "need to keeps" as if you were moving tomorrow. There's no reason to do the work twice. Use quality boxes and mark them clearly with a list of contents. To save time, contract with a moving and storage company that can arrange for drop off and pick up of a storage container sized to fit your needs.

And don't miss the opportunity to truly evaluate each item. If you haven't used it lately (say, in a year), maybe it's time to give it to someone who would appreciate it. Local organizations like Goodwill and Salvation Army will gladly take your still-useful stuff off your hands and find it a good home.

Casey Kirkman is the owner of
Affordable Quality Moving & Storage 254-7823.