Wayland Housing Market Update - What's It Mean to You?

Happy First-time Homeowners in Wayland!

June Closed Sales: There were 18 closed single-family home sales during June in Wayland compared with 23 in June 2012. Sale prices ranged from $390,000 to $1,220; the median sale price was $669,500, up from $507,000. The average sale price was $731,972, also up from June 2012 when it was $594,000.

Keep in mind that it takes approximately 30 to 60 days to close a sale. The buying decisions for properties that closed in June were made in April and May at the peak of the Spring market. Summer is a different market.

New listings in June: the number of single-family homes that came on the market in Wayland during June was almost the same as in June 2012 – 23; 22 in June 2012. Of the 23, there are only 9 that are fully active. 2 have accepted offers with contingencies waiting to clear, 10 are under agreement, 3 have already closed, and one of the listings has expired.

Current: As in most places, there are fewer homes on the market than last year at this time (8/1); there are 64 single-family homes for sale compared with 79 on 9/1/2012. List prices range from $219,900 for a 5 room house with 2 bedrooms and 2 bathroom to $11,800,000 luxury estate with 28 rooms including with a guest house, and barn on 11+ acres surrounded by conservation land. See the listings at www.WaylandHomeSales.com

The current median list price in Wayland is $822.000; last year on 8/1 the median list price in Wayland was $735,500. As in Sudbury, the price range with the most choices is one million to 1.499 million – there are 13 for sale. The average time on the market for these properties is 140 days; some of these sellers may be ready to make a deal and buyer, you have less competition - everything is on sale in August!

Condominiums (townhouses and garden-apartment style): There were 4 closed sales of condominiums in Wayland during June; there were 10 in June 2012. Sale prices were higher this year. The median sale price in June 2013 was $500,000 up from $456,250 in June 2012.

Current: there are 16 units for sale in Wayland compared with 34 last year at this time. List prices range from $279,900 for 3 bedrooms, 1 bath half-duplex, to $1,199,000 for a 3 bedroom, 3.5 bath luxury townhome at The Field. The median price for a condominium in Wayland is $662,450 up from $665,000 on 8/1/2012.

What's it mean to you?Price is key even in a hot market. Homes sellers who price their houses correctly are getting offers, multiple offers in some cases, and are selling quickly, sometimes for over asking; while those who were overly optimistic and went on the market too high are taking longer and they are reducing their prices. There were 23 price changes on 21 properties in Wayland during June. The average change was -4.26%.

People who are serious about buying are prepared and acting quickly, especially any who’ve already missed out on a house they wanted. Being prepared is more important than ever, however, it is still important to think things through and not to make costly mistakes like waiving the home inspection or offering more than you can comfortably afford. Contact me if you want an experienced buyer agent/broker to navigate you through the process. My clients have been able to get the house they want without over-paying.

For people who own a home and are not planning to move anytime soon, higher sale prices mean more equity in your property. Maybe you've been trying to refinance or take out an equity line to do some updates but your house wouldn't appraise. Mortgage interest rates are still historically low and this may be your window of opportunity. This is also a good time to consider a vacation home or income property. Prices are going up everywhere so why wait?

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Want to know more, call Marilyn at 508-596-3501.

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Inventory is dramatically shrinking and it is commonplace in many markets to have multiple offers on a home. While the sellers would prefer to be able to choose the best offer for them, it can be incredibly frustrating for the buyers who might consider the following tips to get their offer accepted.

1. Remove the uncertainty that you may not be approved for a mortgage by having a pre-approval letter from your mortgage company.  

2. Show your sincerity by increasing the normal amount of earnest money customary for the area and price of the home. The earnest money will be applied toward your down payment and closing costs.

3. Specify a closing date in the contract but acknowledge that you can be flexible to accommodate the sellers moving date. If it becomes an issue, it still must be mutually agreed upon.  

4. Make the contingency periods shorter if possible to make the seller feel that they’ll know sooner that the offer is solid.  

5. If the contingency really isn’t important to you, leave it out of the offer. The more contingencies included in a contract, the more the seller will feel might happen to keep it from actually closing. However, do not waive contingencies if it means risking your deposit. Even in a hot market, be careful.

6. Write a personal note to the seller explaining why you like and want their home. Consider including a picture of your family and pets. 

7. Physically sign the offer with a felt tip pen of contrasting color. You’d be surprised how this adds a personal touch to the offer.

Offer a fair price for the property in your initial purchase agreement. It shows sincerity and good faith that you’re actually trying to purchase the home and not trying to take advantage of the seller. The old adage that you can always go up later may never happen if there are multiple offers on the property in the beginning.

And, remember as a buyer you are entitled to have your own agent represent you and negotiate on your behalf. Sometimes buyers either don't understand what a buyer a can do for them or else they think going directly to the sellers' agent will benefit them. This could not be further from the truth - the sellers' agent is legally bound to act in the best interest of the seller.
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Marilyn Messenger is an Accredited Buyer Representative (ABR) and a Certified Residential Specialist (CRS) who has been representing buyers and sellers in Wayland, Sudbury, Maynard, Stow, Concord and the suburbs west of Boston since 1993.

Call Marilyn at 508-596-3501 or visit www.marilynmessenger.com for more information about buyer agency.

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Sudbury MA - Q1 Home Sales Highest Since Peak!

Lots of happy home sellers in Sudbury as the Spring real estate market arrived early and the number of single family homes sold was the highest since the peak in 2007.

In March, there were 21 closed sales up from just 7 last year when we were still buried in snow! Median and average sale prices in March were higher than last year and although have not made it back to 2007 levels, the housing market in Sudbury is moving in the right direction!                                                      

The current median list price in Sudbury is $768,500 compared with $862,500 last year at this time. The average list price is $885,045, last year it was $972,462.
More realistic pricing bringing buyers and sellers together again. There are currently 21 sales pending in Sudbury and there are 41 single family properties that have accepted offers. Homes that are priced correctly are getting offers in just days and we are seeing multiple offers too!

Buyers who want to live in Sudbury, be prepared. Get pre-approved for a mortgage so you know exactly what you can afford, decide what the trade-offs are (location, size, and condition) and connect with an experienced buyer broker/agent who can navigate you through this busy market!

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How's the Sudbury Real Estate Market?

As in most places, the number of homes sold and median and average sale prices for single family homes in Sudbury during the first quarter of 2011 were down from the same period in 2010. There were 18 single family homes sold between 1/1 and 3/31/2011 compared with 22 in 2010. The 2011 first quarter median price was $556,000 and the average was $584,889. During Q1 2010 the median price was $646,250 and the average $710,000.

While that may sound discouraging for sellers and give buyers the idea that they can take their time and then make low offers, March and April have been substantially more active and there are 26 single family homes with offers accepted and 17 with sales pending. Sellers who priced their properties to position themselves in the marketplace as "good deals" or as Jordan's Furniture calls it "under-pricing", are getting offers pretty quickly. Others who want to use the price to show that their house is "better" are staying on longer.

Current list prices for single family homes range from $174,000 to $2,795,000; the median price is $849,900; last year at this time it was $876,750. The average list price is $965,531 compared with $1,020,914. The average time on the market is 168 days, last year at this time it was 176 days.

After this past winter, it's no wonder that a lot of people are thinking about owning a condominium. There are currently 25 luxury townhouses for sale in Sudbury with prices ranging from $459,900 to $699,000. Recent activity shows there are 5 with accepted offers and 4 with sales pending. First quarter sales for townhouses in Sudbury up slightly from first quarter last year; median and average prices were also higher.

If you are thinking about renting a property in Sudbury, there are only 5 available. Rents in Sudbury range from $1400 per month for a 2 bedroom, 1 bath unit, to $7,000 per month for an 18 room luxury home. When adding up the cost of a first, last, and one month security deposit plus the rental agent's fee, buying may be a better option.

Interest rates are still the lowest in decades, so it's a great time for buyers and sellers to make a move. Visit http://www.marilynmessenger.com/  for the latest local market condition reports for Sudbury, Wayland, Weston, Maynard and Stow MA, complete MLS home search, news and information to help you plan your next move.

Wayland MA Housing Market - March Off to a Busy Start!

Welcome to the Real Estate Market Conditions report for Wayland MA for March 2011.


The spring housing market is starting to bloom in Wayland! The phone is ringing and sellers are preparing to put their homes on the market. Even with more snow than we’d like to see still around, 18 new listings for single family homes have come on the market since March 1 and 4 had accepted offers in just a few days! There are also 18 properties with sales pending and there are still a couple of weeks of March to go. So while the average time on the market for single family homes in Wayland is 223 days, the message to sellers is: if you price your home correctly it will sell quickly, but spring market is short window so don’t wait for the competition to go on the market.

With just 65 for single family homes for sale compared with 85 last year at this time, buyers are hungry for new opportunities. They are ready to buy and they are not waiting for Sunday open houses! Serious buyers are pre-approved and their buyer agents are setting up viewings right away. Low interest rates, a super convenient location with lots of open space, and sought-after schools - Wayland High School ranked #8 for 2010 out of 161 public high schools in Massachusetts (by Boston Magazine), Wayland is the town where people moving out from Cambridge and Boston want to be and they recognize a good value when they see one. Unlike many towns in the area, closed sales for February were up from last year and they were also up from the previous month.

List prices in Wayland range from $179,000 to $4,795,000; the median price is $799,000; the average is $1,128,858. While median and average prices are helpful information, the market value of any property depends on the supply and demand which can vary greatly for each price range. It is important to understand your specific market when determining the list price that will attract the highest number of buyers; or if you are a buyer trying to determine what you are willing to pay.

The condominium/townhouse market is also busy. After this winter, homeowners who said they would never live in a condo are calling to look at them; and as with single family homes there are fewer for sale, 22 compared with 29 last year at this time. Condos and townhouses are selling faster too; the average time on the market has dropped to 140 days from 259 days. There are 6 sales pending and 3 with accepted offers waiting for contingencies to clear. Prices range from $259,000 to $985,000 for luxury townhouses.

Visit www.marilynmessenger.com to search complete MLS listings with addresses and maps; news and information and market reports for Sudbury, Stow, Maynard, and Weston MA. Facebook users, you can search for homes without leaving FB at www.facebook.com/livingwestofboston and let us know what you think about Wayland.

Data source: MLSPIN (Multiple Listing Service Property Information Network.

Is This a Good Time to Sell Your House?

Recently I was chatting with a woman who was complaining about the cold saying that her friends and relatives in Florida keep telling her she should move there. Sounds like a good idea to a lot of us in Massachusetts as we look at the endless piles of snow… So I mentioned I’m a real estate broker and that my Realtor friends in Florida send me information about some fabulous opportunities especially in Naples and Fort Myers where she would be going. We talked about what a great house she could buy for so much less money than here :) and then she said: “but it’s such a bad time to sell, nothing is selling!”

Really? While hardly a day goes by without a headline about “the housing market”, as if there is one big market when really there no such thing; all real estate is local and whether houses are selling or not depends on supply and demand which varies greatly around the country. In New England it varies from town to town and within the town it can vary by price point. While the supply in places like Florida and Nevada is still high, right now the supply of homes for sale in the towns west of Boston is really low. Compared with last year at this time the number of single family homes for sale in Sudbury has dropped by 18%; 21% in Maynard; and 30% Wayland! Of course, no one can tell you exactly what the demand is, however, based on 2010 absorption rates and the increased number of calls from buyers since Thanksgiving, I would say buyers are hungry for new listings to come on the market.

Everyone wants to sell high and buy low! Well, if you’re selling in Massachusetts and moving to a state like Florida that still has a large supply of homes for sale you can actually to do that! When I explained that to her and told her about some recent single family home sales in town, she kind of got it but was still focused on selling for less than she could have a few years ago. I suggested that she think about where she wants to be rather than what could have been; and, more importantly that she could be with her family and not have to go through another winter like this.

Bottom line: whether it’s a good time to sell depends on you and where you want to go. Since most home sellers become buyers, selling is just a means to an end; one more step (albeit a big one!) in the buying process. If you are moving to a less expensive town or state, down-sizing within the same market, or even if you are looking to move up within the same town then it’s a good time to sell. Today’s low interest rates are another factor on your side. If you really are ready to make a move because that is what makes sense for your life, don’t let the naysayers deter you and don’t wait for everyone else to go on the market. Get the facts from a real estate professional and then you decide if it’s a good time to sell based on your market, not headlines!

Wayland Real Estate Market Report - 2010 Home Sales Up

Happy New Year and welcome to the first 2011 real estate market conditions report for Wayland MA.


Although, up from 50 last year at this time, the number of single family homes on the market in Wayland remains low at just 55 for sale. $900,000 to $999,999 is the price range with the highest increase in inventory - there are 8 homes for sale up from 3 last year at this time; so good opportunities for buyers in that range. Current activity shows that 2 of the properties already have accepted offers and are being shown until contingencies clear. Additionally, there are 10 single family properties with sales pending.

The average time on the market for current listings is 254 days; last year it was 299. However, buyers consider homes that have been on the market for more than six months either to be over-priced or stale or both; those who have been looking for a while are ready to jump on new offerings that are fresh and priced realistically. Anyone thinking about selling, this is a good time to get your house on the market while there is little competition.

List prices in Wayland range from $179,000 to $4,795,000. The median list price is $784,000; last year at this time it was $677,450. The average list price is $1,099,023 compared with $1,203,864 last year.

The number of single family homes sold in Wayland for all of 2010 was approximately 4% higher than in 2009. There were 133 compared to 129. Sale prices ranged from $135,000 to $3,910,000. Both median and average sale prices were also higher. The median was $565,000, up $30,000 from the 2009 median. The average was $629,815, up from $585,245 in 2009. Sales of luxury homes almost doubled in 2010 - there were 11 homes sold for over 1 million dollars compared with six in 2009. Luxury home buyers saw good values and made their move.

On a monthly basis, December sales were lower than last year; 7 compared to 12; the median sale prices was higher at $625,000; the average sale prices was $555,929, just under $4,000 less than the average in December 2009.

While median and average prices are helpful information, the market value of any property depends on the supply and demand which can vary greatly for each price range. It is important to understand your specific market when determining the list price that will attract the highest number of buyers; or if you are a buyer trying to determine what you are willing to pay.

For anyone looking for easy living, there are still excellent opportunities in Wayland, however, fewer than last year at this time. There are 23 condominiums, including duplex and townhouse styles with prices ranging from $399,000 to $985,000. Of the 23 active listings there are 2 condominiums with offers accepted waiting for contingencies to clear. There are 4 condos with sales pending. Closed sales of condominiums in Wayland were also up in 2010 - 25 compared to 21 in 2009; and both median and average sale prices were also up. The 2010 median price was $485,000; the average was $639,980.

Data source: MLSPIN (Multiple Listing Service Property Information Network.

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5,365 Reasons to Stay on the Market During the Holidays!

Having your house on the market during the holidays can be inconvenient and a lot of sellers assume that nothing will happen anyway.

Did you know that last year 65 single-family, condominiums, and multi-family homes in Wayland, Sudbury, Maynard, and Stow went under agreement between November 20, 2009 and January 05, 2010? There were 16 in Wayland, 25 in Sudbury, 11 in Maynard, and 13 in Stow! Statewide in Massachusetts, the total was 5,365! Here are some of the reasons why:


Less competition – a lot of people will take their homes off the market, so buyers will have fewer choices; make your home one of the choices.

Serious buyers – while there may be fewer buyers, the ones who are looking tend to be more serious. Everyone likes to look at houses in the Spring; it’s almost like entertainment for some. At this time of year people are busy and the daylight hours are shorter. People who are taking the time to look are serious.

Taxes - Many buyers want to close by year-end for tax purposes and it is still possible; they are ready to move, so you can get it done quickly and move on.

Things to celebrate – people get engaged over the holidays, get bonuses, etc. so they have good reasons to buy.

Job Relocation – this is when a lot of people who are coming to the area to start jobs in the new year come to buy – Massachusetts unemployment is down and companies are hiring again. If they have school children they can make their move during the school vacation get settled for second semester rather than starting in the middle.

Family and friends. People who are thinking about moving back to the area come “home” to visit family and friends and go out to look at houses while they’re here.

Sellers become buyers. If you’re buying another home, you can take advantage of opportunities to purchase from another serious seller, year-end tax breaks etc.

Momentum. Taking your home off the market breaks the marketing momentum. Someone who likes your house online may be waiting until they get their bonus, or job confirmation, holiday gift. If your house disappears from the market, they will buy something else.

Houses do sell over the holidays - 65 in just four towns last year!If your house is priced properly and you keep it on the market, yours may be one of them. Happy Holidays!

Date source: MLSPIN (Multiple Listing Service Property Information Network)

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You Have the Right to Remain Silent.. Anything You Say..."

Anyone who has ever watched a crime show on TV can finish that sentence. We all know about Miranda rights when someone gets arrested. Hopefully, no one reading this blog will ever have to hear those words but there is a good chance that you or someone you know will at some point talk to a real estate agent or broker about buying or selling a home.

If you are like most people, you don’t think about “rights” or “relationships” when you contact a real estate agent; you just want information about a property or a town or about financing. The agent will ask questions about where you live, where you work, when you need to move, how much money you make, your source for financing, how much you want to spend on a property… all kinds of personal and financial information that you would want to have kept confidential; and certainly not shared when you want to win a negotiation.

Now this is not legal advice (you need a lawyer for that), just a heads up for buyers and sellers that in Massachusetts whenever a consumer asks a real estate licensee to discuss a particular property, the licensee must disclose in writing whose interests the licensees represent, the buyer or the seller, or both. Without such a warning consumers can make tactical mistakes in negotiating the best possible deal, such as disclosing their bottom line price to a real estate licensee who is actually the seller's representative..."anything you say can and will be used agains you..." How about a seller asking for advice about pricing their property; what if that agent represents a buyer who may have an interest... who does that agent work for?

A recent investigation by Patrick-Murray Administration's Division of Professional Licensure shows real estate licensees regularly fail to disclose whose interests they represent. Investigators found 94 percent of licensees checked were not in compliance in Boston. Pairs of investigators from the Division of Professional Licensure, posing as consumers, visited 200 real estate offices throughout Massachusetts and found that in only 12 instances, or 6 percent of the time, real estate licensees properly disclosed to consumers whose interests they represent.

Have you contacted a real estate agent lately…did they provide the Mandatory Licensee-Consumer Relationship Disclosure form for you to sign?

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Stow MA - Housing Market Conditions - Great Time to Buy in Stow!

Here is what's going on in Stow Massachusetts housing market:

List prices for single family homes in Stow range from $239,900 to $798,000. The median list price is less than it was last year at this time - $474,900 compared with $580,000 last year; and the average is also less: $495,190 compared with $583,169 last year. Currently, there are 50 single family homes for sale in Stow MA. Last year at this time there were 51 listings; however, inventory levels vary by price range. The price range with the largest increase of homes available in Stow is $350,000 to $399,999 - there are 10 for sale compared with only 3 last year at this time; good opportunities for first time buyers. Additionally, there are none listed over $800,000; last year there were six.


Current activity is slow; only one sale pending and no single family homes with accepted offers. Many sellers have recognized the lack of activity and there have been 43 price reductions on 28 properties during the past 3 months; the average reduction was -4.11%; only time will tell if that is enough.

Year to date sales as of 9/30 are up over the first nine months of 2009; 48 compared with 38; and the average time on the market was less - 147 days compared with 186 in 2009. The price range with the most sales was $500,000 to $599,900 - there were 9 sold in that range. The median sale price so far this year is $442,500; the average is $444,531; both lower than in 2009 when the median was $455,000 and the average was $486,814.

Sales and prices during the month of September were less. There were 5 sales; the median sale price was $373,000 and the average sale prices $379,300. There were 6 sales during September 2009; the median sale price was $381,000 and the average was $388,083.

Lower list prices and historically low interest rates make this a great time to move to Stow! And with the stock market providing flat or decreasing returns, real estate is a good opportunity for growth. Visit www.marilynmessenger.com where you'll find complete MLS listings with addresses and maps, along with local market information and news.

Fall is the most beatiful time of year in Stow MA; gorgeous colors and best apple picking anywhere! If you haven't been to Stow, come see what you're missing!

Source: MLSPIN

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