As we enter into a new year we can look back at the past and see the tremendous change and evolution that has taken place over the past decade. Back in 1999, only 10 years ago, the top three home sale marketing methods were yard signs, newspaper ads and open houses. Internet searches were used by only 37% of buyers. Married couples accounted for 68% of all home purchases while single women represented only 15% of buyers.

Fast forward 10 years. Today we see 90% of our buyers searching online. Real estate sites like Realtor.com attract close to 12 million visitors per month. Married couples purchasing homes decreased to 60% of sales but single women purchasing homes increased to 21% of all home buyers. Even with the economic downturn we've seen, median home values rose from $137,600 in November 1999 to $172,600 in November 2009, an increase of more than 25% in the past decade.

A new decade brings new challenges, opportunities and promise. Tax credits for homeowners, first-time homebuyers and real estate tax deductions are just some of the incentives for home buyers. Although changes in lending practices have presented challenges, loans are being made and homes are being sold. Technology will continue to evolve in the new decade. Our methods of marketing and sales in Real Estate will continue to undergo change. One thing that will remain constant  is the American dream of being a homeowner. This gives us all hope and promise for the new decade before us.

Source of this information was an article written by RISmedia. Stats from NAR.

Vivian is a realtor with Beachside Realty (904) 806-6542