The number of home sales in the Monroe County Poconos in 2010 is off by about 7.5% from last year and 15% from 2008, according to data I compiled from the Pocono Mountains Association of REALTORS Multiple Listing Service on 12/6/10. The 314 sales reported as 'Pending' (under contract but not closed yet) right now would go a long way to redeem 2010 from being the worst year yet for number of transactions, but the likelihood of all of these closing before December 31 is doubtful.

Foreclosures and short sales accounted for 32.5% of the 1,360 homes sold so far this year. This segment accounted for 31.6% of closed sales in 2009 and 23.8% in 2008.

Today there are 2,404 homes for sale in Monroe County, 112 of which are bank owned. 260 of these current listings are advertised as short sales. This inventory represents a 19.7 month supply at the current absorption rate (average of 122 sales per month from January 1-November 30, 2010).

Please don't shoot the messenger ;)