With Emmy fever in full effect, leading global real estate franchisor ERA Real Estate announced its own list of home market notables, based on Emmy-worthy performances on the big screen and in key sales indicators.
“With the 64th Prime-Time Emmy Awards just around the corner, we wondered what it might be like to live where the drama (or comedy) is,” says Charlie Young, president and CEO of ERA Real Estate. “Average sales price and transaction rates play the lead role for any thriving market; however, it is always wise to take external factors into consideration. This time, we’re looking at Hollywood acclaim. The following markets could win the coveted Emmy statuette in all respects.”
And the nominees are:
Market – Sets the Stage for:
• Albuquerque, N.M., – “Breaking Bad”
• Carmel, Ind., (fictional town: Pawnee, Ind.) – “Parks & Recreation”
• Colorado Springs, Colo., (fictional town: Greendale, Colo.) – “Community”
• Los Angeles, Calif., – “New Girl,” “House of Lies,” and “American Horror Story”
• Pasadena, Calif., – “The Big Bang Theory”
• Washington, D.C. – “Veep” and “Homeland”
Albuquerque, N.M.
There’s nothing “bad” about Albuquerque, known for its lack of humidity and abundance of warmth and sunshine. Oh yeah, and then there’s Bryan Cranston and the crew from “Breaking Bad,” adding to this beautiful market’s allure. But with such notoriety, is it affordable and how is the market doing?
“Market sales are great,” says broker John van Nortwick of Pargin Realty ERA. “Pending sales exceeded 1,000 last month, for the third time this year – a great sign. At an average selling price of $201,833, Albuquerque is very affordable and for homeowners, this price represents a rise in home values. All in all, indicators are telling a positive story. Plus, the chance that maybe, just maybe, you’ll run into a “Breaking Bad” cast member is icing on the cake – or the wings on the statuette.”
Carmel, Ind.
Somewhere in Indiana sits the fictional town of Pawnee, home to the shenanigans on “Parks & Recreation,” a viewer favorite. While the town of Pawnee is made up, the home market vitality in a similar town, Carmel, Ind., is not. In fact, Carmel is one of Indiana’s fastest growing cities. So what is pricing like?
“Single-family homes in Carmel sell at an average of $339,522, an affordable and attractive price for this affluent Midwest community,” says broker Mike Deck of ERA Real Estate Links. “Apropos for the entertainment industry, Carmel’s Art and Design district and new city center project are perfect for new set inspiration and ideas.”
Pasadena, Calif.
Imagine living in the town known as the home to the geeky gods from “The Big Bang Theory” – Pasadena, Calif. If the budding brilliants ever left their apartment or nearby comic book store, they’d discover the area’s breadth of beauty and bustling outdoor activity.
“Pasadena is a diverse city with a large range of pricing and neighborhood offerings from $88,500 up to the millions,” says broker Sin-Yi Lambertson of ERA Yes! Real Estate. “The average selling price is $672,129. Homes at the lower end of the market are selling most. There are indeed deals to be had.”
Washington, D.C.
Hollywood meets hypocrisy or in other words, Washington, D.C. – home to some of the world’s savviest politicians as humorously portrayed in “Veep” or dramatically drawn in “Homeland.” All kidding aside, D.C. has an abundance of culture, nightlife, outdoor sports and celebrity sightings – attractive to any potential resident.
“The Washington metro real estate continues a steady climb, positively affecting home values,” says broker Nancy Bullock of ERA Blue Diamond Realty. “The average sales price is currently $556,974, however inventory is diminishing. But for those looking for a more maintainable living option, the condo market is showing signs of strength in terms of active listings, meaning there are more to choose from and less bidding wars to contend with.”
For more information, visit www.ERA.com.
