Here is an overview of some of the more interesting, noteworthy, and/or popular stories of 2011 in the Harrisonburg and Rockingham County real estate market....

JANUARY  -  Has the real estate market finally hit bottom in Harrisonburg and Rockingham County?   "After five years of a declining residential real estate market in Harrisonburg and Rockingham County, I think we might finally be poised to see an increase in sales activity."  read more

FEBRUARY  -  Preston Lake Foreclosure Auction Results In $3.5M Sale To Wells Fargo   "The Preston Lake Trustee Sale took place today, February 3, at noon, and drew quite a crowd of Preston Lake homeowners, developers, attorneys, Realtors, and neighboring landowners.  Here's an overview of where things stand."  read more  and  more  and  more

MARCH  -  Sale of North 38 Apartment Complex Sets New Valuation of Student Housing in Harrisonburg   "An investor just bought a significant stake in the student housing market in Harrisonburg, which provides another data point upon which other student housing owners can value their investment."  read more

APRIL  -  How did Virginia fare in the housing bubble?   "Virginia is one among a handful of states that experienced a net gain in housing prices between 2000 and 2010."  read more

MAY  -  Founders Way Condos are APPROVED for FHA financing!   "As of this week, Founders Way Condos are approved for FHA financing.  These spacious condos have wonderfully open floor plans with 2 or 3 bedrooms, and start at only $149K."  read more

JUNE  -  Downtown Harrisonburg has a grocery store!   "The Friendly City Food Co-op opened this week, and it is a fantastic addition to Downtown Harrisonburg!"  read more

JULY  -  Are lower inventory levels leading to fewer home sales?   "We wondered aloud as to why it might be that we can't find them a home right now --- yet at the same time, sellers are wondering why they can't find a buyer for their home right now."  read more

AUGUST  -  Did the federal home buyer tax credit impact the pace of home sales in Harrisonburg and Rockingham County?   "The federal home buyer tax credit did not seem to have a lasting, positive impact on the local housing market."  read more

SEPTEMBER  -  Finding a rental property in or near Harrisonburg, VA   "While you can find any property listed for sale (via the MLS) all in one place, it's not quite as easy to find rental properties."  read more

OCTOBER  -  Record low interest rates spur on buyer activity   "Average 30-year fixed mortgage interest rates are now below 4.0%.  Wow!"  read more

NOVEMBER  -  HarrisonburgREO.com, your source for bank owned -- REO -- properties in Harrisonburg and Rockingham County   "If you are looking for bank owned (REO) properties in Harrisonburg and Rockingham County you can now easily find them on www.HarrisonburgREO.com."  read more

DECEMBER  -  Why am I cautiously optimistic about the future of our local housing market?   "You don't need to tell me --- I know --- home prices are still on the decline.  But here is the basis for my cautious optimism about our local housing market."  read more