County's market getting better.

The Brevard County real estate market continues to show signs of improvement. Good signs.

There are fewer listings on the market in all types of residential properties -- single-family homes, condominiums, and townhouses.

It's not a significant number of fewer listings, but a lower number than the preceding months.

Statistics show more sold residential properties than the preceding months. The largest number of sales are in the category of townhouses, followed by condominiums.

This has been our most saturated market. It appears that buyers are seeing the values and deciding that these two types of properties are good, if not, great buys these days.

The most significant statistic is in the area of "contracts pending or contingent."

This categorizes those properties that have negotiated an agreement to sell (under contract) but have not yet closed. This figure, if these properties close, will show a 30 percent increase over recent sales in all categories of residential properties.

But let us be realistic -- the inventory still is significantly greater than the current number of buyers, so we are still in a buyer's market.

My report indicates that the market is due for a change in the future.

Just how does the real estate market change?

Slowly, even though things are improving.

There are so many existing properties on the market. The many selections that buyers have is decreasing, however, there still are many properties to choose from.

The best buys and the most desirable properties, will be picked up first.

The market, if the action continues at this rate, will then go to a "balanced market."

I predict that this will happen in most areas within the next 18 months.

Some areas show indications that this change will happen sooner and some later.

This is, of course, is determined by the number of listings and the action in a particular location.

I see the market balancing out, but I do not predict that we will go to a seller's market any time in the near future. The balanced market will show appreciation in value say 2 to 5 percent a year.

Our dreams of returning to 30 to 50 percent market appreciation are only dreams.

If you are moving within Brevard County, "buy low, sell low" is the way to go.