Special to Iredell Free News

Many Statesville homeowners have seen the value of their property rise exponentially during the past two years.

That’s great news for those looking to sell, but problematic for those with lower to middle incomes looking who are looking to purchase a home.

Statesville Leading Ladies, a program of the Greater Statesville Chamber of Commerce, explored this topic during its June luncheon. “Solving the Housing Crisis,” which was sponsored by Galliher Home Team with Keller Williams, attracted more than 40 women to listen to speakers from the Statesville Housing Authority and Galliher Home Team discuss the current housing marking it in Iredell County.

Tori Cearlock from Galliher Home Team with Keller Williams kicked off the presentation and introduced Jill Galliher, also from Galliher Home Team, who spoke about current trends and statistics in Iredell County.

The average closing price in January 2020 was $318,000. In January of this year, that figure had jumped to $450,000.

Another startling statistic is “Days on the Market.” In 2020, the average number of days a home was on the market in Iredell County was around 56. In May of 2022, that number has dropped to an average of 17 days on the market.

Andrea Britton-Sawyers of the Statesville Housing Authority spoke about the growing concern for middle to lower income families struggling to buy homes in this housing crisis. Appraised values in neighborhoods that were once affordable have doubled and are now beyond the reach of many families, she said.

The Statesville Housing Authority through HUD can help families become homeowners. However, due to the price hikes caused to some extent by investor-buyers, there are very few homes that qualify for purchase. If individuals who applied for this assistance cannot find a home in the required 120 days, they lose that contract with HUD and must reapply all over again.

LEARN MORE

♦ For more information about buying a house, contact Jill at Galliher Home Team at (704) 657-5050.

♦ For information regarding the Statesville Housing Authority and the federal HUD program, contact Andrea Britton-Sawyer at (704) 761-4500.

About Greater Statesville Chamber of Commerce

The voice of business and professionals in our region for over 100 years, the Chamber supports policies that foster a positive business climate through job creation and economic development. The Chamber also supports innovative ideas to educate, attract and retain a quality workforce. A not-for-profit membership organization, The Chamber provides the leadership to achieve a diverse balanced economy that enhances the quality of living and working in our region. Visit www.statesvillechamber.org for details.