The good news is that mortgage rates dropped last week and are at levels not seen since last January. The bad news is not many people are ready to take advantage of the lower rates. The best description I've head is ... the current economic problems are like going to the best restaurant in town and everything is free but you aren't hungry.

Manhattan Beach home sales in November 2008 were at an all time low... 11 homes and 0 townhomes closed escrow last month. So far this month is not much better with 3 closed home sales and no closed townhome sales. I expect those numbers will improve slightly as there are a number of pending sales that will close by the end of the year. You can expect to see more price cuts as sellers who need to sell realize the market has changed.

In reviewing last month's sales I did note some interesting things. 3 of the sales were all cash.. including the two most expensive homes. One looks as if it may have sold to a builder. The majority of the homes that closed escrow had over 30% down. Bank of America funded the most loans including loans over $1M. Union Bank and Chase also were making loans over $1M. Wells Fargo and Countrywide rounded out the list. High end loans had downpayments of 50% or more.

Manhattan Beach: Market Snapshot December 4, 2008 (click on graph to enlarge)

Manhattan Beach: Price Ranges December 4, 2008

Manhattan Beach: Market Snapshot October 13, 2008

Manhattan Beach: Market Snapshot September 15, 2008

Manhattan Beach: Market Snapshot August 19, 2008

Manhattan Beach: Market Snapshot July 17, 2008

Manhattan Beach: Market Snapshot July 7, 2008

Manhattan Beach: Market Snapshot June 20, 2008

Manhattan Beach: Market Snapshot June 5, 2008

Manhattan Beach: Market Snapshot April 29, 2008

Manhattan Beach:Market Snapshot April 14, 2008

Manhattan Beach: Market Snapshot March 31, 2008

Manhattan Beach: Market Snapshot March 13, 2008

Manhattan Beach: Market Snapshot February 26, 2008

Manhattan Beach, CA: Market Snapshot February 11, 2008

Manhattan Beach, CA: Market Snapshot December 12, 2007

Manhattan Beach: Market Snapshot November 8, 2007

Manhattan Beach: Market Snapshot October 12, 2007

Manhattan Beach: Market Snapshot September 29, 2007

Manhattan Beach: Market Snapshot September 15, 2007

Manhattan Beach: Market Snapshot August 25, 2007

Manhattan Beach: Market Snapshot July 18, 2007

Manhattan Beach: Market Snapshot June 25, 2007

Manhattan Beach: Market Snapshot June 2, 2007

Manhattan Beach: Market Snapshot May 6, 2007

Manhattan Beach: Market Snapshot April 23, 2007

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