January 14, 2011

A Million Times Better

Posted to Buyers, Larry Smyth, Owners, Property Management, Real Estate Sales, Relocation, Rentals, Sellers, Tenants

We just received our final numbers regarding our web traffic for 2010. Let me just say that we are a million times better. In 2009 the Farrell Smyth web site generated 2.3 million hits. For the year end 2010, we generated 3.35 million hits, so we are over a million times better. Not too bad for a little ole real estate company from San Luis Obispo. So the question is, what is all the buzz about the Farrell Smyth web site?

First, we have the most up-to-date information on all properties for sale throughout San Luis Obispo County and Northern Santa Barbara County. The information is tied directly to the Multiple Listing System and updated every few minutes. You can’t find more current information then right on the Farrell Smyth web site. This information can be accessed by clicking on the “View Listings” button on the home page. Put in the criteria you want to search and there you go. At the same time you can set yourself up for instant updates when new properties come on the market. Next you can search for properties all over the world when you hit the RELO Home Search button. This will link you to any of our partners in the Leading Real Estate Companies of the World network. I go there once in a while myself just for fun. Give it a try.

If you are looking for a rental, just hit the “Rental List” button and get the most up-to-date information on the rentals we have available. Our rental list includes houses, condos and apartments throughout San Luis Obispo County. In addition, we list commercial properties such as office space and retail space. Again by going to our list you can sign up for instant updates so you will be notified each time a new property comes on the rental market. You can choose from e-mail or Twitter. You know the choice you make may show your age.

Here are a few of the other thing you can find on our web site.


  • Loan Calculator
  • Community comparisons
  • School Reports
  • Real Estate School Information
  • Homeowners Association Management Services
  • Property Videos
  • Maps
  • Blogs
  • Relocation Information
  • Community Activities and Events
  • Much More

Like our on screen spokesperson “Yoko” says, when you get to our web site take a few minutes and look around the site. Maybe with your help we can get to 5 million hits in 2011.

As always, your questions and comments are always welcome.

Larry D. Smyth
Broker/Owner

Farrell Smyth, Inc.

Posted by:  Larry Smyth



January 13, 2011

December Credit Suisse Survey

Posted to Buyers, Larry Smyth, Real Estate Sales, Sellers

Once again we are posting the Credit Suisse Housing Survey. As a reminder this reflects the real estate market activity and trends around the nation. The survey is broken down into specific market areas. Take a look and see what the market is doing in your specific area. Here are the highlights of the report:


  • Buyers are hunting for bargins
  • Buyers have concern for rising interest rates
  • There is continued pressure on pricing
  • More buyers are looking

Click here for the full report. As always your questions and comments are welcome.

Posted by:  Larry Smyth



January 04, 2011

Sales Increase While Prices Decline

Posted to Larry Smyth, Real Estate Sales

Well, Happy New Year. Here we are in 2011. We are looking forward to a bright future in the real estate market for the New Year.

We just received the latest sales statistics from the California Association of REALTORS® for the month of November 2010. Once again we are seeing some mixed numbers. Here is a brief summary.

Home sales rose in November compared to October, but were down from the previous year. November sales were up 9.2 percent from October but were down 8.6 percent from November 2009. According to CAR Vice President and Chief Economist Leslie Appleton-Young, “Unsold inventory declined slightly in November, as the number of active listings fell from October. The decline in listings was reflective of seasonal factors and the foreclosure moratorium that took place in October.”

At the same time that the number of sales increased, the Median price of existing, single family detached homes fell below the $300,000 mark for the first time since February 2010. The November median price was $296,820, down 2.4 percent from October’s $304,220 median price and down 2.5 percent from the same period a year ago. This was the first year-over-year price decline in a year.

The good news is that while there has been a slight increase in interest rates, they still remain near historically low rates, creating a great opportunity for buyers. Stay tuned for more updates as we move further into 2011.

As always, we welcome you questions and comments.

Posted by:  Larry Smyth