Pending in mid-country

15 Flagler Drive (off mid-North street), $2.995 million. Owners paid $2.8 for the property in 2001 and depending on who you believe, the tax card or the absolutely trustworthy listing agent Joe Barbieri (I’m not being sarcastic here, Joe’s salt of the earth), it was either built in 1988 or 2004. At the very least, the house was entirely rebuilt and expanded in 2004 and could legitimately claim its pedigree there. Great land, excellent location, and at under $3, not an unreasonable price.

I’ll confess that sales like that are a tad discouraging for buyers’ agents like me, who have done very well over the years scouting out bargains; a year ago, I could probably have helped a buyer grab this at $2.350 or so, and maybe even lower. But at least for the moment, the market seems to be solid, and houses are selling about where you’d expect them to. There are still plenty of overpriced properties, mind you, but once they hit a reasonable level they’re getting snatched up, and opportunities to grab stale listings at below-market value from discouraged owners have diminished.

All of which is great news for sellers, of course, and I’m happy for them; I represent the occasional seller too, and even if I didn’t, a healthy market is a wonderful thing, good for everyone. But sellers, don’t get cocky: if your home’s been on the market since, say, June, and you haven’t received offers, you’ve overpriced it. Drop it now, while the buyers are still out and about.