Have you ever driven by a For Sale sign and wished you could get information on the home without talking to a sales agent? The NEW RE/MAX Prestige Curbside Connection program allows you to get the info you're looking for on ANY residential home listing before you drive away without speaking to an agent if you don't want to! Just call the number at any time 24/7.

How it works:

You'll be prompted to enter the address, and then you'll be able to listen to current information on ANY listing on the market by ANY agency. There is even an option to get an estimated monthly mortgage payment, and you can be connected to me if you'd prefer.  This system also will email you the current listing sheet, and there is an option to receive the information by text.

To activate your Curbside Connection Account, send me an email today!

This service is currently active for MA, and we are working on getting it up and running for NH.

Has the cold weather caused your heating bills to rise?

If you are an NSTAR customer, there are rebates available to help reduce your total cost in making your home more energy efficient.

Was your home built before 1960? If so, there is a good chance your exterior walls are not insulated. If you are an NSAR customer and you are thinking about adding wall insulation, attic insulation or air sealing to your home you might be eligible for rebates up to $2,000 from NSTAR for these home upgrades.

Thinking about replacing your windows? NSTAR has a replacement window rebate program. Replacement windows can lower your annual heating costs by up to 15 percent and NSTAR gas heating customers are also eligible for a $10 rebate on every window replaced with an ENERGY STAR-labeled window with a U-factor of .35 or less.

For more information check out NSTAR's website at: http://www.nstaronline.com/residential/energy_efficiency/gas_programs/

Not an NSTAR customer? Don't worry, there are other options for you.

Did you know FHA and Fannie Mae have Energy Efficient Mortgages which allow homebuyers to incorporate the cost of eneregy efficient improvements. For more information, click on this link: http://www.greenmadesimple.com/incentives/search?cat[Insulation]=on&zip=&city=&state=&latitude=true

For more Massachusetts Rebates for Energy Efficiency, visit: http://www.goodtobegreen.com/ma_energy_rebate.aspx  and http://www.masssave.com/

I just watched an interesting piece on 60 Minutes where an investment fund manager, Whitney Tillson, outlines a potential second wave of forclosures from Alt A and Option Arm mortgages.

It's well worth the twelve and a half minutes to view: http://www.cbsnews.com/video/watch/?id=4668112n

It Appears Some Towns Have Reached the Bottom

The number of Active Single Family Listings throughout the Merrimack Valley has declined slightly over the past month (except for Tyngsborough and Lawrence where the number of active listings has remained unchanged when compared to this time last month).  However, the Average Days on Market (DOM) has increased in numerous towns. Declining inventory levels are a good sign, and as we near a balanced supply more towns should begin to see values stabilize. The number of transactions typically slow during the holiday season, so expect the DOM to continue to rise.

Single Family Market Data (as of December 4, 2008)

Andover:  102 Active Listings ranging from $230,000 to $3,075,000 with an average list price of $719,625. Average DOM 184.9 (up from 168). There are another 22 properties Under Agreement, and these properties had an average DOM of 119. The Average and Median Sales Prices increased slightly for the second straight month.

Billerica:  126 Active Listings ranging from $130,000 to $899,900 with an average list price of $380,505. Average DOM=209 (up from (187). There are another 26 properties Under Agreement, and these properties had an average DOM of 132.5. The average and median sales prices saw a slight drop for the second straight month; however, the average and median sales prices have remained relatively stable since March.  This could be a sign the bottom of the Billerica Single Family Market has been reached.

Chelmsford: 111 Active Listings ranging from $99,000 to $945,000 with and average list price of $418,602. Average DOM=138.9 (down from 147.6). There are another 15 properties Under Agreement, and these properties had an average DOM of 77. The average sale price dropped slightly for the fourth straight month while the median sales price increased slightly. Values in the lower half of the market have remained fairly stable while values in the upper half of the Chelmsford market remain soft. (the October numbers listed in the chart below does not include a sale of a $1,475,000 property which skews the numbers)

Dracut: 103 Active Listings ranging from $155,000 to $869,000 with an average list price of $346,828. Average DOM=171 (174.5 last month). There are another 41 properties Under Agreement, and these properties had an average DOM of 164. For the third straight month, the average and median sales prices have increased slightly. It appears the bottom of the Dracut single family market has been reached.

Lawrence:  92 Active Listings ranging from $39,900 to $370,000 with an average list price of $183,646. Average DOM=162.2 (up from 156.9). There are another 43 properties Under Agreement, and these properties had an average DOM of 117. While Foreclosures and Short Sales continue to dominate the landscape in Lawrence, the current number of active listings (92) represents a 5.9 month supply which is a balanced supply. The average and median sales prices have remained relatively stable since April which indicates the Lawrence Single Family Market most likely has reached its bottom.

Lowell: 234 Active Listings ranging from $59,900 to $1,100,000 with an average list price of $229,230. Average DOM=158.9 (156.5 last month). There are another 67 properties Under Agreement and these properties had an average DOM of 153.  Similar to Lawrence, the Lowell Single Family Market has numerous Foreclosures and potential Short Sale Listings.  The average and median sales prices decreased slightly, and are nearing the year to date lows we saw in July. There continues to be an over supply of homes for sale (currently an 8 month supply). Again, this market may be near its bottom but the over supply of inventory (especially during the winter months) is cause for concern and could lead to further decreases in sales prices as long as inventory levels remain above a 6 month supply.

Methuen: 179 Active Listings (down significantly from 205 last month) ranging from $76,950 to $899,995 with and average list price of $337,570. Average DOM=162.9 (up from148). There are another 35 properties Under Agreement and these properties had an average DOM of 139.0.  While the average sale price has remained relatively stable over the past four months, the median sales price declined slightly for the second straight month. The current inventory level, 6.75 month supply, is nearing a balance supply. As evident in the declining median sales price, the lower half of the Dracut market continues to see more activity than the upper half. The declining inventory is a good sign, and could lead to a stabilization of values if the trend continues.

Tewksbury: 80 Active Listings ranging from $145,000 to $899,000 with an average list price of $389,372. Average DOM=171.8 (169.3 last month). There are another 15 properties Under Agreement and these properties had an average DOM of 90.7. While the average and median sales prices have been stable over the past four months, the number of sales per month has declined over the same time period.  This, along with the current 6.9 month supply are causes for concern as values could decline if these trends continue over the next few months.

Tyngsborough: 59 Active Listings ranging from $139,900 to $950,000 with an average list price of $426,659 Average DOM=207.4 (up from 192). There are another 11 properties Under Agreement and these properties had an average DOM of 88.  The Tyngsborough single family market continues to lag behind its neighboring communities, and the 59 active listings represent an 8.4 month inventory which is a large over-supply. While there are a number of well maintained properties available, expect the sales prices to continue to gradually decline due to the large over supply of inventory. Buyers continue to have the upper hand in negotiations, and some owners have turned to the rental arena in lieu of selling their property. The typical monthly rent ranges from $1800 to $2500.

Westford: 97 Active listings ranging from $150,000 to $964,001 with an average list price of $497,765. Average DOM=184.45 (up from 165.5). There are another 8 properties Under Agreement and these properties had an average DOM of 170.  While the average and median sales prices have been relatively stable since August, there continues to be an over-supply (currently 7.9 months).

With only Andover (5 month), Billerica (5.4 month), Chelmsford (5.4 month), and Lawrence (5.9 month) having single family inventory levels less than 6 months (a 5-6 month supply is considered normal and balanced), Buyers continue to have plenty of properties to choose from. The number of transactions in most cities and towns has remained stable over the past few months, and inventory levels in most areas are continuing to decline.  This remains an excellent market for first time buyers, seasoned investors looking to add to their portfolios, new investors looking to build their portfolios, and those with equity in their current home who are looking to upsize or downsize.

Be fearful when others are greedy. Be greedy when others are fearful. - Warren Buffett

Opportunity abounds throughout the Merrimack Valley. Inventory levels in most communities remain above 6 months (a 5-6 month supply is considered normal and balanced) which gives Buyers plenty to choose from. The number of transactions in most cities and towns has remained stable over the past few months, and inventory levels in most areas are continuing to decline.  This remains an excellent market for first time buyers, seasoned investors looking to add to their portfolios, new investors looking to build their portfolios, and those with equity in their current home who are looking to upsize or downsize.

Are we nearing the Bottom?

As inventory levels throughout Essex County and Middlesex County continue to decline and become closer to a balanced supply, some towns in the Merrimack Valley appear to be nearing the bottom.

Single Family Market Data

Andover: 124 Active listings ranging from $239,900 to $3,075,000 with an average list price of $707,914. Average Days on Market (DOM) =168.  There are another 24 properties Under Agreement and these properties had an average DOM of 100.8.  The average and median sales prices have remained fairly flat over the past two months, and market activity remains stable.

Billerica:  156 Active listings ranging from $144,900 to $899,900 with an average list price of $374,597. Average DOM=187. There are another 25 properties Under Agreement, and these properties had an average DOM of 89. The average and median sales prices saw a slight drop in October when compared to September's numbers. However, the average and median sales prices have remained relatively stable since March.  This could be a sign the bottom of the Billerica Single Family Market has been reached.

Chelmsford: 124 Active listings ranging from $125,000 to $950,000 with and average list price of $427,906. Average DOM=147.6. There are another 15 properties Under Agreement, and these properties had an average DOM of 85.8. The average and median sales prices dropped slightly for the third straight month. Values in the lower half of the market have remained fairly stable while values in the upper half of the Chelmsford market remain soft. (the October numbers listed in the charts below do not include a sale of a $1,475,000 property which skews the numbers)

Dracut: 119 Active listings ranging from $160,000 to $869,000 with an average list price of $354,809. Average DOM=174.5. There are another 36 properties Under Agreement, and these properties had an average DOM of 99.3. For the second straight month, the average and median sales prices have increased slightly. This could be a sign the bottom of the Dracut single family market has been reached.

Lawrence:  95 Active listings ranging from $39,900 to $370,000 with an average list price of $178,775. Average DOM=156.9. There are another 40 properties Under Agreement, and these properties had an average DOM of 129. While Foreclosures and Short Sales continue to dominate the landscape in Lawrence, the current number of active listings (95) represents less than a 6 month supply which is a balanced supply. The average and median sales prices have remained relatively stable since April which indicates the Lawrence Single Family Market most likely has reached its bottom.

Lowell: 241 Active listings ranging from $65,000 to $1,100,000 with an average list price of $241,551. Average DOM=156.5. There are another 62 properties Under Agreement and these properties had an average DOM of 166.  Similar to Lawrence, the Lowell Single Family Market has numerous Foreclosures and potential Short Sale Listings.  While the average sales price increased for the third straight month, there continues to be an over supply of homes for sale (over a 7 month supply). The median sales price remained relatively stable in October when compared to September. Again, this market may be near its bottom but the over supply of inventory is cause for concern and could lead to further decreases in sales prices as long as inventory levels remain above a 6 month supply.

Methuen: 205 Active listings ranging from $76,950 to $899,995 with and average list price of $339,102. Average DOM=148. There are another 48 properties Under Agreement and these properties had an average DOM of 137.  The average and median sales prices have remained relatively stable over the course of 2008, however, both have dropped slightly over the past two months. This is most likely due to the over supply of homes for sale in this market. Similar to Lowell, the over supply is cause for concern, and expect the downward trend to continue as long as inventory levels remain above a 6 month supply.

Tewksbury: 95 Active listings ranging from $160,000 to $899,000 with an average list price of $390,112. Average DOM=169.3. There are another 13 properties Under Agreement and these properties had an average DOM of 78. This is a prime example of how pricing a home properly will result in a quicker sale. Improper pricing will cause a home to stay on the market long and become stagnant. While the average and median sales prices have been stable over the past three months, both are down when compared to this past summer. Inventory levels remain high, and are a cause for concern.

Tyngsborough: 61 Active listings ranging from $149,900 to $950,000 with an average list price of $418,715. Average DOM=192. There are another 13 properties Under Agreement and these properties had an average DOM of 100.  The Tyngsborough single family market continues to lag behind its neighboring communities. The 61 active listings represent a 12 month inventory which is a major cause for concern. While there are a number of well maintained properties available, expect the sales prices to continue to gradually decline due to the large over supply of inventory. Buyers continue to have the upper hand in negotiations, and some owners have started to turn to the rental arena. There are a number of single family properties available for rent in Tyngsborough.  The typical monthly rent ranges from $1800 to $2500.

Westford: 113 Active listings ranging from $150,000 to $975,000 with an average list price of $500,138. Average DOM=165.5. There are another 10 properties Under Agreement and these properties had an average DOM of 147.5.  While the average and median sales prices saw a slight increase in October, there continues to be a 7-8 month supply of homes for sales. The average and median sales prices are down when compared to the summer months. This is due in large part to the over supply of homes for sale.

Be

Here is the latest on the proposed North Billerica Power Plant...

Please share with your friends, family, and neighbors. 

 www.BillericaPowerPlant.org

 6 October 2008

 An Energy Facilities Siting Board (EFSB) hearing concerning the proposed Billerica power plant was held on October 2^nd,in Boston.  Senator Tucker and Representative Greene were in attendance, as was Representative Miceli's Chief of Staff.   All made statements of concern.  Intervenors presented their arguments, and additional parties were allowed to speak.  Attorney Scott Harshbarger represented the developer, who was also there.  The hearing was continued until mid-October, at which point the proponents will present their arguments.

 We'd like to thank the local delegation for their commitment to this issue.  Please consider e-mailing them with your thanks for their support.  Each of their offices has confirmed that they read every e-mail they receive, and that people should always feel free to contact them regardless of the issue.  Contact information is on the Web site under Community Information.

 Andover Informational Session

We are hosting an informational session this Thursday at 7:00PM in Andover's Memorial Hall Library in Elm Square.  While the direct impacts to Andover are not as severe as those to communities nearer to the site, there will be an impact, and there are broader implications that will be discussed.  Residents from all communities are welcome to attend.  

The Chelmsford Board of Selectmen sent a strongly worded letter to the EFSB this week.  They expressed their concerns for their community and for other communities surrounding the proposed site.  Representative Tom Golden also submitted a letter on behalf of his constituents.

In other power plant news, the proposal for the Walpole power plant popped up again.  After a short hiatus, the plant developers resurfaced last week.  The developers of that plant are trying to have a parcel of land in Walpole declared protected in order to grandfather their use before the town attempts to pass a bylaw prohibiting developments such as fossil fuel power plants.  Click here to read the article.

Meetings/Events

Thursday, October 9, 2008           7:00PM                      Andover Informational Session

We will conduct a power plant informational session.  Residents from Andover and other communities are encouraged to attend.  The local legislative delegation will be represented.  Memorial Hall Library, Elm Square, Andover, MA

Continuation mid-October           TBD                             Energy Facilities Siting Board

The EFSB will continue the October 2 meeting and hear comments from the proponents. One South Station, Boston, MA

Wednesday, November 12, 2008*          7:00PM            Billerica Conservation Commission

The Billerica Conservation Commission will continue its discussion of the Notice of Intent filed by the developer and the review of the wetlands and stormwater management issues.  Billerica Town Hall, 365 Boston Road, Billerica, MA

*Note date change from October 22^nd.

Market activity in the Cities of Lowell, Lawrence, & Methuen remains relatively stable. This is due in large part to the high numbers of Bank Owned Foreclosed properties which continue to attract investors to these cities.

The Town of Billerica continues to see steady demand, and the Median and Average Sales prices of single famiy homes in Billerica increased slightly for the second straight month.

The number of sales in Chelmsford, Dracut, and Tewksbury has remained relatively stable over the past three months, and the Median and Average Sales Prices have also remaine relatively stable.

The Towns of Andover, Tyngsbourough, and Westford saw a decrease in activitiy.

 This market continues to be strong for First Time Buyers, and for those with equity looking to upsize to a larger home.

Visit my web-site for all your real estate needs www.viewmynewhome.info

Here's the latest news on the Porposed Billerica Power Plant from the folks @ www.BillericaPowerPlant.org

Please share with your friends, family, and neighbors. 

  www.BillericaPowerPlant.org

9 August 2008

Members of the Billerica Conservation Commission participated in a site walk this week of the location for the proposed plant.  The attorney for the developer would not allow questions during the walk.  

Related to this, let us remind you that anyone with concerns about wetlands disruption/preservation or storm water management issues should submit them to the Billerica Conservation Commission in advance of their meeting on September 24^th.  The e-mail address is jdepper-nash@town.billerica.ma.us.

Back in May, the Lowell City Council had discussed scheduling meetings of the Environmental and Traffic/Neighborhood subcommittees to discuss the impacts of the Billerica power plant on its residents.  However, nothing has been put on the calendar yet.  Lowell residents should contact

to let them know of your interest in a (well-publicized) public meeting.  The disruption to the neighborhoods near the site in Lowell and Tewksbury would be undeniable and is documented as "significant".  In thinking about this, remember that the developer has claimed that there will be no impact to roads in Billerica.  This is true.  All of the tanker traffic and construction vehicle traffic will drive on Woburn Street, passing through Lowell and Tewksbury to the site entrance, which is in Tewksbury!  Sure enough, there will be no additional traffic on Billerica roads. 

Developments relating to other large fossil fuel power plant proposals in Massachusetts are interesting to follow as well.  An article in the Brockton Enterprise http://www.enterprisenews.com/business/x2109423998/Experts-debate-possible-health-impact-of-proposed-Brockton-power-plantstates that a health expert evaluating the impacts of a gas-fired plant proposed for Brockton believes that the plant "could cause deaths, asthma attacks and other health effects".  Admittedly, a later quote from the article quotes a health professor as saying, "This is a site that is likely to have higher public health impacts relative to many other sites that may be in existence".  Nevertheless, it's hard to rationalize these statements against what's been said of Billerica.  What makes the Brockton site so problematic from a health perspective? 

In Westfield, MA, yet another large power plant is now being considered.  This one is a 400MW gas fired/diesel backup power plant.  The comment period for this plant runs until this coming Tuesday, August 12.  If you have friends or family in the Westfield/Springfield/Chicopee area, you should pass this information on to them.  Comments should be addressed to Ms. Selma Urman, EFSB, One South Station, Boston, MA 02110.  Residents and non-residents alike can make comments about the proposed siting.

Meetings/Events

Wednesday, September 24, 2008            7:00PM            Billerica Conservation Commission

The Billerica Conservation Commission will continue its discussion of the Notice of Intent filed by the developer and the review of the wetlands and stormwater management issues.  Billerica Town Hall, 365 Boston Road, Billerica, MA

When it comes to Real Estate, it is important to look at Local Trends, not National Trends. I'm sure you've heard the saying "the most important thing in real estate is Location, Location, Location." I couldn't have said it better myself.

Real Estate can be broken down into two major categories: Commercial & Residential. But these markets can be broken down even further.  Residential markets can be broken down to: detached single family, attached single family, 1-4 unit, and condominiums.  These markets too, can be broken down further into additional sub-markets. I could go on for quite some time, so I will stop there. But I've seen it broken down to the point of a home on one side of the street would sell for 10% more than a model match home on the opposite side of the street.

Here is an example of why you need to look locally, not nationally(or even regionally).  I keep hearing on the radio, on TV, and even from other real estate professionals that things are "slow."  Well, I took a look at some sales data in my home town of Chelmsford, MA and this is what I found:

It is generally agreed on that the peak of the Chelmsford Residential Real Estate Market occurred in 2005.  While values are down since the peak, the chart above shows the number of sales in the typically busy months of May, June, and July have remained relatively stable over the past four years.

While the number of sales per year and per month have dropped since the peak in 2005, Chelmsford remains a desirable town. This is reflected in the high number of people who have and continue to buy homes in Chelmsford.

While the number of condominium sales in town has dropped this year (the numbers above are year to date as of August 13, 2008), with 4-1/2 months remaining in 2008 the number of single family home sales is on pace to fall within the range of the numbers seen in 2006 and 2007.

If you are thinking about buying your first home or selling your current home, things may not be as bad as the media is making it out to be. Do me a favor, check with a local real estate professional and find out what's going on in your neighborhood.

Remember to think locally,

John LaBelle - Real Estate Consultant

www.ViewMyNewHome.info