Boston Area Single Family Market Report for the last three months shows an active market. With interest rates staying stable and still a low inventory in many areas we are heading into summer with some interesting facts.  In the Boston Area over the last three months there have been 10,896 houses Sold. That is a lot of homes.  There are 18,077 houses that are actively on the market with 2,155 of them changing their price, extending the listing, reactivating the listing or coming back on the market.  That is almost 20,000 single family housing units in only three months. There were 7,104 houses that went under agreement (UAG) during that time in the Boston area.  Lastly there were 4,636 houses that went expired, or canceled during that same time in the Boston Area real estate market.  Wh... 06/20/2014

A million dollars—what could you buy if you had it? With the rising trends in Boston properties, three different neighborhoods were evaluated to provide a comprehensive sampling of one’s buying power.   Starting in the North End, 234 Causeway Street, Unit 1203 is a spacious four-room condominium with over 1,300 square feet. Built in 2003, this near-new residence is located in the luxury loft building Strada 234 in historic Keany Square at the entrance to the Charlestown Bridge. This top floor, mid-rise penthouse pad faces to the northwest and includes two full baths, central cooling and forced hot air, underground garage parking, and is pet friendly. The price? $1,095,000, plus the condo fee of $1,316, which covers water/sewer/insurance and other amenities such as elevator service, land... 06/13/2014

One of the sadder facts of life is that the more you can spend on a house, the more options you will have. Many factors go into making that leap – affordability, convenience, size, proximity to transportation. This begs the question: What’s truly affordable these days? The middle class unfortuantely suffers the most during the home-buying process. The median income in Boston is a mere $67,540, but Trulia insists that a family pulling in said income can manage to purchase up to a $332,000 home, about five times their annual income. Given the number of post-graduation students and young parents that populate the Boston area, a $67,000 paycheck will only allow for so much savings, once expenses like loan payments and childcare are taken out. When it comes to housing, middle-income families... 06/02/2014

Real Estate Market Report Beacon Hill Boston, MA 02108 May 2014 Beacon Hill Boston, MA (02108) Real Estate is still in a seller's market.  This will continue for remainder of 2014 due to lack of available housing and low interest rates.  Like all the real estate market in Boston area suburbs.  If you find the ideal home for you, be prepared to write an offer quickly or accept the possibility you will lose the home to another buyer. Buyers and investors who have are serious about the Real Estate Market in Beacon Hill  Boston, MA  in May 2014  should now have enough facts to get them started on their real estate journey in this community. Price Trends - Sold vs. Listed Understanding the difference between "listing prices" (what sellers are asking for) and "sold prices" (what buyers are w... 06/01/2014

Real Estate Market Report North End Boston, MA 02109 May 2014 North End Boston, MA (02109) Real Estate is still in a seller's market.  This will continue for remainder of 2014 due to lack of available housing and low interest rates.  Like all the real estate market in Boston area suburbs.  If you find the ideal home for you, be prepared to write an offer quickly or accept the possibility you will lose the home to another buyer. Buyers and investors who have are serious about the Real Estate Market in North End  Boston, MA  in May 2014  should now have enough facts to get them started on their real estate journey in this community. Price Trends - Sold vs. Listed Understanding the difference between "listing prices" (what sellers are asking for) and "sold prices" (what buyers are willing... 05/31/2014

Real Estate Market Report South End Boston, MA 02118 May 2014 South End Boston, MA (02118) Real Estate is still in a seller's market.  This will continue for remainder of 2014 due to lack of available housing and low interest rates.  Like all the real estate market in Boston area suburbs.  If you find the ideal home for you, be prepared to write an offer quickly or accept the possibility you will lose the home to another buyer. Buyers and investors who have are serious about the Real Estate Market in South End Boston, MA  in May 2014  should now have enough facts to get them started on their real estate journey in this community. Price Trends - Sold vs. Listed Understanding the difference between "listing prices" (what sellers are asking for) and "sold prices" (what buyers are willing ... 05/31/2014

Real Estate Market Report Back Bay Boston, MA 02116 May 2014 Back Bay Boston, MA (02116) Real Estate is still in a seller's market.  This will continue for remainder of 2014 due to lack of available housing and low interest rates.  Like all the real estate market in Boston area suburbs.  If you find the ideal home for you, be prepared to write an offer quickly or accept the possibility you will lose the home to another buyer. Buyers and investors who have are serious about the Real Estate Market in Back Bay Boston, MA  in May 2014  should now have enough facts to get them started on their real estate journey in this community. Price Trends - Sold vs. Listed Understanding the difference between "listing prices" (what sellers are asking for) and "sold prices" (what buyers are willing to ... 05/31/2014

I was in Boston a couple of weeks ago on a whirlwind business trip (Maine and Connecticut) for the Council of Residential Specialists (CRS). I lived on the Boston area for about 22 years and left in 2005, so it was great fun to spend a little time touring around before I flew back home since my last visit was in 2007. There are a numnber of icons in Boston - Fenway Park, for sure, the Prudential Tower and Boston Commons, to name a few. And of course the famous, if not a bit touristy, Duck Boats. Taking a Boston Duck Boat Tour seems to be a pretty cool way to get around. Hard to believe in all my years there we never took one. Now that I can play tourist it may be time.   05/23/2014

The Top 20 reasons to blog; what really matters? This story starts and ends with answering a few questions, 20, in fact. It is about the story, but to tell a story you first have to listen.  I listen for a living.  it is really about the listening.  If you are quiet you can hear parable, narrative, poetic and practical questions and oh, so much more.  In no special order. What do I want to talk about what is relevant what is funny what is intuitive or predictive what is needed what is routine what is instructive what is important what is relevnt what is today what is history what is helpful what is smart what is brand what is of value what is google what is linking what is engagement who are your subscribers what really matters. Wellesley Town Hall If you can answer these questions then... 05/21/2014

Tale of Woe, a Real Estate story begins, as always, with smiles and good wishes.I call the listing agent because I have buyers who like her listed property.  Best practices dictate that good agents always call and inquire about a property their buyer is considering seriously.  Good buyers agents  need to know the current activity of the property. We need to know if there are any pending written offers, if other offers are expected. This lets the Buyer make an informed offer.  In a Seller’s market, that we are in right now, that first offer is far more important than in a Buyer’s market.  I would be happy to share why this is so.. So, after my 13 minute conversation (rather long by standards) the property had a buyer who offered above asking according to the Listing Agent. I was told the... 05/20/2014

Farmers Market Season in Boston, Massachusetts Farmers Market season is commencing.  Kale, corn, weird tomatoes, and home made jellys.... Honestly, I love farmers market, and significantly reduce my produce shopping in the supermarket.  The Newton market on Tuesdays and the Roslindale one on Saturdays are my favorite.  This year the Roslindale market will be held at the commuter rail's parking lot, rather than the square. You'll find a farmers market in every corner of the City of Boston, and in most of the suburbs.  You can shop for dandelion greens daily!  Take a look at the list below to find your market, and add your favorite if it is not on the list.  The Best Farmer's Market in and Around Boston View more lists from Ruth Lerner 05/15/2014

    As simple as it is Why do Folks not see what I see?   Here it is ..... when you appreciate you clearly see those that don't.   When that happens your clients leave you and you struggle to replace that client/customer.....which costs 16x more than it is to retain your clients... Glad to report that an additional $212,000 I have received from praciting Appreciation Marketing....   YOU can too...   Check out: https://www.sendoutcards.com/jaymchugh and test drive the system on me... Please if you are not interested fine...I am not interested in hearing how you love writing your own cards....etc...I will follow up with that weak objection shortly....   Cordially,     Jay McHugh Jay@JayMcHugh.com 617 699 7442         05/10/2014

Real Estate Market in Beacon Hill Boston, MA Buyers and investors who have are serious about the Real Estate Market in Beacon Hill Boston MA in April 2014  should now have enough facts to get them started on their real estate journey in this community. The data provided in this report is from Market Insider (MI) published by Market Leader.  MI consolidates data from multiple sources and includes current listings, recent sales and more.  Whether you are a buyer or seller, the knowledge you gain will help put you in control of your real estate transactions.  Price Trends - Sold vs. Listed Beacon Hill Boston, MA Understanding the difference between "listing prices" (what sellers are asking for) and "sold prices" (what buyers are willing to pay).  By comparing these price trends, you will ... 05/02/2014

Real Estate Market in South End Boston, MA Buyers and investors who have are serious about the Real Estate Market in South End Boston MA in April 2014  should now have enough facts to get them started on their real estate journey in this community. The data provided in this report is from Market Insider (MI) published by Market Leader.  MI consolidates data from multiple sources and includes current listings, recent sales and more.  Whether you are a buyer or seller, the knowledge you gain will help put you in control of your real estate transactions.  Price Trends - Sold vs. Listed South End Boston, MA Understanding the difference between "listing prices" (what sellers are asking for) and "sold prices" (what buyers are willing to pay).  By comparing these price trends, you will have a... 05/02/2014

Real Estate Market in Back Bay Boston, MA Buyers and investors who have are serious about the Real Estate Market in Back Bay Boston MA in April 2014  should now have enough facts to get them started on their real estate journey in this community. The data provided in this report is from Market Insider (MI) published by Market Leader.  MI consolidates data from multiple sources and includes current listings, recent sales and more.  Whether you are a buyer or seller, the knowledge you gain will help put you in control of your real estate transactions.  Price Trends - Sold vs. Listed Back Bay Boston, MA Understanding the difference between "listing prices" (what sellers are asking for) and "sold prices" (what buyers are willing to pay).  By comparing these price trends, you will have a go... 05/02/2014

Tribute to Boston Marathon Survivors        Survivors of the Boston Marathon have inspired so many to overcome what trials they are going through. None of the survivors have given up. As Joe Biben said:      ".... we will never yield, we will never cower. America will never ever, ever stand down. We are Boston, we are America, we respond, we endure, we overcome. And we own the finish line."          We are inspired to not jettison what we value the most due to fear that terrorists or home grown extremists tried to instill in Boston and in America. We refused to yield and we are Boston strong! Ordinary Americans have an uncommon and unordinary resolve. Ordinary citizens do extrordinary things.      Four people were killed and more than 260 were injured in the blasts on April 15, 2013    ... 04/15/2014

  For Sale By Owner Dangers When it comes time to sell real estate, owners sometimes contemplate selling on their own. Just like plumbing repairs, taxes, and other tasks, it is possible to do it yourself but sometimes the time, expense, and end result may not be of the that a professional can achieve. Technique, knowledge, and experience are essential, particularly when it comes to selling such a big investment. The following are for sale by owner dangers in Greater Boston MA that sellers may want to consider. Proper Pricing Determining the correct price can mean the difference between your listing selling quickly or not selling at all. Many homeowners make the mistake of using old appraisals, the selling price of a non-comparable house, or stagnant listings currently for sale to determ... 03/30/2014

HOLI HAI! Mela Colors & Dance Party - Indoors Holi is part of the Indian culture and our memories! It is time to recreate this fun time in Boston!! This organization brought you the first Holi Hai Mela back in 2004. After finding the perfect venue for Holi, they are doing it again this year! BostonDesiEvents.com in association with GenerationDesi.com bring you Boston Holi Hai Mela 2014! An opportunity to play with Holi colors indoors right in Boston! So come rain, or snow, we are going to celebrate & have a good time. Over 500 plus capacity - right in Boston-Fenway area! Please check BostonDesiEvents.com for any changes on the day of the event! Here are some event details: Holi colors will be included with tickets and will be played in a large venue-indoors! Multiple food stalls: North ... 02/28/2014

Here is a collection of Boston blogs.  They are either about the City or written by local bloggers with global relevance.     First great places to eat, learn a bit of our history, learn about parenthood and cycling in Boston.   If you know a local blogger I've missed, please let me know in the comments or add it through List.ly.   Boston MA Local Blogs View more lists from Ruth Lerner 02/28/2014

If you are looking to buy a luxury condo in downtown Boston (Back Bay, South End, Midtown, Beacon Hill, North End or Theatre District with 2 or more bedrooms and 2 or more baths), you are going to probably be paying more in 2014.  Looking at the data from MLSPIN, we see the strong upward trend for this market continuing for the foreseeable future. 01/22/2014