Greetings:
“WE NEED MORE HOUSING’’
We all recognize that there is not only a housing shortage in the US and Oregon, but right here in Douglas County as well. We also know that the low inventory of homes to buy, the higher interest rates, and inability for buyers to purchase has caused some of the problems. However, one of the biggest obstacles is lack of buildable land. The city of Roseburg has recently expanded their Urban Growth Boundary, which the County just ratified, and are supportive of incorporating additional land in the Hucrest and Charter Oaks area. Over the years, this should help solve our acute problems. I am proud of our local officials for addressing this issue and acting.
Additionally, there are other solutions: 1- Change local rules and policies to make it easier to build more housing; 2- Governments need to invest more money to build housing for our most vulnerable community members: seniors, people experiencing homelessness, and people with disabilities; 3-Encourgage innovation to think outside the box for ways to house people in safe and healthy homes; 4-incentify builders and developers with eliminating or reducing System Development Charges; 5-Banks need to be more aggressive in using their commitment to local communities in which they serve through the Community Investment Act.
Our Governor is totally committed to helping us solve the housing crisis. She pledged during her inaugural speech, “to build 36,000 units a year for the next few years, for Oregon faces a housing crisis of over 444,200 units.” We all need to remind her of her commitment to make this happen. Also, with the election in the fall, please ask the candidates that are seeking office, what is their position to help build more housing units. We have never seen a crisis like this in the history of Oregon or in Douglas County, WE NEED TO TAKE ACTION! Rather than stand ideally by, I URGE YOU TO STEP UP AND DO SOMETHING FOR WE NOW HAVE SOME MOMENTUM IN THE ADOPTION OF OUR UGB. MAKE YOUR VOICES HEARD, IT WILL NOT ONLY BENEFIT OUR COMMUNITY ECONOMICALLY BUT IT WILL HELP OUR COMMUNTIY GROW AND PROSPER. I feel that your voice is important and please let our elected officials know at all levels.
In terms of housing August was a hot month with everything pointing upward in the right direction. Our inventory dropped to just 3.5 months. New listing inventory decreased by (-7.4%) in August to 163 compared to 176 in July. We normally see listing inventory decrease, because we are now entering into the school months and activity normally slows down in the fall when families begin to settle in. Spring and summer remain our strongest months for new listings followed by fall and winter. However, year-to-date listings are up by (+10.7%) to 1,391 compared to last year when there were 1,256.
Pending sales in August increased dramatically to 159 offers up (+26.2%) compared to 126 offers in August 2023. Pending sales year-to-date increased to 932, which is up (+3.3%) from 2023 at 952. We follow pending sales because it is a good indicator of how many closings we will have in the next 30-60 days. In August 2024 closed sales (133) increased +13.7% from the (117) closings in July 2024. So far, the year-to-date closings for 2024 compared to 2023 are down slightly -1.4% from (891 to 904.)
Our average sales price continues to increase by (+14.8%) when you compare August 2023 at $340,600 to August 2024 at $390,900. Compared to the previous month they increased by (+12.2%) from $348,500. Year-to-date the average sales price is up (+3.2%) from $344,700 in 2023 to $355,800.
I would encourage you to think about volunteering your time and talents to what you feel is your passion or find agencies that need help. I often find that volunteering gives you meaning and self-worth plus it helps our local community thrive and prosper. Again, keep all our Veterans in your thoughts and prayers for remember our “FREEDOMS ARE NOT FREE!” GOD BLESS THEM AND GOD BLESS AMERICA!
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