Townhouse in Maynard MA - 11 Oak Ridge Drive Unit 6

    

Perfect for first-time home-buyers, down-sizers, or anyone looking for easy living in a great location! You'll love the private location and move-in ready condition of this 4-level townhouse at Oak Ridge. Open first-floor layout includes a maple/stainless kitchen and adjacent dining room with sliders to a deck where you'll enjoy beautiful wooded views, afternoon sun. The second floor has two spacious bedrooms with generous closets, a linen closet and a full bath with cherry cabinetry, double-sinks. The finished third floor loft with a wood-burning fireplace is perfect for an office, playroom, or private getaway space. Semi-finished lower-level walk-out is ready for your completion. Trane brand gas furnace and air-conditioning, replacement windows, 2015 roof.  MORE...

Bordered by Concord, Sudbury, Acton, and Stow, Maynard is located approx. 25 NW of Boston; an easy commuter location to Waltham, Cambridge, Boston, and west to Route 495. The variety of specialty shops and restaurants, the Fine Arts Place movie theater, library, Art Space, community theater, parks, walking track, farmer's market, Erickson's Ice Cream, golf club, the Assebet River Rail Trail, and the newly designated Maynard Cultural District make Maynard the place you'll want to call home. 

If you haven't been to Maynard, come see what you're missing! And, if you would like to live in Maynard, check out homes for sale at www.MarilynMessenger.com or contact me to arrange a time to talk marilynmessenger@realtor.com

Time for a Condo?

Time for a Condo?

Owning a home can be a lot of work especially when you live in Massachusetts! Anyone who lived here during the winter of 2015 remembers the seemingly never-ending snow storm after snow storm! With a foot in some places last week and blizzard warnings for the next two days, here we go again! After the snow is done, there's fixing the roof, repairing the siding, landscaping - there's always something...

First-time buyers at Oak Ridge, Maynard

Condominium living is exactly the right lifestyle for a lot of people. If you are a first time home buyer, you can generally get more living space for the same price as a single-family home, developments tend to be newer, and some offer amenities such as swimming pools, tennis courts, fitness centers.

If you’re just too busy or not interested in working around the house, owning a condo may be for you; the exterior maintenance is taken care of by the homeowner association so you don’t have to be concerned about painting, landscaping, snow plowing, roof replacement, etc. – the benefits of home ownership without the work!

A lot of empty-nesters also like the idea of simplifying and having someone else take care of things. Wouldn’t it be nice to just lock the door and go somewhere warm next winter without having to worry about anything? Sounds perfect if you’re someone who wants easy living; doesn’t mind having close neighbors; is OK with letting other people make decisions for you or is willing to volunteer to be on the Homeowners Association Board. You won’t mind trading some personal freedoms in return for convenience, right?

“There are no exceptions to the rule that everybody likes to be an exception to the rule.” Charles Osgood

Buyers know that condominiums/homeowner associations have rules that govern the community and offers to purchase a condominium should include a contingency that says the offer is subject to satisfactory review/acceptance of all documents… Most HOA (Home Owner association) rules are pretty standard, and your attorney can tell you which ones you can expect to find in most places, however, communities can and do amend the rules over the years so rules can vary. Parking and pets seem to be the biggest issues but there may also be rules holiday decorations, gardening, decks, facility usage; bicycle and baby carriage storage, any selling or rental restrictions – these days many developments will not allow investors … Some associations dictate what vendors you can use to replace the windows – yes, units owners are often responsible for windows, doors; know what you will be responsible for.

"Active Adults" at their detached townhouse in Hudson

The lender will review the budget and send a questionnaire asking about the overall well being of the development – i.e. number of owner occupied units, if there are any pending lawsuits, special assessments; but as the buyer, it is really important for YOU to read the rules. Only you can know if you’ll be comfortable living by the rules that govern the condo development you’ll be sharing; and the best time to do that is before you make an offer. Once you accept the condominium rules (or not) you can move forward and enjoy the lifestyle that’s right for you!

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About the author: Marilyn Messenger, a licensed real estate broker, Certified Residential Specialist (CRS) and an Accredited Buyer Representative (ABR) associated with Andrew Mitchell in Concord, has sold dozens of condominiums and townhouses (new and resale units) in Sudbury, Wayland, Maynard, Concord, and the towns west of Boston since 1993. As a condominium/townhouse owner and former Board of Trustees Member of a 155 unit complex, she knows how first-hand about buying and selling condominiums and about condo living. Ask Marilyn at 508-596-3501 or marilynmessenger@realtor.com. Search for homes at www.MarilynMessenger.com 

Single-family condo at 9 Ingham Lane Concord - Sold for $895,100

Under Contract - Deer Hedge Run Townhouse Maynard

   

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Do You Like to Share? How About a Condo?

        

Would You Like To Share A Pool?

While living in a condominium is a great lifestyle for a lot of people who want the benefits of home-ownership without a lot of the work, it is important to understand that a condominium is a shared form of ownership. The condominium form of ownership can apply to an apartment-style, townhouse, duplex, or detached single-family home. Condominiums are also common for  business uses including office condos and even retail space. 

Regardless of the condo style you decide to buy, you need to be willing to go along with some rules and restrictions, and possibly having to pay for some amenities, repairs, or improvements that benefit the community but maybe not each individual owner. 

Here is a link to a recent blog post on LinkedIn that talks about some of the things you need to consider if you are thinking about buying a condominium or a single-family home in a community with a home-owner association (HOA).
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Contact Marilyn Messenger for additional information about condominiums and visit www.marilynmessenger.com to search for condominiums Wayland, Sudbury, Maynard, and the towns west of Boston.

Suburban Condo Prices Up!

Condo prices are way up in Massachusetts are not just in Boston!  Click to link to a recent article in the Boston Globe.

Deer Hedge Run Maynard

Prices are also up over last year in many of suburban towns west of Boston.    

Here are median prices for some of the towns for the past 6 months:

Maynard: $257,000; up 3.4%
Concord: $367,500; up 4.7%
Wayland: $610,000;
Sudbury: $620,000; up 4.8%
Acton: $277,200; up 7%
Stow: $382,000; 7.4%

Active Adult Townhouses, Sudbury MA

Check out condominiums for sale at www.marilynmessenger.com.
and be sure to check out "Is Condo Living for You?" 

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About the author: Marilyn Messenger, a Certified Residential Specialist, Accredited Buyer Representative, and broker associated with Andrew Mitchell and Company in Concord has been selling condominiums for 21 years.

Having served on the Board of Trustees at Deer Hedge Run, she understands HOAs (homeowner associations) and the ins-and-out of condominium living. Contact Marilyn at 508-596-3501 for information about condominiums that may fit your needs. If you're thinking about selling; low inventory makes this a good time!

Sudbury Real Estate: March Home Sale Prices Up 14%

Great news for home sellers in Sudbury. Sale prices were up 14% for single-family homes. Inventory in Sudbury MA remains low; less competition makes this a good time to put your house on the market for sale. Check out the video for more.

Visit www.marilynmessenger.com for additional details about the Sudbury real estate market including condominium/townhouses. You can also view reports for Wayland, Concord, Maynard, and Stow MA.

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Condo Rental Available - $1150 - 2 bedroom Corner Unit -Maynard - Great Location!

10-MILL-ST-MAYNARD-MA-01754 Property Detail

Corner unit at Stonebridge Narrows Condominium abutting the Assabet River.Top floor. Living room with sliders to screened balcony. 2 bedrooms with good size closets. Linen closet. Laundry on same floor. One parking space in back. Storage pod in basement. Convenient to restaurants, shops, arts, parks, library, walking track, schools, Clock Tower Place, and more. Minutes to Route 117 for easy commute to Waltham or west to 495. Just painted and ready for you! NO PETS of any type or size.

Great Location - Convenient to Maynard Downtown, Clock Tower Place and Easy Commute to Waltham/117.

Abutting the Assabet River - Maynard MA

                                                                               

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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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Sudbury Housing Market Update - Prices Rise as Inventory Shrinks

Sudbury Real Estate - Local Housing Market Update



Click here for the latest report from the Greater Boston Association of Realtors. including data for condominiums in Sudbury.
 

Single-Family Homes: Both the number of single-family homes sold and the median sale price during February were higher in Sudbury than in previous years. Year to date (as of 2/28) there have been 25 closed sales for single-family homes in Sudbury - a 47.1% increase over the same period last year.

Current 4/2/13 - The number of homes for sale has dropped by 40% since last year - there are 84 single-family homes for sale and of those, 18 already have accepted offers. Last year on 4/2 there

were 141 for sale. Current list prices range from $269,900 to $3,495,000.The median list price is $889,000 compared with $769,000 last year.

Overall, there is a 4 month supply of single-family homes for sale compared with 8 months last year. Supply varies by price. Luxury property buyers still have many excellent options in Sudbury. There are currently 23 estate homes for sale between $1,000,000 and $1,499,999 and only 2 have - this is an almost 9 month supply. There are 8 listings between 1.5 million and $999,999.

Condominiums (townhouse and garden apartment style) - Contrary to the single-family market, the supply of condominiums has increased by 100% - there are 32 for sale compared with 16 last year, however, of the 32, 14 already have accepted offers. The increase is mostly due to the new construction townhouses at Landham Crossing, Mahoney Farms, and Grouse Hill. There are also 3 resale townhouses at Springhouse Pond, 2 of which have accepted offers and are being shown for backup. List prices for condos in Sudbury range from $230,000 for an apartment-style at Northwoods, to $825,000. The median price is $687,450.

While condo living is easier and really tempting after all the snow this winter, it is different than owning your own single-family home. There are many things to consider. If you are considering a condo, including new construction, know that you are entitled to have your own buyer agent /broker represent you. If you want someone on your side, and who wouldn't, contact me before you visit the site; visiting the site first could cost you.

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Get the latest market reports for Wayland, Sudbury, Maynard, Stow and Acton MA at www.marilynmessenger.com or call 508-596-3501 if you are looking for a knowledgeable, experienced, educated and caring real estate broker and buyer agent to help you buy or sell a home.

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Acton (MA)Real Estate - Home Sales and Prices Up in May 2012

Single Family Homes: There are currently 94 single family homes for sale in Acton MA; last year there were 123 at this time. List prices range from $180,500 to $1,099,888. The median list price is $574,950 – 50K less than last year at this time; the average list price is $567,167, last year it was $573,517.

The Acton residential real estate market is very active. Of the 94 single family homes on the market, 25 already have offers accepted waiting for contingencies to clear, so the actual number of single family homes for sale is very low. Additionally, 35 single family homes went pending during May compared to 21 in May 2011.

May Closed Sales: Closed sales and sale prices for single-family homes in Acton were up substantially in May. There were 20 sold compared with just 8 during May 2011. The median sale price was $511,250; up from $432,000. The average was $518,320, up from $475,625. Based on the limited supply of homes on the market, buyers can expect competition and prices for homes increase. However, the market generally slows down during the summer so buyers who want to live in Acton should stay in the market and be prepared to step up if they find a home that suits their needs.

Year-to-date Sales: There were 55 single-family closed sales in Acton between January 1 and May 31 2012 up from 46 during the same period in 2011. The median sale price was $497,500, higher than May 2011 of $453,750. The May 2012 average price was $497,784; the average price in May 2011 was $521,014.

Condominiums and Townhouses: The supply of condominiums and townhouses in Acton has declined from last year at this time; there are 63 for sale compared with 76 last year. Prices range from $85,000 to $680,000. The median price is $289,800; last year it was $261,950. The average is $331,474; last year it was $268,625.

Acton has good selection of new construction attached and detached townhomes. Buyers can have their own buyer agent representing them but remember, the buyer agent must accompany the buyer to the site the first time they visit the site. If you’re interested in new construction, find a buyer agent first. While the agent on-site will be very friendly and helpful, remember, that person’s job is to act in the best interest of the builder, not you! A buyer agent who knows new construction and who knows how to negotiate can save you money.

Closed sales: Condominium sales are down from last year. There were 28 closed sales of condominiums and townhouses from 1/1 – 5/31/2012; there were 32 for the same period in 2011. The median price was $183,600; the average was $231,182; both lower than last year.

Source: MLSPIN (Multiple Listing Service Property Information Network)

Wayland Real Estate Report -Active Early Spring Market!

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Single Family Homes: Spring market has started early in Wayland and home buyers are recognizing that this is a great time to buy. Although there are 84 single family homes for sale in Wayland compared with 57 last year at this time, 14 already have accepted offers that are being shown for backup offers only. Pending sales are also high for this early in the season; there are currently 22 single family home with sales pending.

Prices for single family properties in Wayland range from $244,900 to $14,900,000. The median price is $779,000; lower than last year when it was $826,500. The average list price is $1,152,814 only a few dollars less than last year. The average list price for properties with offers accepted is $753,407 and $674,559 for sales pending. Offers accepted are the most recent activity.

Closed Sales: There have been 23 closed sales in January and February 2012, up substantially from 9 for the first 2 months of 2011 however, sale prices are similar. The median sale price was $470,000, the average was $503,739. The median sale prices for January and February 2011 was $466,000; the average was $504,800. The average time on the market was 181 days, 20 days longer than last year.
The average sale price to the original list price ratio was 89%. The average sale price to adjusted list price ratio was 93%, proving that asking a higher price does not yield a higher sale price.

Condominiums/Townhouses: There are 33 condominiums/townhouses for sale in Wayland; last year there were 30. However, as with single family homes, many of the active listings already have accepted offers. List prices range for townhouses in Wayland range from $299,900 for a 1 bedroom townhouse to $1,100,000 for a 3200+ square foot luxury unit at “The Meadows.”

New construction townhomes are selling especially well in Wayland. There are 3 one-level garden style age restricted condos for sale ranging from $299,000 to $340,000. There were 7 condominiums sold in Jan/Feb in Wayland, only one more than last year. The median and average sale prices were both higher than last year.

Luxury Homes: As in most towns in the area, the luxury homes market in Wayland still has the best opportunities for buyers. There 26 properties listed in Wayland for over $1 million. Some of these properties have been on the market for a year or more so there are deals to be made!
 

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

Visit http://www.MarilynMessenger.com for the latest market reports for Wayland, Sudbury, Maynard, Stow, and Acton Massachusetts. "Like" our real estate and community page on Facebook - http://www.facebook.com/livingwestofboston.

Wayland Real Estate Report - Third Quarter Home Sales Up!

Sold in 6 Days!
Average time on market 126 Days!

Single Family Homes: Current list prices for single family homes in Wayland range from $94,900 to $18,800,000. At $629,000 the median list price is lower than last year at this time when it was $719,000. The average is $1,068,555, higher than last year when it was $946,248. The number of single family homes on the market is up approximately 11% from last year; there are 101 compared with 91. $500,000 to $599,000 is still the price range with the most homes; there are 15 homes for sale, so good opportunities for buyers.
Of the 101 single family homes for sale, 13 already have accepted offers and are being shown until contingencies clear. There are 8 properties with sales pending.

Closed Sales: There were 14 closed sales of single family homes in Wayland during September 2011; up from 10 during September 2011. Median and average sale prices were also up; the median sale price was $699,500, the average was $665,643. The median and average during September 2010 was $568,250; the average was $609,350. 

Third quarter sales were also up in Wayland; there were 44 closed sales; last year there were 40. The median sale price was $633,740, the average was $662,052. The median sale price for third quarter 2010 was $502,113 and the average was $612,657. 

Condominiums/Townhouses: Sales of condominiums and townhouses during September and the third quarter improved substantially over 2010. There were 7 sales in September 2011, up from 2 the previous year although prices were about the same – the median sale price was $449,800; the average was $549,757. There were 12 units sold during third quarter 2011, up from only 8 for the same period in 2010.

There are currently 40 condo/townhouses for sale in Wayland; 15 are new construction at DeColores Drive near Commonwealth Road, Wayland Commons off Route 27, and The Field at Mainstone. Prices including resale and new units range from $289,900 to $1,100,000.

Luxury Market: As in most towns in the area, the luxury homes market in Wayland still has the best opportunities for buyers. There 26 luxury homes available, some have been on the market for several months. Fall is a great time to get a deal!


Click here to search complete MLS listings with addresses and maps; news and information and market reports for Sudbury, Stow, Maynard, and Weston.  Or search on Facebook - "like" www.facebook.com/livingwestofboston for the latest real estate news and community information.

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

Wayland Real Estate Market - Good News for Buyers; Fewer Sales; Lower Prices

Custom Cape - List Price: $830,000

Single Family Homes: Current list prices for single family homes in Wayland range from $124,900 to $18,800,000. At $618,950 the median list price is lower than last year at this time when it was $629,450. The average is $1,077,036, higher than last year when it was $930,526.

The number of single family homes on the market is up slightly from last year; there are 98 compared with 94. The price range with the most homes available is $500,000 to $599,000; there are 18, so good choices for buyers. Inventory levels and time on the market are very similar to last year at this time however, both vary by price range. Of the 98 single family homes for sale, 11 already have accepted offers and are being shown until contingencies clear. The number of single family homes sold in July was down from July 2010 – 11 vs. 17. However, the median and average sale prices were higher. The median sale price in July 2011 was $615,000; the average was $636,545. Last July the median was $470,000; the average was $599,994. Currently there are 13 homes with sales pending.

Year-to-date through 7/31 there were 73 closed sales; last year there were 81. Along with fewer homes sold, both median and average prices were less. The 2011 median was $534,000; average was $600,785. The 2010 median was $567,105; the average was $624,027.Fewer sales and lower prices are good news for buyers; and sellers who are serious are adjusting their list prices according; there have been 41 price adjustments on 36 single family properties in Wayland since July 1. The average adjustment was -9.66%.

Condomiums/Townhouses: The condominium and townhouse market has improved over last year. Both the number of closed sales and the median sale price are up. Y-T-D through July 31, 2011 there were 21 condos/townhouses sold. The median sale price was $531,900; the average was $544,179. During the same period in 2010 there were 16 sold; the median price was $487,500; the average was higher at $663,525. The average in 2011 was $544,179. There are currently 26 for sale with prices ranging from $299,000 to $1,100,000.

Luxury Market: As in most towns in the area, the luxury homes market in Wayland still has the best opportunities for buyers. There 26 luxury homes available, some have been on the market for a year or longer; Fall is a great time to get a deal!

Click here 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 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.

Sudbury MA - Bright Spot in the Housing Market west of Boston

Sudbury MA is one of the brighter spots in the housing market these days as sales and recent prices have increased over last year. Currently, there are 156 single family homes for sale. Of the 156, 38 (approx. 24%) already have accepted offers, however, there are still many excellent opportunities for home ownership, especially for buyers looking for luxury properties. There are also 21 properties with sales pending. 
Despite the increase in recent sale prices, list prices in for single family homes in Sudbury are lower than last year at this time and range from $175,000 to $2,795,000. The median list price is $796,750 and the average list price is $912,003. Last year at this time list prices ranged from $199,000 to $3,195,000; the median price was $872,450 and the average was $1,008,617. Average time on the market is 153 days; last year it 171 days. As with the number of homes for sale, time on market varies by price range.

Between May 1 and June 15 there were 23 closed sales compared with 18 for the same period in 2010. The median sale price was$630,000 and the average was $699,728; both higher than last year when the median was 588,500 and the average was $647,333. While every house did not appreciate by the same amount, most sellers were happy to sell; and buyers who may have paid more than they may have last year where happy to beat the competition (yes, there were some bidding wars!) and were able to enjoy super low interest rates – a winning situation for all who wanted to move on!

For anyone looking for easy living, there are some excellent condominium/townhouse opportunities in Sudbury. Inventory is up and there have been substantial price reductions for some of the new construction for active adults.

Click here to search for homes in Sudbury and get daily MLS updates. Search for homes on Facebook at www.facebook.com/livingwestofBoston.

Get the latest market reports for Weston, Wayland, Sudbury, Maynard, and Stow at www.marilynmessenger.com.

Is Condo Living Right For You? Read the Rules Before You Buy!

“There are no exceptions to the rule that everybody likes to be an exception to the rule.” Charles Osgood


Prices for condominiums and townhouses have dropped significantly over the past couple of years and buyers are starting to find the Wayland, Sudbury, Maynard, and the towns west of Boston very attractive. Condominium living is exactly the right lifestyle for a lot of people. If you are a first time home buyer, you can generally get more living space for the same price as a single-family home, developments tend to be newer, and some offer amenities such as swimming pools, tennis courts, fitness centers. If you’re just too busy or not interested in working around the house, owning a condo may be for you; the exterior maintenance is taken care of by the homeowner association so you don’t have to be concerned about painting, landscaping, snow plowing, roof replacement, etc. – the benefits of home ownership without the work!

A lot of empty nesters also like the idea of simplifying and having someone else take care of things, especially after this past winter! Wouldn’t it be nice to just lock the door and go somewhere warm next winter without having to worry about anything? Sounds perfect if you’re someone who wants easy living; doesn’t mind having close neighbors; is ok with letting other people make decisions for you or is willing to volunteer to be on the Homeowners Association Board, and won’t mind trading some personal freedoms in return for convenience.

Buyers know that condominiums/homeowner associations have rules that govern the community and offers to purchase a condominium should include a contingency that says the offer is subject to satisfactory review/acceptance of all documents… Most HOA (Home Owner association) rules are pretty standard, and your attorney can tell you which ones you can expect to find in most places, however, communities can and do amend the rules over the years so rules can vary. Parking and pets seem to be the biggest issues but there may also be rules holiday decorations, gardening, decks, facility usage; bicycle and baby carriage storage, any selling restrictions – these days many developments will not allow investors … Some associations dictate what vendors you can use to replace the windows – yes, units owners are often responsible for windows, doors; know what you will be responsible for.

The lender will review the budget and send a questionnaire asking about the overall well being of the development – i.e. number of owner occupied units, if there are any pending lawsuits, special assessments; but as the buyer, it is really important for YOU to read the rules. Only you can know if you’ll be comfortable living by the rules that govern the condo development you’ll be sharing; and the best time to do that is before you make an offer. Once you accept the condominium rules (or not) you can move forward and enjoy the lifestyle that’s right for you!

About the author: Marilyn Messenger, CRS has sold dozens of condominiums and townhouses (new and resale units) in Sudbury, Wayland, Maynard, and the towns west of Boston since 1993. As a condominium/townhouse owner and former Board of Trustees Member of a 155 unit complex, she knows how first-hand about buying and selling condominiums and about condo living. Ask Marilyn at 508-596-3501 or marilynmessenger@realtor.com.

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 Home Sales Update - Fewer Homes on Market

Welcome to the Real Estate Market Conditions report for Wayland Massachusetts for February 2011.


The number of single family homes on the market in Wayland remains low at just 57 for sale; last year at this time there were 61. Current activity shows that 4 of the properties already have accepted offers and are being shown until contingencies clear. Additionally, there are 11 single family properties with sales pending.

List prices in Wayland range from $179,000 to $4,795,000. The median list price is $769,000; last year at this time it was $660,000. The average list price is $1,068,291 compared with $1,079,514 last year. The average time on the market for current listings is 242 days; last year it was 262.

There were 2 single family closed sales in Wayland during January; one sold for $544,900 and one sold for $1,135,000. There were 12 closed sales during January 2010; the median sale price was $515,000; the average was $532,283.

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 20 townhouse style condominiums with prices ranging from $399,000 to $985,000; last year there were 27 for sale. Of the 20 active listings there are 2 condominiums with offers accepted waiting for contingencies to clear. There are 7 townhouses with sales pending, up from 4 last month.

Visit http://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 - "like" and search without leaving FB at www.facebook.com/livingwestofboston.

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

Wayland Real Estate Market - October Sales Up; Current Pendings Down

Welcome to the real estate market conditions report for Wayland MA for November 2010.


Overall, there are more single family homes for sale in Wayland than there were one year ago - 85 compared to 79, however, a closer look shows that in many price ranges there are actually fewer available. The price range with the largest decrease is $600,000 to $699,900 - last year at this time there were 11 homes for sale; currently there are only 7. The range with the highest increase is $250,000 to $299,000 - there are 10 compared to only 1 last year. Many of the homes that range are either short sale or banked-owned properties.

Eight of the "active" listings have offers accepted and are being shown until contingencies have been met. Additionally, there are 7 single-family homes with sales pending; there were 16 sales pending one month ago. Pending sales indicate recent activity.

List prices in Wayland range from $179,000 to $4,795,000. The median list price is $719,000; last year at this time it was $639,000. The average list price is $956,309 compared with $1,059,493 last year. Average time on the market for current listings is 199 days; a year ago it was 210 days.

The number of closed sales during the month of October was up; 15 compared with 11 sales last year. The median sale price was $500,000 up from $472,500 last year; while the average of $488,850 was lower than during October 2009 when it was $532,986. Year-to-date, the number of single family homes sold sales was up over 2009 - 119 in 2010; 105 in 2009, and there was no significant change in median and average sale prices.

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 excellent opportunities in Wayland. There are 28 condominiums, including duplex and townhouse styles with prices ranging from $319,500 to $985,000. There are 3 condominiums with offers accepted; and 1 sale pending. There were 2 closed sales for condominiums during October.



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.

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