The final real estate results are finally in from our master “Statistic Wizard”, Leonard Kleiman. Unfortunately you did not have to be a master mathematician in the 1st quarter of 2009 as we only recorded 18 transactions for a total of $43.2 million in sales volume. Teton County, Wyoming could very well have it bottom which if it is true will be music to our ears. To give you perspective the 2008 1st Quarter was a previous record low in transaction total with 67 transactions! Q1-2009 unit volume was down 73% from ’08 and volume was down 57%.

Another interesting fact we are noting is that since September 2007 every month since we have seen decreased sales volume year over year. This is an astonishing stat that really illustrates how the market was out performing for years and is now correcting and definitely under performing. March ’09 for example was down 60% vs. March ’08.

With so few transactions it is almost impossible find a pattern or trend in a certain location except for the fact that all areas are seeing decreased activity. Teton Village only saw 2 transactions during the ’09 ski season (Jan-March). Wilson or “west of the snake” only saw 3 transactions compared to 11 in ’08. And the Town of Jackson only recorded 8 transactions compared to 33 in ’08.

When looking at active inventory we are starting to see a number higher than ever before. On March 31st there were 687 active listing in the Teton County Multiple Listing Service. Today, May 1st we have 725 active listing with more on the way. Christy and I currently are working on 4 new listings that will hit the market in the next 2 weeks. To know more call us toll free at 877-739-8056! One area of stability has been in the over the $3 million market as there were only 126 listings as of March 31st. This is only 11% over the 2007 numbers.

Activity has increased during the month of April. There are currently 18 pending transactions excluding 35 pre-construction projects that include Terra/Sweetwater Lodge, Pine Glades and Pearl Street. There have been some exciting (depends on what end of the transaction you are on…) price reductions in the past two weeks which should stimulate the market. Without a doubt – if a buyer has the means to make a purchase 2009 will go down as one of the best buyer opportunities Teton County has seen in years. Inventory is close to a high, there are some quality listings available in all locations and prices are falling.

If you are a seller – it is a difficult time – yet if you position your property correctly there are buyers looking around for property and that is more than you could say in November of 2008.

If you would like to see the actual report from Sotheby’s International Realty – Jackson Hole Brokerage please email or call the Jackson Hole Experts – Christy and Garth Gillespie. We are happy to assist any of you understand this challenging market.