Buyers gain clout as housing market slows
Glen CrenoThe Arizona RepublicNov. 11, 2005 12:00 AM
Metropolitan Phoenix's home-selling frenzy is beginning to calm and beleaguered buyers suddenly have more power in the fight for leverage in house deals.The housing market is showing clear signs of slowing after a yearlong buying binge fueled partly by speculators. The latest evidence: The price for a typical Valley house fell last month for the first time in nearly two years.People close to the market say it has a new personality. Sellers aren't necessarily calling the shots and can no longer assume a house will sell quickly after buyers stage a frantic bidding war, pushing sale prices thousands of dollars beyond the list price.
Buyers now are gaining the upper hand, though it's too soon to call it a buyers' market. But it is headed in that direction. With more homes for sale, sellers are cutting prices. Buyers also can take more time to think about a deal rather than snatching up a house just to beat a dozen competitors.
Portions from AZCentral.com Read full Article…..
