John O'connor

Hi Tia,

My buyer's specialist Jason and I would love to help you in your search for a new home in the Boston area. In the past few months we have helped 4 couples with children move from Boston and out to the burbs with very similar criteria as yours. They wanted to be close to the city in a town with good schools, and convenience to shopping and public transportation. We would be happy to provide you references.

In addition we could email you a powerpoint of our Buyer's Presentation which goes over the home buying process in Boston, which is quite different from CA. We also have just completed a Market Review of the Boston Market for the first 6 months of the year.

Please feel free to contact me.

Cheers. John O'Connor http://www.BostonCityHomes.com
John@BostonCityHomes.com - Wed Jul 23 2008, 07:51

Hi Betsy,
Jamiaca Plain has been doing very well despite national trends. The following are the numbers for some Boston neighborhoods for the first 6 months. I'd be happy to discuss your plans and give you the best advice possible.

The numbers are in for the 1st half of 2008, making this a good time to review where the market stands to date. First let’s compare the 1st half of 2008 vs. the 1st half of 2007 to determine the year over year trend. Across the 3 downtown neighborhoods, the average sale price increased 2% and the average $ per square foot increased roughly 3%. Average days on market dropped nearly 15%, inventory dropped nearly 2%, and the number of units sold dropped over 8%.

Comparing all of 2007 to the 1st half of 2008, we see an even larger increase in average sale price (nearly 6% due mainly to a big jump in the Back Bay), and a slightly more moderate increase in average $ per sq. ft. (1.5%). The average number of days on market still dropped (-4.5%), but more modestly than the 1st half 2007 vs. 1st half 2008 number (15%).

In summary, either way we look at the numbers, we see a continuation of the trends presented in last quarter’s report. While many parts of the country are suffering from rising inventory, falling prices, and longer sales cycles, we continue to prove the exception to the rule. The market is definitely smaller in terms of number of sales, but otherwise remains remarkably stable. So if you are thinking of buying or even better, selling and trading up, the fall may well be an excellent time to make a move.
Finally, keep in mind that these numbers are averages across the market as whole. As the EPA likes to say: “Your mileage may vary.” So remember that specific location, condition, and property characteristics are critical. As of course, is having an experienced real estate consultant as your driver. So if you or someone you know and care about is ready for my help, let me know!
Cheers!
John O'Connor
Keller Williams Realty
617.861.3642
John@BostonCityHomes.com - Mon Jul 21 2008, 11:18

Hi Andrea,

Research shows that in a buyer's market only 20% of listings sell (those offering the best value: price, location and amenities). The remaining 80% are priced outside of the buyer's line of sight and in Boston have been sitting on the market for well over 100 days.

As a listing agent, our responsibility is to get your home sold with terms that are mutually agreeable to the buyer and seller.

In truth, realtors do not make the market... they interpret it. It sounds like you need someone to tell you the truth, doesn't it? - Thu Jun 5 2008, 11:25

Hi Barbara,

There are currently 22 active listings in Cambridge in your price range. Like most of Greater Boston, Cambridge has several distinct neighborhoods. In your price range, you will mostly find 1 bedroom homes in Central Square, Kendall Square(near MIT) or West Cambridge.

I'd be happy to send you more specific information. Somerville might also be a possibility and would probably expand you into the 2 bedroom class of homes.

John@BostonCityHomes.com - Thu Jun 5 2008, 11:16