The 10 Fastest-Selling Housing Markets

With the housing market still reeling, buyer confidence is not what it used to be. Houses idle on the market longer as buyers wait for some sign that we've hit bottom. As lenders tighten their credit guidelines, homebuyers are finding it harder to qualify for loans. But not every market suffers equally, according to the National Association of Realtors' latest housing report. The NAR has identified 10 markets where home sales are still brisk and decisive buyers are reaping the benefits. Click the gallery below to see the top 10 fastest-selling cities in America, and where to find real estate open houses this weekend.

• <p> With the <a href="http://realestate.aol.com/blog/2011/04/28/home-sales-climb-in-rocky-recovery/" target="_blank">housing market still reeling</a>, buyer confidence is not what it used to be. Houses idle on the market longer while buyers wait for a sure sign. But in these 10 markets, home sales are still brisk, and decisive buyers are reaping the benefits. Dawdle in these fast selling cities, and you could miss a golden opportunity. Click through to see the 10 fastest selling markets in March, as recorded by <a href="http://www.realtor.com/data-portal/Real-Estate-Statistics.aspx" target="_blank">realtor.com</a>.</p>
• <p> Median days on the market: 71<br /> Median list price: $170,000<br /> This Listing: $200,000</p> <p> California makes a strong showing on the list, with Fresno bringing up the rear. And with a median list price of $170,000, Fresno offers a vast array of affordable properties for first-time homebuyers. Take this <a href="http://www.realtor.com/realestateandhomes-detail/1293-N-Van-Ness-Ave_Fresno_CA_93728_M28766-06972" target="_blank">4-bedroom, pre-war family home</a>, for instance.</p>
• <p> Built in 1922, this 4-bedroom, 2-bath, corner lot property has all the charms one would expect from a pre-war family home, including a masonry fireplace.</p>
• <p> A peek inside one of the home's four bedrooms, perfect for a young, growing family.</p>
• <p> What California dream home would be complete without a family pool in the back?</p>
• <p> Median days on the market: 71<br /> Median list price: $279,975</p> <p> This listing: $222,500</p> <p> Hot sales, cold weather -- an unlikely pairing in this chilly burg, but a fact not lost on savvy buyers. With a median sales price under $300,000 and typical sales taking under two and a half months, house hunters would do well to browse this city's goods. Take a look inside this <a href="http://www.realtor.com/realestateandhomes-detail/265-Glenn-Abbey-Place-Unit-1_Anchorage_AK_99504_M83419-40542" target="_blank">spacious Anchorage townhouse</a>.</p> <p> </p>
• <p> This 3-bedroom, 2.5-bath new construction townhouse has brand new everything. Built in 2010, the home includes laminate flooring, carpeting, dishwasher and disposal units, and all-new furnishings.</p>
• <p> If you'll be in the area this weekend, the realtor will be hosting an open house this Sunday, May 1, from 1-4 p.m. Check the <a href="http://www.realtor.com/realestateandhomes-detail/265-Glenn-Abbey-Place-Unit-1_Anchorage_AK_99504_M83419-40542" target="_blank">listing</a> for details.</p>
• <p> Median days on the market: 71<br /> Median list price: $470,000</p> <p> This listing: $458,000</p> <p> Known as the capital of Silicon Valley, this high-tech hub is pricier than other markets on the list, but attract buyers in droves nonetheless. This 2-bedroom, <a href="http://www.realtor.com/realestateandhomes-detail/1264-Weibel-Way_San-Jose_CA_95125_M27254-66887" target="_blank">&quot;duet-style&quot; townhouse</a> was just listed on realtor.com 10 days ago.</p>
• <p> Built in 1985, this sunny townhouse includes two bedrooms, three baths, a southern-facing patio and an attached two-car garage. House hunters should note, though, that the home is listed as a short sale, which should not be taken lightly by first-time buyers. Find out more about short sales <a href="http://realestate.aol.com/blog/2008/08/01/understanding-short-sales" target="_blank">here</a>.&nbsp;</p>
• <p> The master bedroom has recently underwent a major remodeling, according to the <a href="http://www.realtor.com/realestateandhomes-detail/1264-Weibel-Way_San-Jose_CA_95125_M27254-66887" target="_blank">listing</a>, and a custom, over-sized shower has been installed, as well. The realtor will host an open house this Sunday, May 1, from 1:30-4:30 p.m.</p>
• <p> Median days on the market: 70<br /> Median list price: $141,500</p> <p> Listing Price: $160,000</p> <p> Bakersfield is another California metro that has both low median home prices and typically short-lived listings. Among the many opportunities is this <a href="http://www.realtor.com/realestateandhomes-detail/Bakersfield_CA_93313_M18309-96376" target="_blank">4-bedroom, 2.75-bath family home</a>.</p>
• <p> A view of the dining room.</p>
• <p> The home was built in 2006, so home renovation costs shouldn't be a major factor in the next buyer's budget. At left, a view of the kitchen.</p>
• <p> Median days on the market: 70<br /> Median list price: $175,000</p> <p> This listing: $175,000</p> <p> As an alternative to the pricey suburbs of San Francisco (which also makes an appearance on the list), many commuters are escaping to the more reasonably-priced city of Lodi. <a href="http://www.realtor.com/realestateandhomes-detail/905-S-Pleasant-Ave_Lodi_CA_95240_M16628-09614" target="_blank">This listing </a>comes at exactly at the city's median list price.</p>
• <p> The kitchen includes remodeled pantry cabinets and granite counter tops, as well as a breakfast nook and dining bar.</p>
• <p> Built in 1948, this two-bedroom includes a fireplace, 2-car detached garage, laundry room, and a large front yard for the dog.</p>
• <p> Median days on the market: 70<br /> Median list price: $345,000</p> <p> This listing: $380,000</p> <p> California's most populous city is also one of its most in-demand housing markets. A median priced home in the City of Angels will set you back $345,000. This particular home, while slightly higher than the median price, has already been on the market for 51 days, according to the <a href="http://www.realtor.com/realestateandhomes-detail/5205-Hub-St_Los-Angeles_CA_90042_M15227-07982" target="_blank">listing</a>. It may not be long now before it's snatched up.</p>
• <p> This 1921 California bungalow is built in the Craftsman style and lets its bohemian roots show. Located in the chic Highland Park neighborhood, this 4-bedroom home recently had its price reduced.</p>
• <p> This boho house includes hardwood and laminate floors throughout, recessed lighting, smooth ceilings, and furnishings in tune with the Craftsman era. Outside the home, the front yard is maintained with low-water <a href="http://realestate.aol.com/blog/2010/07/19/low-maintenance-lawns-that-save-money/" target="_blank">xeriscaping</a> techniques.</p>
• <p> The home will be on display this weekend, Sunday, May 1, from 2-5 p.m.</p>
• <p> Median days on the market: 66<br /> Median list price: $187,500</p> <p> This listing: $200,000</p> <p> Iowa may not be known for its hot real estate market -- which is perhaps why the Hawkeye State avoided the worst of the housing crisis. With typical listing prices under $200,000 and fast listing turn around, Iowa City beat out several other well known metros in terms of fast sales. Take a look around <a href="http://www.realtor.com/realestateandhomes-detail/122-Brentwood-Dr_Iowa-City_IA_52245_M80134-02769" target="_blank">this property</a> to find out why.</p>
• <p> Inside, this 3-bedroom ranch-style home features 9-foot vaulted ceilings, a large family room, laundry, full basement and a two-car garage.&nbsp;</p>
• <p> As part of the local homeowners association, the new owner will have all exterior upkeep for the property taken care of, including lawn care, snow removal and pond maintenance.</p>
• <p> Other features include a gas fireplace in the great room and a screen porch overlooking the neighborhood.</p>
• <p> Median days on the market: 66<br /> Median list price: $259,900</p> <p> This listing: $250,000</p> <p> As homebuyers travel farther away from the coast, they'll be surprised to find just how much home they can afford. For $250,000, you can own <a href="http://www.realtor.com/realestateandhomes-detail/2657-S-Deframe-Cir_Lakewood_CO_80228_M18199-72749" target="_blank">this 1,737-square-foot, 3-bedroom home</a> in Green Mountain.</p>
• <p> This tri-level home features vaulted ceilings, wood floors and new windows. The kitchen has also been remodeled to include new granite countertops and stainless steel appliances.</p>
• <p> Contemporary furnishings and neutral color palettes (a key to <a href="http://realestate.aol.com/blog/2011/03/18/home-staging-dos-and-donts/" target="_blank">successful home staging</a>) will make for an easy transition for the new owners. The seller is also willing to install a new wall in the upstairs level to create an additional room.</p>
• <p> The home also includes a large patio area overlooking the many trails and walkways available to nature enthusiasts. The realtor is hosting an open house this Sunday, May 1 from 1-4 p.m.</p>
• <p> Median days on the market: 63<br /> Median list price: $639,000</p> <p> This listing: $645,000</p> <p> Scenic San Francisco comes in second as the fastest housing market in March. Like San Fran's hilly topography, the local market has experienced its fair share of ups and downs. Nevertheless, the City By the Bay remains one of the most desirable places to live. Take a look at <a href="http://www.realtor.com/realestateandhomes-detail/1452-19th-Ave_San-Francisco_CA_94122_M21001-15390" target="_blank">this choice offering</a>.</p> <p> </p>
• <p> This two-level, top-floor condo includes a large living room with fireplace, three bedrooms, two baths, an in-unit washer/dryer, and hardwood flooring.</p>
• <p> The kitchen features granite countertops and stainless steel appliances.&nbsp; The penthouse level, which features a master suite and two decks with a water view, has its own separate entrance and is rented for $1,200 a month.</p>
• <p> Like many of the other properties on this list, the home is showing on May 1, from 2-4 p.m. According to the listing, the home has already been on the market for 31 days. By San Fran standards, it may not be available much longer.</p>
• <p> Median days on the market: 50<br /> Median list price: $319,000</p> <p> This Listing: $399,000</p> <p> With a median of 50 days on the market, Oakland, Calif. takes top honors in March as the fastest-selling city in the nation. Take a look inside this <a href="http://www.realtor.com/realestateandhomes-detail/4221-West-St_Oakland_CA_94608_M13760-23454" target="_blank">colorful pre-war family house</a> for a taste of the city's offerings.</p>
• <p> This prismatic 3-bedroom home features a fireplace in the living room, an unfinished basement for storage and a detached two-car garage.</p>
• <p> The kitchen was recently remodeled to include corian countertops, a breakfast nook and hardwood floors.</p>
• <p> <a href="http://realestate.aol.com/homes-for-sale" target="_blank">Find homes for sale near you</a></p> <p> <a href="http://realestate.aol.com/information/buy" target="_blank">Learn more about the home buying process</a></p> <p> <a href="http://realestate.aol.com/information/home-staging">Sellers, discover the best home staging tricks</a></p> <p> <a href="http://realestate.aol.com/blog/gallery" target="_blank">See other galleries</a></p>

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