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)

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!

Ask a question
Search for Homes

Acton MA Real Estate Update - Active Start to Spring Market!

Ask a Question
Search for Homes/Get Daily Listing Alerts

Single Family Homes: There are currently 76 single family homes for sale in Acton MA; last year there were 65 at this time. List prices range from $199,000 to $1,395,000. The median list price is $577,900; the average list price is $594,776, both higher than one year ago when the median was $549,900 and the average list price was $568,882.

The market is Acton is very active. Of the 76 single family homes on the market, 27 already have offers accepted waiting for contingencies to clear. There are also 23 homes with sales pending. The average list price for sales pending is $500,781. The average list price for properties with accepted offers is 516,534 – offers accepted are the most recent activity. We will know the actual sale prices when the properties close.

The average list price for these homes is lower than the average list prices for current listings that do not have accepted offers (unsold listings) and also lower than the average sale price in Acton for 2011. So here the million dollar question: is high activity due to lower list prices and will it continue as sellers ask more? In theory, price is based on supply and demand and if high activity continues and supply declines, then prices should go up; or will buyers step aside again? Stay tuned for next month’s report.

Year-to-date Sales: There were 14 single-family closed sales in Acton between January 1 and March 15; there were 15 during the same period in 2011; and median and average sale prices were both lower. The median sale price was $452,250, down from $553,000 in 2011. The average price was $503,130, also less than for the same period in 2011 when it was $561,560.

Condominiums and Townhouses: The supply of condominiums and townhouses in Acton has declined substantially from last year at this time; there are 46 for sale compared with 65 last year. So it’s no surprise that list prices are higher than last year. Prices range from $85,000 to $750,000. The median price is $272,400; last year it was $229,700. The average is $316,030; last year it was $278,158.

Acton has good selection of new construction attached and detached townhomes, and yes, buyers can have their own buyer agent representing them, however, the agent must accompany the buyer to the site the first time they visit. 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!

Closed sales: There were 12 closed sales of condominiums/townhouses from 1/1 – 3/15/2012; exactly the same number as for the same period in 2011. The median price was $163,600; the average was $167,655; both lower than last year.

Source: MLSPIN (Multiple Listing Service Property Information Network)

Visit www.marilynmessenger.com for the latest market reports for Acton, Maynard, Sudbury, Wayland, and Stow. "Like" us on Facebook at Living West of Boston.

Wayland Real Estate Report -Active Early Spring Market!

Ask a Question       Search for Homes

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.

Sudbury (MA) Real Estate 3/1/201 - Spring Comes Early to Sudbury!

Mild weather, low interest rates, pent up demand, lower prices... the spring residential real estate market has started early in Sudbury.  Although the number of single family homes for sale is substantially higher than last year at this time 114 up from 82, 32 of the active listings already have accepted offers! Additionally there are 17 properties with sales pending. The average time on the market for active listings is 178 days compared with 249 last year; however, as with inventory, time on market varies by price range.

Current list prices in Sudbury range from $229,900 for a 3 bedroom, 1 bath bank-owned home; up to $3,199,999 for a property located in the Wayside Inn area, described in MLS as “a palatial mansion” on 10+ acres that includes a museum with room for 70 cars. Both median and average prices in Sudbury are lower than they were last year. The median list is $777,000, last year it was $872,500; the average is $905,436, last year it was $1,057,914. There have been 30 price reductions on 27 single family homes since the first of the year.

Although the overall market is active for this time of year, for the luxury home sellers, no so much. There are 33 properties listed for over $1,000,000 in Sudbury, many of which have been on the market for over a year and some for as long as 2 years or more. In addition to the high number of luxury properties available, foreclosures and short sales* in Sudbury and as well as in Wayland, Weston have reduced values and provided excellent opportunities, especially for cash buyers.

Year to date (as of 2/29) there have been 16 closed sales in Sudbury, up from 12 last year. As with current listings, median and average sale prices were lower than last year. The median sale price was $475,000; the average was $616,000. The average sale price to original list price ratio was 89%; the average sale price to final list price ratio as 96%. These ratios are important because many sellers assume that they will get less money if they ask less when actually the opposite is true. Price is based on supply and demand; properties that are priced correctly attract more buyers, therefore increasing demand and increasing the price.

The condominium/townhouse market, which consists of mostly new construction in Sudbury, is also very active. However, unlike the single family market, the number of units for sale is substantially less than last year, only 12 compared with 26; and of the 12, 4 already have accepted offers. So it’s no surprise that list prices are up. The median list for a condominium in Sudbury is $634,500 and the average is $624,116.  

Check out what's for sale in the Sudbury area at www.MarilynMessenger.com.

* A short sale can be an alternative to foreclosure for a distressed homeowner. If you or someone you know needs help, Contact Marilyn for a confidential chat.

Marilyn Messenger is Short Sale certified and a member of the Luxury Homes Marketing Institute with a successful track record of closing short sales (only approx. 25% of short sales close, not every Realtor has the know-how and tanacity to get the job done.)

Acton MA Housing Market Report; Prices Rebound But Fewer Sales in 2011

Acton MA Market Report - January 2012

5 Year Comparisons 2007 - 2011; December Sales and Current Market Conditions

Median and Average sale prices for single-family homes sold in 20011 rebounded to 2008 levels. The number of homes sold was also very close to 2009; fewer than in 2010 and 2011.

Days on market is an important factor when pricing a house to sell. Buyers always want to know how long a property has been on the market. They assume the longer it's been on the market the more motivated the seller must be and the less they will offer.

December Sales: There were 13 single-family closed sales in Acton during December 2011; there were 14 in September 2010; and median and average sale prices were also less. The median sale price was $635,000, up from $533,900 in December 2010. The average price was $563,173, also up from December 2010 when it ws $545,055.

Current Market: There are 57 single family homes for sale in Acton MA; last year there were 62 at this time. List prices range from $199,000 to $1,100,000. The median list price is $525,000; the average list price is $526,217. both higher than one year ago when the median was $517,400 and the average list price was $541,565.

Of the 57 single family homes on the market, 9 have offers accepted waiting for contingencies to clear; and there are 13 homes with sales pending; 5 are new construction with closing dates ranging from the end of February to the end of May.

Condominiums and Townhouses: There are 52 condominiums for sale. Prices range from $74,900 for apartment/garden style units to $609,800 for new detached single-family style homes with 4 bedrooms, 2.5 baths, and 2 car garages. There are also a variety of young and new attached townhouses in the 400s, some but not all are age-restricted/55+.

There were 8 closed sales during 2011. The median price was $204,000; the average was $246,008.

Source: MLSPIN (Multiple Listing Service Property Information Network)

Sudbury MA Market Conditions - 2007 - 2011 Year End, December & Current

Sudbury MA - Market Conditions Report - January 2012

Median: 2011 sale prices were - 4.97% from peak in 2007; and up 4.16% from low in 2009.

Average: 2011 sale prices were -7.92% from peak in 2007; and up 5% from low in 2009.

Find a Home - Complete MLS Listings     Ask a Question

Current – there are 95 single family homes for sale in Sudbury compared with 88 last year at this time. List prices range from $229,900 to $3,199,900. The median price is $799,000; the average is $944,924 – both lower than last year.

Closed Sales – the charts above shows a year to year comparison from 2007 to 2011. There were 181 single family homes sold in Sudbury during 2011; the median price for the year was $625,000; the average was $684,804.

December sale prices were similar; the median was $623,500; the average was $677,079, however the number of homes sold dropped substantially – 12 compared with 25 during December 2010.

Buyers pay attention to the data when deciding what they will pay. Sellers also need to adjust their expectation based on market data. More inventory means more competition and buyers will not make offers on homes they think are not priced correctly.

Condos/Townhouses: Anyone interested in moving to a condominium should do it this year as the number for sale has decreased substantially from last year at this time; there are only 11 units on the market compared with 25 last year and list prices are also higher; prices range from $495,500 to $695,000. The majority of condos/townhouses in Sudbury are new construction and as the developments get closer to completion, the supply is limited and prices will most likely continue to rise.

Data Source: MLSPIN (Multiple Listing Service Property Information Network.)

"Like" us on Facebook at Living West of Boston for real estate news and information about Sudbury, Wayland, Maynard, Stow, and the towns west of Boston.

Wayland Market Report - Fewer Single Family Sales in 2011; Condo Sales Improve!

Single Family Homes: Good news for people who would like to live in Wayland. Inventory is up and the median list price is less than last year. There are 76 single family homes for sale in Wayland; 20 more than last year at this time.

List prices for single family homes in Wayland range from $179,900 to $18,800,000. At $627,000 the median list price is lower than last year at this time when it was $809,450. The average is $1,396,905, higher than last year when it was $1,099,993. Of the 76 single family homes for sale, 11 already have accepted offers and are being shown until contingencies clear. There are 13 properties with sales pending.

Closed Sales 2011 vs. 2010:
2011 – 123 closed sales
Median sale price - $560,000; average sale price - $616,096
Average time on market – 123 days

2010 – 133 closed sales
Median sale price - $565,000; average sale price - $629,815
Average time on market – 140 days
4^th Quarter Sales:
2011 – 18 closed sales
Median sale price – $555,750; average sale price - $580,906
Average time on market – 144 days

2010 – 29 closed sales
Median sale price - $548,000; average sale price - $652,164
Average time on the market – 157 days

December sales:
2011 – 7 sold; exactly the same number as 2010.

2011 Median price - $720,000; average price - $716,786
Average time on the market – 195 days

2010 Median price - $726,000; average price - $555,929
Average time on market – 114 days.

Condominiums/Townhouses: Condominium and townhouse sales improved dramatically in Wayland in 2011.

There were 41 closed sales compared with only 25 in 2010. The median sale price was higher at $559,000; in 2010 it was $585,319. And it took less time to sell; average time on the market in 2011 was 144 days; in 2010 it was 319 days.

There are currently 29 condo/townhouses for sale in Wayland including 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 $329,900 to $1,100,000.

Luxury Homes Market: As in most towns in the area, the luxury homes market in Wayland still has the best opportunities for buyers. There 23 luxury homes for sale. Some of these properties have been on the market for several months; the average time on the market is 213 days. Winter 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 Wayland, Sudbury and the towns west of Boston. Visit and “like” www.facebook.com/livingwestofboston for the latest real estate news and community information. Data source: MLSPIN (Multiple Listing Service Property Information Network.

Sudbury Real Estate - Q3 Home Sales Up!

For Sale: Inventory of single family homes on the market in Sudbury is the same as last year; there are 134 with list prices ranging from 150,000 to $3,199,900. However, both median and average list prices are lower than last year. The current median is $788,750; the average is $906,004; last year the median was $850,000; the average was $999,736. Current activity shows there are 17 single family properties with accepted offers and 13 have sales pending.

Luxury Homes: If you are looking for a luxury home west of Boston, Sudbury has lots of excellent values; there are 40 properties listed between $1 million and $3,199,900; 26 of them in $1,000,000 to $1,499,900 range. With the average time on the market at 209 days, many sellers are ready to considers offers seriously. 

Rentals: There are also 13 rental properties available in Sudbury. Rents range from $1500 per month to $7500. Most rental properties require a 12 month lease with a first month, last month, and one month security deposit; and often the tenant is responsible for the leasing agent’s fee as well. In some cases this amount can be as much or more than a down payment on a mortgage and with interest rates still low, buying makes more sense for most people. People should consider long term and short term goals before deciding.

Closed Sales: There were 69 closed sales in Sudbury during the third quarter this year; up from 55 during Q3 in 2010. The median sale price for Q3 2011 was $655,000 a bit lower than last’s year median of $670,000; while the average at $737,660 was a bit higher than the Q3 2010 average of $714,861.
September sales were similar; 15 sales with a median price of $655,000 and an average price of $736,825 compared with 14 sales during September 2010 with a median sale price of $701,000 and an average sale price of $724,071.

Condos/Townhouses: For anyone looking for easy living, there are some excellent condominium/townhouse opportunities in Sudbury. There are 16 units available; most are new construction with prices starting at $499,900.

Find your next home here or search on Facebook at Living West of Boston (like us first.)

Stow MA Real Estate Report - More Homes for Sale in Stow!

 Ask a Question          Search for Homes                           
Welcome to the Stow MA Real Estate Market Conditions Report for August 2011.

Good time for buyers who would like to live in Stow. Current inventory for single family homes is up from last year at this time - 61 for sale compared with 45. The median list price is $419,900; last year at this time the median list price $437,700. The average list price is $465,496, almost exactly the same as last year. Of the 61 active/unsold single-family home listings, 4 have offers accepted waiting for contingencies to clear.

There are 3 single family homes with sales pending. Closed sales for the year through 7/31 were higher than last year - 47 up from 36. Median and the average sale prices were also higher - the median sale price was $507,800; the average was $472,488. The 2010 median sale price for the same period was $446,250; the average was $450,278.

July 2011 sales were slightly lower than July 2010 - 7 compared with 9. Median and average sales prices were higher than July 2010 but a bit lower than the median and average prices for the first 7 months of 2011.

Looking for easy living? There are 11 condomiums available in Stow; 4 townhouse style and 7 detached single family style with prices ranging $329,900 to $489,000.

Want to see what's on the market in Stow? Click here for complete MLS Listings.

Visit us at www.facebook.com/livingwestofboston to get market updates and community information about Stow, Sudbury, Maynard, Wayland, and Weston.

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 Housing Market - Single Family Closed Sales Steady Though July

Happy Homeowners in Sudbury!

Find a Home - Complete MLS Listings          

Ask a Question
The market for single family homes in Sudbury MA has remained steady with 97 closed sales between January 1, 2011 and July 31, 2011; almost exactly the same number sold during the same period in 2010. Median and average sale prices were also very close; the median sale price was $637,500; the average sale price was 699,243. 

$610,000 - Sold in Sudbury;
the median price in July 2011

The number of new homeowners in Sudbury during the month of July was 23, also the same as last year. The median sale price in July 2011 was a bit lower at $610,000 than in 2010; the average price in July was $714,115.

Currently, there are 138 single family homes for sale in Sudbury; last year at this time there were 133 - the number of homes varies by price range and in some there are fewer than last year. 16 of 138 active listings have accepted offers with contingencies waiting to be fulfilled. Since August 1, thirteen single family homes came on the market; and 14 listings have had price adjustments avereging -5.03%. Additionally there are 19 homes in Sudbury with sales pending.

List prices range from $175,000 to $4,500,000. The median list price is $750,000; the average is $909,489 - both approx. 11% lower than last year. The average time on the market for active listings is 146 days; last year it was 164 days.

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.

Summer goes by quickly in New England and the Fall market is starting. People who want to move in October, November, December are putting their homes on the market in August and September. Buyers looking for good opportunities should start their searches now to get the best choices. Most homeowners do not want to have their houses on the market in the winter, so they are more motivated to sell at this time of year.

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

 

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.

Spring Market in Wayland - More Sales; Lower Prices

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

List prices for single family homes in Wayland range from $219,000 to $24,500,000. The median price is $732,000; the average is $732,000 - both higher than last year at this time but lower than last month. Although the number of homes for sale has increased to 98 from 79 last month, there are still fewer single-family homes than last year at this time when there were 105. Lower inventory is generally good for sellers since there is less competition. However, proper pricing is still crucial since buyers are still looking for a good deal.

Of the 98 single family homes for sale, 18 already have accepted offers and are being shown until contingencies clear. The average time on the market is 139 days; last year the average was 175 days. Some of the recently accepted offers happened within a just a few days and properties that are perceived as good values have had multiple offers. The message to buyers is: be prepared if you are serious. Additionally, there are 16 properties with sales pending.

The number of closed sales was up in April – there were 11 compared to 6 in March and 8 during April 2011. However, the median sale price of $424,500 and average sale price of $504,545 was less than in March when the median was $482,000 and the average was $509,500; and substantially less than April 2010 when the median price was $625,000 and the average was $617,201. As a result many sellers are adjusting their list prices according and during the past month there have been prices adjustments in Wayland. The average adjustment was -3.76%.

As in most towns in the area, the luxury homes market still has the best opportunities for buyers. There 29 luxury homes available with only 2 offers accepted, so the choice is yours! Click here to check out the latest Luxury Housing report published by RE/MAX New England on May 3.

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, 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.

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.

How's the Wayland Real Estate Market?

List prices for single family homes in Wayland range from $179,000 to $24,500,000. The median price is $749,900; the average is $1,288,770 – both higher than last year at this time. Although 22 homes came on the market in March and 26 more so far in April, the number for single-family homes available remains low in Wayland with only 87 for sale compared with 104 one year ago. Of the 87, 14 already have accepted offers and are being shown until contingencies clear. The average time on the market is 171 days, a few days lower than last year. Additionally, there are 20 properties with sales pending.


Lower supply is generally good for sellers as there is less competition. However many buyers are still influenced by the national news and continue to believe that if they wait they will find a better house for a lower price and are not taking today’s low interest rates into consideration. When interest rates go up, and eventually they will, a lower sale price could end up costing more on a monthly basis. Also, houses in Wayland are so different from one another even when they are in the same neighborhood, the pros and cons of each property stands must be analyzed individually.

As in most places, first quarter sales for single family homes were down in Wayland; there were 15 compared with 19 for the same period in 2010. The median sale price was $480,000 and the average sale price was $525,000; both up but not significantly from last year. There were 6 closed sales during March, exactly the same number as in March 2010, however 2011 median and average sale prices were lower than last year. The median sale price was $466,000 and the average was $506,000.

Of course, the actual buying decisions for first quarter were made in the previous months during a most challenging winter which may be why condominium sales were up during first quarter. There were 10 closed sales compared with just 3 for the same period in 2010. At $539,900, the median price was also up substantially from $405,000 in 2010. Currently, there are 26 condominiums and luxury townhouses for sale in Wayland, Prices range from $249,000 to $985,000. The average time on the market is 126 days compared with 224 days last year.

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, 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.

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 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.

Stow MA Market Update - More Homes Sold in 2010; December Sale Prices Up

Happy New Year and welcome to the first Stow MA Real Estate Market Conditions Report for 2011.


Here is what's going on in Stow: Currently, there are 42 single family homes for sale in Stow MA; last year at this time there were 32. List prices for single family homes in Stow range from $199,000 to $699,900; with prices for new construction starting at $549,900.

The median list price is less than it was last year at this time - $438,350 compared with $591,400 last year; and the average is also less: $460,941 compared with $541,621 last year. Average time on the market is 222 days. There are 4 single family homes with sales pending.

There were 54 single family homes sold in Stow during 2010; up from 50 in 2009. Both median and average sale prices were lower in 2010; the median was $446,250; the average was $451,194. The 2009 median sale price was $470,000; the average was $494,166. December 2010 ended on a more positive note with the median sale price of $611,000 and the average sale price of $564,250; while the number of homes sold was the same at 4.

Lower list prices and historically low interest rates make this a great time to move to Stow! 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.