KOSCIUSKO COUNTY — There has never been a better time for Kosciusko County residents looking to sell their homes, according to Kosciusko Board of Realtors President Kim Clark.

“It appears we have more buyers searching than compatible properties,” Clark said.

Inventory in April was 31 percent lower than it was a year ago, she said.

“So, just in the year’s time, you see a difference there,” she said.

December saw the highest numbers for 2015, which is a bit unusual, Clark said. On the other hand, the highest median price last year came in July, along with an increase in pricing per square foot.

In the current market, sellers are able to set their prices at more of what Clark called “a challenge,” meaning they are pricing their homes a bit higher, then negotiating. January through March this year saw a 13 percent increase in the price of a home in Kosciusko County, along with a 15.5 percent increase in price per square foot.

“On an encouraging note, our inventory might be low, but the interest rates are remaining steady,” Clark said.

Nancy Smith of the Indiana Association of Realtors sent information to Clark.

“After holding out, more would-be sellers are realizing now is an excellent time to get that home on the market,” Smith said.

Even so, Clark noted buyers are not highly motivated at this time. This may push sellers to lower their asking price in an attempt to move their home faster. However, she added, this may not necessarily be what will move the house.

“Lowering the price isn’t always going to be the key,” she said. “It’s timing. Timing is everything.” Sellers are also less open to “subject-to-sale” offers, in which purchase of a home is dependent on sale of the buyer’s home.

The fastest-moving homes, Clark said, are the ones that have been completely remodeled or rehabbed. She attributes this to buyers wanting a home that is move-in ready, as opposed to one they will have to remodel themselves. She added there is very little new construction in the area right now.

When it comes to buying, Clark encourages home seekers to compile a list of five things they want in a home, then narrow it to the top two “must-haves.” Then, look at online listings and find that compatible home. With homes in Kosciusko County moving quickly, buyers may not always be able to hold out for every item on a list.

“When it’s a seller’s market, the race of time becomes more stressful,” she said. “I might have a half-dozen buyers searching and when they hit on the right one, they feel under pressure.”

For those considering downsizing, especially older couples, Clark recommends making decisions sooner, rather than later.

“You want to do it when both of you can do it together,” she said. “Don’t wait until there’s only one of you to make a decision.”

To learn more about the local housing market, buyers and sellers can click here.