Massachusetts Economic Outlook in 2011 - More of the same????

http://businesswest.com/2010/12/economic-outlook-2011

2011 Economic Outlook is featured in this issue of Business West.  The recovery in 2010 was off to a promising start but fell short towards the second half of the year.  It wasn't as good as we hoped, but Massachusetts did better than many other states that are going through extremely difficult times.  Most economists are predicting slight improvement in 2011.  

Western Mass. Real Estate News: Today's Look at Franklin County Real Estate . . .

Western Mass. Real Estate News: Today's Look at Franklin County Real Estate . . .: "Today there are 431 homes on the market in the 26 towns of Franklin County, MA compared to 517 homes last month at this time. The..."

Local Award Winning Picture Framer on Channel 22, Mass Appeal

 Congratulations Jo Ann!  This award winning picture framer is located in Shelburne Falls, Mass and does a terrific job.  Stop by and visit her gallery at J. H. Sherburne Fine Art, 40 State Street or check out her web site at website:   http://www.jhsherburnefineart.com/

Moving? Listen to this great packing idea!

Preserving Massachusetts Old Barns

One of my colleagues told me about this web site that covers everything you would like to know about researching, restoring and funding that might be available to save an old barn.  These old barns need to be saved and if this is something of interest to you, check out this site - Preserve Mass Barns

Franklin County Pumpkin Fest this Saturday

Turners Falls is hosting the first Franklin County Pumpkin Fest.  I heard the weather this year was perfect for growing pumpkins.   The pumpkins will be displayed on Avenue A from 3 - 9 tomorrow.  Great food, craft vendors and music.

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More Great News for Greenfield, Mass

Greenfield's Garden Theater Performing Arts Center received funding which allows the developer to begin the permitting process.  This is fantastic for Greenfield and the surrounding area.  When I was young, going to the Garden Theater was a treat - it was beautiful on the inside and I remember the stars and clouds in the ceiling. 

Funding Article
http://bit.ly/9hzy3R

My visit to Coldwell Banker

Some of you might have noticed that I posted an announcement last week about visiting the Coldwell Banker headquarters in New Jersey.  Being selected as one of just 20 Coldwell Banker realtors from the United States and Canada to serve on an advisory council was truly an honor.   I did not know what to expect, but once I arrived I knew this was going to be an experience like no other.  The president of Coldwell Banker, regional managers, marketing experts and many others were all present during this lengthy meeting to hear input from all of us about the current market conditions and our thoughts on the Coldwell Banker systems.   It was a great experience and I am looking forward to my continued relationship with my new realtor friends at Coldwell Banker.

Winterizing Old Homes & Historic Buildings

Interested in learning about making your old home more energy efficient.  Talk, tours and demonstrations. Saturday, November 6th 9:00 - 12:30 at the Bryant Homestead, Cummington, MA.  $10
R.S.V.P. to mwamsley@ttor.org or call 413-268-8219.

www.HilltownFamilies.org - a great hilltown web site

I was browsing the internet and checking my twitter page and discovered this local web site that is loaded with great information about the hilltowns and what is going on in the area.  Check it out - http://www.hilltownfamilies.org/

Need a new hot water heater?

• 

  Appliance Buying Guide: Water Heaters

  When it’s time to replace your water heater, you’ll find a wide array of high-efficiency models offering big energy savings. Read

Visit houselogic.com for more articles like this.

Copyright 2010 NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS®

Wanda Mooney to serve on Coldwell Banker SA Advisory Council

I am pleased to announce that I have been selected to serve on the Coldwell Banker Sales Associates Advisory Council.  Only 20 agents were selected from across the United States and Canada and I am honored to be one of them.  I will be attending the first meeting next week at the Coldwell Banker headquarters in New Jersey.   This is very exciting and I am looking forward to meeting the other agents and the staff at Coldwell Banker.

Charming Antique Cape - Heath, Mass

Wonderful Cape, Convenient Location, Shelburne, Mass

Now is a Smart Time to Buy a Home

Take a look at this interesting chart that clearly shows why now is a smart time to buy.  Even though the tax credits have expired, the low interest rates combined with recent drop in house prices makes it truly the perfect time to buy a home.  http://www.coldwellbanker.com/imgs/cbnetftp/smarttime.html

Affordable Home in Shelburne - Now Reduced to $199,000

Home Sales fell 37% in Pioneer Valley

The August real estate figures for the Pioneer Valley are out and the news is not what we would like to hear.  The market has been slow the past several weeks and prices have come down.  However, I predict the numbers will improve during the fall and winter buying season.     

In Franklin County, sales were down 21.3 percent from 61 to 48. the median price was down 6.9 percent from $203,000 to $189,000.   For more information click on the link below.

http://www.masslive.com/news/index.ssf/2010/09/home_sales_fall_nearly_37_in_p.html

Mass. unemployment rate drops to 8.8 percent

This is good news for Massachusetts! 

Mass. unemployment rate drops to 8.8 percent

Salmon Falls Street Fest - Saturday September 18, 10-9

Don't forget to stop by the Salmon Falls Street Fest in Shelburne Falls this Saturday September 18th 10:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m.  Great bands, fabulous food and lots of vendors.  For more information visit http://www.shelburnefalls.com/

Mass Assoc of Realtors President featured on Fox Business News

Take a look at Wanda's New Web Site & Blog!

Wanda's site offers a wealth of information about real estate, property listings, area information  and more.  Take a look and let me know what you think.

http://www.wandamooney.com/

http://www.wandamooney.blogspot.com/

What's happening in September? Check it out!

Take a look at the September calendar of events provided by Franklin County Chamber of Commerce. 
http://www.franklincc.org/calendar_month.php

Can you pay your house off in 15 years?

Interesting article about today's homeowners choosing a 15 year mortgage over 30.  Homeowners are willing to let go purchasing other things and focusing on paying down their mortgage.  If you currently have a 30 year mortgage with a low interest rate and don't want to refinance, use a mortgage calculate (bankrate.com my favorite site for calculators).  Apply $50 or $100/month towards the principal and see how quickly you can pay off your home and how much you would save.  If you are going to stay in your home for a long time - it is worth it!

http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052748703669004575458203846437616.html?mod=WSJ_RealEstate_LeftTopNews

Compare 2009 vs. 2010 - Franklin County, Mass Sales Statistics

Attention Buyers - Did you know?

Buyers you now need to know if you applied for a Fannie/Freddie loan after 6/1, one of the new guidelines is the lender will pull a new credit report 10 days prior to closing and any new inquiries listed will need to be followed up on to confirm no new credit was obtained.  If your credit score has fallen, your loan will need to go through the approval process all over again which will jeopardize the closing.  Make sure you talk with your lender and get all the details. 

Housing Market Sees Widespread Price-Cutting

Housing Market Sees Widespread Price-Cutting

Log Home For Sale, Pastoral Views, Located Shelburne, Mass

REALTOR® Magazine-Daily News-Global Interest in U.S. Homeownership Gains

REALTOR® Magazine-Daily News-Global Interest in U.S. Homeownership Gains

For Sale: 2BR/1BA Single Family House in Heath, MA, $170,000

For Sale: 2BR/1BA Single Family House in Heath, MA, $170,000

Massachusetts 4th Quarter Economic and Market Watch Report

This is my favorite report that comes out every quarter and provides information about the real estate market in each county across Massachusetts.  This 33 page report is provided by MLS Property Information, the largest multiple listing service in New England.  The section about Franklin County is located on page 9 of the report and the last few pages covers trends and predictions by the chief economist for National Association of Realtor.  Take a look http://www.scribd.com/doc/28767414/Economic-Report-4th-Quarter.

For Sale: 3BR/1BA Single Family House in Buckland, MA, $159,000

For Sale: 3BR/1BA Single Family House in Buckland, MA, $159,000

2009 Pioneer Valley Single Family Sales

Pioneer Valley Single Family Sales are up 8.3% and the Median Price is Down 7.5%.
Franklin County Sales are up 13.8% and the Median Price is Up 1.4%!  Click on the link below for a breakdown of each county in the Pioneer Valley.
http://www.scribd.com/doc/27576303/2009-Single-Family-Sales-Pioneer-Valley

Check out these Tax Credits!

• 
  
  

  Tax Credits for Solar Water Heaters

  A federal tax credit makes energy-efficient solar water heaters a more affordable and sustainable option for many homeowners. Read
  
• 
  
  

  Tax Credits for Replacing Heating and Cooling Systems

  Upgrading to an energy-efficient heating and cooling system can save hundreds on your utility bills and earn you a tax credit worth as much as $1,500. Read
  
• 
  
  

  Tax Credits for Replacing Your Roof

  Replacing your roof with a qualifying energy-efficient metal or asphalt roof can cut your cooling bill and earn you a $1,500 tax credit. Read
  
• 
  
  

  Tax Credits for Adding or Replacing Insulation

  A federal tax credit makes adding insulation an even cheaper way to improve your home’s energy efficiency and cut your heating and cooling bills. Read
  
• 
  
  

  Tax Credits for Replacing Windows, Doors, and Skylights

  If money seems to be escaping through drafty windows, doors, and skylights, this federal tax credit might make energy-efficient replacements more affordable. Read
  

Visit houselogic.com for more articles like this.

Copyright 2010 NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS

New Homeowners Website Launched!

The National Association of REALTORS launched HouseLogic.com which is a Web site designed to help home owners make smart decisions about their homes.  Its a great site and encourage you to take a tour!
http://www.houselogic.com/

2009 vs. 2008 Massachusetts Home Sales

Take a look at statewide real estate sales for 2009 compared to 2008.  Click on each link for detailed report.
Single Family Homes
Multi Family Homes
Condominiums

Award Winning Agency

Coldwell Banker Upton-Massamont REALTORS is #1 in Massachusetts for Coldwell Banker Affiliates and #1 again in Franklin County! 

Franklin County 2008 vs. 2009 Single Family Sales

2008 - 385 Sales, 144 Average Days on Market - $223,028 Average Sale Price
2009 - 451 Sales, 155 Average Days on Market - $204,346 Average Sale Price

This information is taken from the multiple listing service and does not include private sales.

Meticously Maintained Log Home - $229,000

Just listed a charming log home with new septic system and heating system. Open floor plan, attractive details, wood floors, master suite, 2 full baths, 3 acres and water frontage on the Clesson Brook.
http://www.postlets.com/repb/2379606