BURR
RIDGE — Local Realtor Dawn McKenna sees good things happening in the housing
market in 2013.
“I think the
market is really improving,” said McKenna of Coldwell Banker, who concentrates
her sales efforts in Hinsdale, Clarendon Hills, Burr Ridge and Oak Brook.
If the last quarter
of 2012 is any indication, she expects a busy 2013.
“There were a lot
of people wanting to buy homes,” McKenna said.
The most interest
was shown in the $800,000 to $1.2 million market.
“That’s the sweet
spot. We don’t have enough inventory,” McKenna said.
Meanwhile, there
are too many townhomes and condominiums, said Jeannie LaPlaca of Prudential
Rubloff.
“The condo market
has been hit pretty bad, but things are moving along,” said LaPlaca, who has
listings in Hinsdale, Clarendon Hills and Burr Ridge.
But even with a
flooded condo market, things are starting to move.
Statistics
provided by the Mainstreet Organization of Realtors indicated that sales of
attached residential properties in Burr Ridge rose from 35 in the first 11
months of 2011 to 54 in the first 11 months of 2012. The average sales price
also rose, from $268,078 to $299,355.
“I think buyers
are tired of waiting,” LaPlaca said, and with low interest rates, it’s a good
time to get a good deal.
While the number
of single-family detached homes sold in Burr Ridge rose slightly in 2012, the
average price of those homes fell from $741,325 to $689,761, according to MOR
stats.
Mike Long of
Realty Executives Premiere in Wheaton said the number of foreclosures and short
sales in most Chicago suburbs, including Burr Ridge are low. That’s a sign of
good things to come, Long said.
While the best
markets are still in suburbs with established downtown areas and access to the
train tracks, Long said towns like Burr Ridge also have unique things,
including large lot sizes, to offer buyers.
“I’m a
big fan of Burr Ridge,” said Long, who predicts good things for the housing
market in 2013.