Newly built homes near Notre Dame are effectively a shadow market because many sell outside of the MLS, the database Realtors have easy access to and generally the source of their statistics and sales histories. (The Greater South Bend – Mishawaka MLS is the source of data I use for my monthly sales reports).
New construction near Notre Dame isn’t simple to track: street names change from planning to construction, the County is slow assigning parcel numbers, builders finish buildings before recording plat maps, developers are coy with sales prices and it generally takes time and patience to get complete and accurate information. Because of this, many people don’t realized the number of sales or register the dollar volume involved in this niche market – even those who pay close attention to real estate in South Bend. But, fortunately for my clients, I’m a bit of a data geek so I love delving into the prices, floorplans, quirks and qualities of the various communities. I also went to journalism school, which seems to have drilled me into wanting to share everything I learn with the world at large.
That said, here are the sales prices of the newer homes near Notre Dame in maintenance-free communities – the communities that have been popular as second homes, vacation homes, student homes and investments. They are mostly condos and townhomes (the 3-story rowhouse has been especially popular and heavily built in this market), but I’ve included Pendle Woods, a community of detached ranch-style villas because it has a neighborhood association that cuts the grass, takes care of the snow, and generally makes it suitable for a lock and leave lifestyle.
I went back to 2005, when Dublin Village and Pendle Woods were first launching the Notre Dame second home boom. These are verified, closed sales, based on St. Joseph County records and local MLS data. It’s not every sale, but I believe I have most of the sales and accurate prices. It’s a good overview of the Notre Dame second home market at a glance.
Want to talk with someone who knows the homes near Notre Dame? Contact me – I don’t bite, spam or try to lock you into a contract.