Homes taking less time to sell.

Interesting statistics for the past three months in Brevard County still indicate that fewer properties are coming on the market, but the amount of new listings is exceeding the sales slightly. The positive mark is the continued increase in properties coming under contract, that is to say, properties that are approaching closing. We in the business call these "pending" or "contingent" sales.

The number of days on the market has been significantly reduced over this past year and now stands at 122 days. This would indicate that a well-priced property should sell within three to four months. If your property has been on the market for more than three or four months, you need to re-evaluate the following: Price, curb appeal, cleanliness and its overall showability. If your house is priced right and shows well and still hasn't sold, you should find out if something in your area is affecting your property or is it getting the proper exposure to buyers.

Among the factors that can slow a sale are:

--- Floor plan that doesn't appeal to a wide range of buyers.

--- Location considerations, such as traffic or nearby undesirable businesses.

--- Neighborhood considerations, such as a nearby property that isn't maintained.

Often, the only solution is a price adjustment, even though that's not what most sellers want to hear. But if you are motivated to sell, a price adjustment will most likely assist in moving the property. I was asked to supply statistics on sold properties that were foreclosures or short sales and at this point, I am unable to access and rely on the information I have for these types of properties.

I do have some advice if you, as the seller, are debating whether to enter into a sale of your property via foreclosure or short sale. These are desperate measures that will affect you for years to come.

If you have equity, just continue to reduce the property for a quick sale. If you have no equity, this is the time to talk to your lender. Programs are coming on line and lenders are prompted by the government to listen. There is still no guaranteed assistance available but I advise you to hang in there.

Help is inevitable with the economic crisis and the push to assist owners in need. Brevard County is still high on the economic curve. Government contracts are still in force and fueling our economy. Our chambers of commerce and Economic Development Council are actively recruiting new businesses into our area. We have a great deal to offer families relocating here and a tremendous benefit to businesses moving into our area.