Massachusetts Profile of Home Buyers & Sellers - Interesting Statistics

This annual survey is conducted by the National Association of REALTORS of recent home buyers and sellers.  The results below are specific for Massachusetts.    I think you will find it very interesting and also useful whether you are thinking about buying or selling.   

2014 Profile of Home Buyers and Sellers

Massachusetts Report

Characteristics of Home Buyers and their Experience:

• 94% of buyers used the internet in some way for their home search process and 53% used a mobile website

• 97% of the Buyers felt real estate agents were viewed as a useful information source.

• Typical homebuyer in Massachusetts searched 16 weeks for a home and viewed 10 homes.

• 89% of buyers were satisfied with their home buying process.

• 91% of the buyers purchased their home through a real estate agent.

• 88% of the buyers would recommend their agent to others.

• 84% of buyers believe their home is a good financial investment.

Characteristics of Home Sellers their Experience

• Typical seller in Massachusetts lives in their home for 10 years.

• 92% of sellers used a real estate agent.

• Sellers typically sold their home for 97% of the listing price and 49% reduced the asking price at least once.

• Only 14% of sellers offered incentives to buyers.

• 69% of home sellers contacted just one agent.  45% found their agent due to a recommendation from family member or friend and 26% worked with their agent previously.

• 83% of the home sellers would recommend their agent again.

• The share of home sellers who sold their home without an assistance of a real estate was only 7%.  49% knew the buyer prior to home purchase.

2014 Real Estate Final Numbers - Franklin and Hampshire County of Pioneer Valley, Ma

The real estate market ended up on a positive note!! 

The pioneer valley region, the number of single-family homes sold across the Pioneer Valley rose by just six-tenths of a percentage point in 2014, but the median price was up 2.7 percent.

There were 4,655 homes sold in 2013 and 4,686 in 2014, according to year-end statistics released this week by the Realtor Association of Pioneer Valley.

Franklin & Hampshire County:

• In Hampshire County, sales were down 4.4 percent from 1,106 in 2013 to 1,057 in 2014. The median price rose 4 percent from $250,000 to $260,000.

• In Franklin County, sales were up 18.1 percent for the year from 454 in 2013 to 536 in 2014. The price remained the same at $185,000.

• Sales were up in six of the past 12 months.

• The median price was up in 10 of the last 12 months.

• Inventory rose 0.9 percent from 1,956 single-family homes on sale at the end of 2013 to 1,973 at the end of 2014.

• Long term, the median price is up 4 percent in six years. It was $185,000 in 2008.

• Days on the market were up 3.3 percent to an average of 125 days on the market for a home for sale at the end of 2014.

This information provided by Realtor Association of Pioneer Valley.

Chief economist for National Association of REALTORS visits with locals real estate agents

Lawrence Yun, chief economist for the National Association of REALTORS recently spoke to a group of local real estate agents about his thoughts on the economy and the outlook for real estate.   He is optimistic for many reasons including:  

• More jobs in the economy.
• The release of pent up demand from population growth and the large number of renters and of young people living with family. Both groups are going to start looking to buy soon.
• Increasing inventory. Yun said there are many housing markets across the country where Realtors could sell many more homes if only there were more  homes to sell.

He does expect interest rates to rise in 2015 which is all the more reason to buy or refinance now!   If you have interest in buying or selling, connect with a local realtor about the real estate market in your area.   

Click here and read more about the article posted on Mass Live site!  

Building Lot located in the Hills of Heath!

This 1.5 acre building site is mostly open and comes with a drilled well and septic system already in place.  The existing septic system was installed prior to Title 5 and will need updating to meet current regulation.  Well and septic were installed in 1992.   This lot is close to many recreational activities including skiing, snowmobiling, hiking, fishing, whitewater rafting, ziplines and more!  Great spot to build a getaway place or year round home. $30,000

Affordable and Spacious Home - In-Law Apt & Home Based Business Opportunity, Colrain, Ma

This affordable and spacious home comes with a separate in-law apartment that features features a kitchen and living area, full bath and a full basement.  This space was once a craft store and has great potential for limited commercial opportunities.   The main house has a fabulous kitchen with lots of cabinets and a nice sitting area.  It also features a dining room, a large living area, 4 bedrooms and a full bath.  There is a private back deck that overlooks the beautiful backyard with gardens and a large lawn area.  In addition this home comes with a 2 car garage and a new septic system will be installed prior to closing.  All this for only $169,000!  Conveniently located near Shelburne Falls and 20 minutes to Greenfield.  Call today for a showing appointment.

Building Site for Sale located in the Hills of Heath, Mass

This 1.5 acre building site is mostly open and comes with a drilled well and septic system already in place.  The existing septic system was installed prior to Title 5 and will need updating to meet current regulation.  Well and septic were installed in 1992.   This lot is close to many recreational activities including skiing, snowmobiling, hiking, fishing, whitewater rafting, ziplines and more!  Great spot to build a getaway place or year round home. $30,000

Well Maintained Ranch in Amherst, Ma

This home in Amherst is ready for immediate occupancy.

This well maintained Ranch style home has received many updates and it is available for immediate occupancy.   You can live all on one floor and have the added benefit of additional living space in the full basement.   The owner has refinished the beautiful hardwood floors, updated the kitchen and bathroom, and it has been freshly painted.   The kitchen is open to the dining area that features patio doors that opens to a deck and spacious backyard.  On the main level you have 3 bedrooms and 1 full bath.  The basement has 3 finished rooms, full bath, laundry and storage room.   A fabulous house that is conveniently located near Amherst Center, colleges, shopping, dining and easy commute to major routes.  Easy to show, call today for an appointment. $244,900

Beautiful Video about Franklin County, Massachusetts

Checking out the Franklin County Chamber of Commerce website and noticed this video about the Franklin County area.  It is a perfect representation of the area that I am grateful to call home.    You can see why so many people are discovering our special part of Western Massachusetts.

First-Time Homebuyer Workshop Series - Rural Development, Inc. at Greenfield Community College

The first-time homebuyer workshop is scheduled for July 21, 22, 28 and 29th starting at 6:00 p.m.  It is conveniently located at Greenfield Community College .  The session is informative and I think you will find it very helpful.  Sign up today!

Cozy Cottage in Mohawk Estates

This Charming Cottage is located in one of the nicest lots in Mohawk Estates with access to all kinds of summertime fun. You have a large yard with plenty of room for gardening and you are in walking distance to the pond.  The cottage is well maintained and ready for you to enjoy.  It has a good size eat-in kitchen, large living area with woodstove, 2 bedrooms, full bath and oil heat.   Come take a look at this perfect getaway! $99,000

Pristine Antique Colonial For Sale in Shelburne, Ma

Immaculate and beautifully maintained c.1834 Shelburne Colonial features large country style kitchen with dining area and working beehive fireplace and Dutch oven,  welcoming foyer,  master suite with custom designed master bath w/gorgeous tile, Jacuzzi tub, 2 sinks, & glass shower.   3 additional bedrooms, family room,  1st floor full bath & laundry, wide pine floors, beautiful front porch, 3-car gar, gardens, magnificent stonewalls.  Convenient Location - Move-In condition – Must be seen! $375,000

Wonderful Colonial Home with extra Building Lot located in Shelburne Falls, Ma

Wonderful Colonial style home that less than a mile from downtown Shelburne Falls and comes with a double lot!  You can use the additional acreage for fabulous garden space,  build a home for a family member or sell as a building lot!   This property is surveyed and there is town water and sewer.   The interior of the home is loaded with charming details, built-ins and beautiful hardwood floors.  It has a large eat-in kitchen, dining room, living room with gas stove, 4 bedrooms and 2 full baths.  It also features a front porch, patio area, 1 car garage, full basement, and oil heat.  This home has a lot to offer and it is ready for immediate occupancy.  Call today for more information and set up a showing appointment. $275,000

Picture Picture Perfect Contemporary Ranch overlooking Mountain Views in Buckland, Ma

Come take a look at this meticulously maintained, Contemporary style Ranch that overlooks picturesque mountain vistas and is located in one of Buckland’s most desirable areas.  The interior of this quality built sun-filled home features an open concept design and vaulted ceilings with skylights.   It has a spacious kitchen and dining area,  large living room, master bedroom with private full bath, two additional bedrooms, second full bath, and laundry.   Also included are oak hardwood floors, solid wood interior doors, oversize windows and sliders, attached 2-car garage, full basement, Buderus oil heating system and separate wood boiler.   This home is sited on 5 open acres with blueberry & raspberry bushes and it’s the ideal setting for gardening.    This is place you will love to call home.   Call today for  a showing appointment. $299,000

10th Annual Asparagus Valley Pottery Trail, Pioneer Valley, Mass

10th Annual Asparagus Valley Pottery Trail

April 26 and 27, 2014

10 am - 5 pm

 

The Pottery Trail is a self-guided driving tour of clay studios in western Massachusetts. This year, there will be 10 guests in addition to the 9 potters that will welcome visitors to their studios.

Bring along a friend and visit the Asparagus Valley Pottery Trail this spring.

For more information and trail map click here for the Asparagus Valley Pottery Trail website!

Take a road trip and visit over 60 breweries in Massachusetts!

How about a trip around Massachusetts to have a sampling of beer from 60 breweries?  

With more than 60 breweries, Massachusetts is home to some of the country’s tastiest craft beer. And now that the weather is beginning to warm up, the upcoming months present the perfect opportunity to sample the bounty!

Thanks to the Massachusetts Brewers Guild, you don’t have to do much heavy lifting when it comes to thinking through a craft brewery excursion. The Massachusetts Craft Brewers Trail rounds up and plots out the Commonwealth’s craft brewers all in one place, making trip planning a whole lot easier.

For more information about all the fun things you can do in Massachusetts, visit massvacation.com

Charming Cape in Colrain, Mass! $159,000

This attractive and affordable Cape has appealing features that include beautiful woodwork, exposed beams, brick fireplace and wood floors.  It is well cared for and many renovations have been completed. The interior has an eat-in kitchen with breakfast bar, dining area, spacious living room, 1st floor bedroom and 2 bedrooms on the second floor. The outside has a secluded backyard, deck, stonewalls, patio and gardens!  It is conveniently located less than 10 minutes from the Village of Shelburne Falls.  Call today for a showing appointment. List Price $159,900


Check out the Video!

Antique Colonial For Sale on 12 Acres located in Heath, Mass

Beautiful Antique Colonial that is tastefully renovated preserving period details with the modern conveniences of today.  You will enjoy entertaining in this kitchen.  It comes with attractive stone countertops, lots of cabinets, center island and is open to the family room which has a large brick fireplace.   There is plenty of room throughout which includes a dining room, first floor bedroom or parlor, living room, total of 4 bedrooms, and 2 1/2 baths.  In addition it comes with 7 fireplaces, old pine floors, and exposed beams. The property has 12 open acres and a barn which is perfect for a few animals and gardening.  The front porch overlooks protected land and the surrounding hills.   This is country living at its best!  Call today for a tour. $349,000

CHECK OUT THE VIDEO TOUR:

#1 Team in Massachusetts for Coldwell Banker Affiliates

Congratulations Wanda and Cathy!

Cathy and I attended the Coldwell Banker Convention at Foxwoods and received the 2013 #1 team award for Massachusetts Coldwell Banker Affiliates.  In addition and according to the multiple listing statistics we ranked #1 in sales for Franklin County in 2013!


Thank you to all our buyers, sellers, friends and family for your support and the business that you have given us.   We are truly grateful.

Franklin County Massachusetts 2014 Property Tax Rates

Real Estate Tax Rates for Franklin County, Massachusetts in 2014 are listed below.  The information was compiled from the state website (www.mass.gov). This information is helpful when purchasing your new home to approximate the cost of your real estate taxes.  For more information about each individual towns, visit our website with links to all the towns in Franklin County, Mass.

Massachusetts                  Franklin County 2014                Property Tax Rates
(Dollar amount is per $1,000 of assessed property value)                  Information compiled from Mass.gov website
Ashfield	$16.16
Bernardston	$17.48
Buckland	$15.74
Charlemont	$17.20
Colrain	$17.77
Conway	$13.70
Deerfield	$13.71
Erving	$8.45
Gill	$16.78
Greenfield	$20.53
Hawley	$16.05
Heath	$19.12
Leverett	$19.20
Leyden	$16.85
Monroe	$13.38
Montague	$16.34
New Salem	$16.12
Northfield	$15.49
Orange	$18.80
Rowe	$6.07
Shelburne	$13.62
Shutesbury	$20.60
Sunderland	$13.98
Warwick	$18.33
Wendell	$19.18
Whately	$15.77

Quality Built Custom Cape For Sale abutting Conservation Land in Conway, Ma

Quality built custom Cape is located at the end of the road abutting 160 acres of conservation land.  This is a rare opportunity to have  access to this preserved property.  You can explore the woods and walk to the top where you will discover one of the best mountain views in the county.  The home is beautifully done with impressive workmanship including; custom wood paneling, moldings and trim, pine floors and period hardware.  The first floor has a kitchen with pantry, dining area, large formal living w/fireplace, family room, first floor bath w/ laundry and a screened in porch!  The second floor has 3 large bedrooms, full bath, additional room that can be used as an office/sitting area.  The attached 3 car garage has a second level that can easily be converted to additional living space.  This home also comes with a full basement, separate wood & oil heat, finished wine cellar, large deck and porch area, and surrounded by 6 acres of beautiful natural landscape. $379,000