This is the website for Needham's Green Collaborative - here you will find their mission. http://www.greenneedham.org/March 23, 2009  see below:Join State Senator Scott Brown and State Representative Lida Harkins for a Town Hall Meeting at:First Parish Church28 Dedham Avenue7:00 - 9:00 PMOn what the 2009 Stimulus Package means to Massachusetts.You can take the 10% challenge on the website too.  So now we can take the low carbon diet lifestyle.For me it is low carbon and low carbohydrates diets.  It works for me.I have been at this for a long time so in the past 27 years I have educated myself on green living.  It doens't happen overnight but nothing does.  There are many shades of green and anything we can do makes a difference.So Up with Green. Pat Baker, Realtor(R), ABR (R), GREEN(R)C... 03/21/2009

The market in Needham is defiintely hot. There were 21 single family homes that went under agreement in the last 20 days.  The prices ranged from $350,000 to $1,475,000. It is like this, if you snooze you loose.  I anticipate a very busy weekend with open houses and lots of traffic.  Not only Needham but other surrounding communities are have much more activity.  I would say the last 3 weeks have been strong.  Now the the reduced interest rates that will encourage even more buyers out to the market.   I spoke to agents in Holliston, Natick and all the way to Pembroke in the past few days and it looks like those market are doing well too.  Homes are priced to sell right now and that certainly helps. This could be a very busy year in real estate.  I believe that the real estate market wi... 03/20/2009

- Posted on March 17, 2009 by bostonkayakguy  So it’s the grandest of days, and even though St. Patrick was born in Italy, today is the day to celebrate all things Irish! For a look at  Boston’s Irish pubs and beer catch Lew Bryson’s “I Had a Guiness.” Article By: Lew Bryson Bryson also has an informative piece on the growing popularity of Irish whiskey and its recession resistance. Drinking in bars may be down, but those glistening bottles are on the upswing in homes around the nation! Here’s a flavor of Bryson’s swig: Ah, Irish whiskey. It’s no surprise that so many of my great moments of 2OO8 involved it. If you look at the graph of Irish whiskey consumption in the US over the past ten years, it’s clear that I’m not alone. An increasing number of American drinkers are choosing Irish ... 03/17/2009

I can't really say enough great things about Consolidated Plumbing and Heating. Just for starters they saved 2 closings for me by their rapid response to a need we had we plumbing at the very last minute.  One time it was after the owners were moved out and the closing was the next day.  They came within the hour.  The other time was after a building inspection they were able to come and give my buyer counsel on an issue regarding main sewer pipe.  The best thing in both cases was they came so quickly. Recently a buyer of mine who had purchased her home last summer and during one of those bitter cold days she had a pipe burst.  Her husband was out of town and she called me for a recommendation.  Of course, I immediately recommended Consolidated Plumbing and Heating.  She got a quick res... 03/15/2009

I have been highlighting a local business and this week I am featuring "Beverages to Go."  On Tuesdays there is always a wine tasting and I wanted to get the word out on that.  I have had Tammy Lamenzo do wine and cheese parties for me around at a property or as part of another event.  She is always a delight and everyone, of course, enjoys the event.  I personally can highly recommend Tammy and Beverages to Go."  I have never been anything but delighted with the service whether I personally go there or Tammy comes to me and my event. Here is there website and the upcoming Wine Tasting this Tuesday.     “Tuesday Tastings with Tammy” Learn a little, laugh a little, live a little We are delighted to welcome to Ken Brown to our weekly tasting next Tuesday, March 17th from 5-7pm. Yes, we kn... 03/13/2009

The spring market has sprung.  The inventory has reached 85 single family homes on the market as of this date.  There are some great homes on the market and with the First Time Buyer Tax Credit, low interest rates it makes for some great incentives in the home market right now.There were 17 single family homes that went under agreement in the past month wit h the average days on market 100 days.There have been 5 properties that went under agreement in the past 3 day as follows:Ranch 4 room, 2 bed, 1 bath listed at $499,900             - days on market 49Contemporary 8 room, 3 bed, 2 bath listed at $559,000  - days on market 26Colonial 9 room, 3 bed, 1.5  bath listed at $579,900       - days on market 8Colonial 9 room, 4 bed, 2 bath listed at $699,000           - days on market 201Energy... 03/10/2009

- MetWest Scene -  Market Momentum Posted on March 8, 2009 by bostonkayakguy  Well the real estate pundits have been pontificating on what the market’s been doing. And it seems that anyone and everyone announces their opinion as fact. Some of the major media outlets have decreed certain towns to be “recession proof,” and others have taken attendee numbers at an open house to be the indicator of how well a town’s market is faring these days. But rather than relying on anecdotal evidence, let’s take a look at the facts. What are the  relevant numbers and what do they tell us? Signaling the arrival of the ides of March, market momentum is varying significantly by town.     NEEDHAM   Needham has burst out of the 2009 gate with a strong showing for the first two months of this year. Sales in... 03/09/2009

    Help Habitat Build This House For Your Family I picked up the local paper and saw this ad.  I am passing it on because someone may need this information . Your 300 hours of work on the house is your down payment - NOW THAT IS IT NEAT! Buy the house for $150,000 and pay 0% interest on your mortgage - That is also neat because it is not a free home but you are working for it. Family size - 3-6 Annual Income $35,000 to $50,000 *Must have good credit and work history-   It is just great to work for something and feel good about it.  It is not bailing someone out but assisting them in their own hard work and rewarding them for good credit practices. Three bedroom single-family home - Screened in porch Wooded lot All new construction and appliances. Beautiful neighborhood woalking distanc... 03/07/2009

- Get Your Irish On! bostonkayakguy.wordpress.com — U2...special performance...Boston...secret location...March 11...(continued) BostonKayakGuy...John Prescott's The MetWest Scene   » Full Story on bostonkayakguy.wordpress.com   U2 Takes Boston by Storm !!!   -BostonKayakGuy     Top Real Estate Agent for more than 14 years, serving the real estate needs of Wellesley, South Natick, Weston, Needham, Wayland, Newton, Framingham and other MetWest communities. www.johnprescott.net JOHN PRESCOTT Vice President Century 21 Commonwealth 508-523-9252   BostonKayakGuy…The MetWest Scene 03/04/2009

     As of February 28, 2009, there were 81 single family listings in Needham on the Multiple Listing Service (MLSPin).  As the winter draws to an end and buyers begin to thaw out, Needham is well positioned to continue its upward trend in home sales this year.  However, one must note that there continues to be downward price pressure from consumers and current market absorption rates indicate a buyers' market for the springtime inventory.   During February, 25 new single family listings were added to our MLSPin and an additional 3 single family homes were relisted for sale on the MLS, with an average list price of $972,754.    Based on the number of active single family listings versus the number of sales during the month, there is a market absorption rate of 307 days.   That is to say... 03/03/2009

The Devil’s in the De-Val(s)… Posted on February 27, 2009 by bostonkayakguy  Well folks, Deval Patrick played sock it to metrowest commuters this week. It’s a game he excels in, and he takes no prisoners. So rather than try and explain where and when the tolls have risen, or how they will rise again in July… Or explain how the proposal for the highest gas tax in the country is on the table for all Massachusetts drivers able to put the pedal to the metal… I’ll simply suggest you read Boston Herald columnist Howie Carr’s take on the details (de-vals)… For who better to clarify how those who commute by car from the state’s western suburbs into Boston are being clobbered by the Turnpike Board... then a guy named Carr ???   Pin the Stickup at the Tolls on Deval Patrick/BostonHerald.com JOHN ... 02/27/2009

Needham Community Council is such a wonderful organization.  I know this first hand.  My sister was in need and moved in with me about 11 years ago.  She also ended up taking her grandchildren and raising them.  She was with me for a while with the children.  Community Council gave these kids a Christmas that year.  They were so great to her. Then my mother moved in with me about 2.5 years ago.  She was able to get rides to appointments when I could take her by the volunteers. They loaned my mother a wonderful walker.  They even had volunteers who would help in shopping if someone needed it. My son was recovering from a spinal injury and was able to walk but not long distances.  I was able to borrow a lightweight wheelchair when he went to various Patriot football games back in the 2005... 02/24/2009

French Toast for Lovers…and universalhub.com ??? bostonkayakguy.wordpress.com — Our friends over at UniversalHub.com are quite fond of french toast. Isn't everybody? And Jaimee Rose is known for her stylin' ways. So guess what's the perfect way for these two eloquent bloggers to enjoy a very special Valentine's Day???...(more) BostonKayakGuy...John Prescott's The MetWest Scene   » Full Story on bostonkayakguy.wordpress.com     I love both Jaimee Rose and Adam Gaffin. And I so love The MetWest Scene. And I really love yummy toast! 02/14/2009

This is the beginning of a series of blogs highlighting Needham Businesses.I feel confident in promoting this Needham-based Business.  I have also included a recentproject in Wellesley, MA.Consolidated Plumbing & Heating, Inc. has been wonderful for me as a real estate agent becauase they have been there for me and my clients on many occasions.  I have needed someone in a quick fashion for a client and they have come through for me every time.They return phone calls.  I get a live voice on the other end of the phone or a quick return call.I feel confident referring clients whether seller or buyer clients.  They get the job done and savea lot of headaches.  They are efficent and timely in every way.  I know that others in my officehave also recommended them.  It is always nice when you k... 02/13/2009

Beastly Bullies…Needham High Goes On Offensive Posted on February 11, 2009 by bostonkayakguy  Officials at Needham High School continue to stay on top of matters affecting its students. In a recent email to parents, the subject of cyber -bullying took center stage.  Along with trying to raise parents’ awareness of some internet sites being misused by teenagers as weapons of reputation destruction, the communique listed resources available to parents and their kids about this issue. For more information: School Officials Warn Parents/Boston.com JOHN PRESCOTT -BostonKayakGuy     Top Real Estate Agent for more than 14 years, serving the real estate needs of Wellesley, South Natick, Weston, Needham, Wayland, Newton, Framingham and other MetWest communities. www.johnprescott.net JOHN PRESCOT... 02/11/2009

     As of January 31, 2009, there were 70 single family listings in Needham on the Multiple Listing Service (MLSPin).  Market performance in Needham is forecasted to be strong, due in part to a large amount of properties listed for below market averages for the year to date which should continue to attract buyers to this terrific town.  Sellers are finally catching on that Overpriced Homes Do Not Sell, and price reductions continue to follow market patterns for the Metrowest area.  During January, 12 new single family listings were added to our MLSPin and an additional 5 single family homes were relisted for sale on the MLS, with an average list price of $1,192,660.  Based on the number of active single family listings versus the number of sales during the month, there is a market abso... 02/09/2009

Needham students at Newman elementary school are seeing the Needham farm grow from a small piece of land by their school. This helps the kids think about and protect their environment Not too far from there and a few years back one of the residents of Needham loaned a piece of land to residents to grow a garden on Central Avenue.  That area is now developed so it is nice to see that these students are learning about sustainable gardening.  The project is promoting reduse, reuse, and recycle. They plan to have passive solar greenhouses.  This is a place they can come to learn and ultimately apply what they have learned and save money too. www.needhamfarm.org          The Needham Community Farm will model sustainable living practices and teach residents how to bring these practices home. ... 02/03/2009

Well if you look outside you would not think it was spring weather-wise or ground-wise with all the snow but the sun is shining.  The end of January brings a spring market to Needham.  Other nearby markets are busier too.  For example I did an open house in Holliston last Sunday 1/25 and it was much busier than I have been in a while.  It was pretty non-stop. In the past fourteen days there have been 12 new single family listings come on.  In the past couple of days there have been 2 new properties. $579,000 7-room Gambrel  with 3 bedrooms, 1 full, 2 half baths - today $659,000 9-room Split entry with 3 bedrooms and 2.5 half baths - 6 days ago $695,000 8-room Mulit, 4 bedroom, 2.5 baths - -today Single Family Listings:   69     Average List Price: $1,029,401     Average Market Time: 129... 01/31/2009

iPod: Chilled But Connected… John Prescott’s The MetWest Scene bostonkayakguy.wordpress.com Submitted: Just now! - Do you ski? Snowboard? Skate? Commute outside to work? Live where it's cold right now? Do you want to stay connected to your iPod while you're outside? Playing winter sports? Walking to the T? Well Kombi Sports has come up with an innovotative product so you can connect to your wireless electronic device and keep your digits warm and toasty!   » Full Story on bostonkayakguy.wordpress.com   Just perfect for when you go to the hockey games to root for Needham!   Skiing, snowboarding, skating...don't leave home without these really cool gloves that provide great warmth and allow you to stay connected to your ipod...it may be cold outside, but these gloves are really hot!...Bo... 01/27/2009

There are 68 single family homes on the market ranging from $350,000 to 3.200,000.  The largest concentration of the inventory is at $1,000,000 to 1,499,000 which is 25 listings.  The next largest concentration would be $500,000 to $599,000.  Not too many properties are coming on the market.   All and all it is typical for this month to be like that.  There are lots of buyers looking out there and the prices are great.  The open houses are busy.  It is a good time to buy a home in Needham or in the greater Boston area with the low interest rates and the prices more palatable. There were 12 single family homes sold in the past 30 day.  Of those the lowest price was $350,000 and the highest price was $2,335,000 which sold in 67 days.  The Median Price: $657,826 and the Average Price was $... 01/26/2009