Hi, here are a few things I've learned recently that you may find helpful:

1. Refinancing - I just found out that Chase won't do any refis on condominium income properties in Florida even for existing customers with excellent payment history. Wells Fargo will only do 75% LTV so most properties don't quality. Looks like lenders just don't want to lend at today's low rates.

2. Health Insurance - the rates for our 2 person coverage went up 48.5% this year (so much for the Massachusetts model) so we had to change coverage. While "shopping" around I discovered that we were paying more to be insured as a couple than if each of us purchased coverage as individuals which we are allowed to do - same 2 people, same coverage, but married couples are penalized!

3. On-line shopping - calling gets you a better deal. When looking for a new camera I found a good price on a site and it also offered free shipping but it would take 7 to 9 days and I needed it sooner. When I called, they offered free Overnight shipping! Similar thing happed on e-bags - on Saturday the item was 20% off; the next day the discount was gone but they offered free shipping. When I called, they offered both right away. Always call!

Best wishes to all for a Happy Thanksgiving! Marilyn

2009 has been a busy year for single-family home sales in
Maynard MA. As of 11/19/09, there were 63 closed sales -
a 41.6% increase over the same period in 2008 and the average time on the market was significantly lower - only 89 days compared with 147 the previous year; however, at $280,000 the median sale price was 8.9% lower; the average sale price was $288,572.

The number of homes available in Maynard remains pretty flat only 34 single family homes; last year at this time there were 36; 6 of the 34 on the market already have accepted offers with contingencies waiting to clear; the average list price for these homes is $306,283.

Additionally, there are 8 single family homes with sales pending. The average list price for homes with sales pending is $324,175. Pending sales will close in the next month or two.

Year to date 2009 condominium/townhouse sales were also stronger in Maynard, up by 33%, there 18 closed sales compared with 12 for the same period in 2008. Like single family homes, sale prices were also lower: the median was $230,000, the average was 236,811; in 2008 the median was $275,500 and the average was $282,875.

There are 21 condos/townhouses available in Maynard; last year at this time there were 29. Prices range from $161,900 for apartment-style condos. Townhouse re-sales at desirable Deer Hedge Run range from $240,000 to $284,900; Oak Ridge and Apple Ridge have similar prices. New construction townhomes starting at $279,000 for age restricted units and $329,000 for non-restricted townhouses with first floor master bedrooms and garages. Overall, condominium prices have dropped in Maynard so there are some great opportunities available.

Interest rates have recently gone down again and Maynard home prices are some of the most affordable in the area. To find out what homes are available in Maynard and the nearby towns west of Boston, visit www.marilynmessenger.com your on-line source for real estate listings, news and information or call Marilyn Messenger at 508-596-3501 for personal real estate services.

*Data Source - MLSPIN (Multiple Listing Service Property Information Network.)

Inventory continues to decline Wayland MA. Currently there are 73 single family homes for sale compared with 93 last month; and 104 last year at this time. Current prices in Wayland range from $159,000 to $5,795,000. The median list price is $649,000 down from $689,000 last year at this time; the average list price is $1,045,913 up from $957,938 last year. Average time on the market for current listings is 192 days; a year ago the average was 154 days.

Two bedroom homes (there are only 2 on the market) in Wayland start at $319,000; there are 16 three-bedroom homes starting at $329,000; there are 41 with four bedrooms starting at $369,900; and there are 16 five bedroom homes.

Recent activity includes 16 single family homes with sales pending and 9 have accepted offers with contingencies waiting to clear.

There were 10 sales during October; one less that in October 2008. Both median and average sale prices were lower: the median was $425,250; the average was $493,775 compared with the October 2008 median sale price of $451,000 the average of $525,364. On the plus side, it took less than half as long for homes to sell - the average time on the market for closed sales in October 2009 was 78 days compared 169 for the previous year.

For anyone looking for easy living in Wayland there are 24 condominiums on the market compared with only 16 last year at this time. Condominium prices range from $294,000 to $1,150,000 and average time on the market is 246 days. Year-to-date, there have been 21 closed sales. The median sale price was $435,000; the average sale price was $481,000 and it took an average of 197 days to sell. Condominium buyers certainly have some good opportunities Wayland - don't be afraid to make an offer - a good buyer agent will negotiate on your behalf.

To find out about opportunities in Wayland call 508-596-3501 or visit www.marilynmessenger.com for complete MLS home searches, daily listing alerts, news and information to help plan your move.

Source: MLSPIN

Here's what's going on in the Sudbury MA real estate market. Overall single family inventory is up from last year at this time - 110 current listings compared with 100 last year. Prices for single family homes In Sudbury range from $189,000 to $3,298,000. The median list price is lower than last year at this time - $884,950 compared with $922,000; the average list price is also lower - $1,119,407 compared with $1,138,898; and the average number of days on the market is also higher - 210 days up from 187 days.

The price ranges with the most significant increase of homes for sale are: $800,000 to $899,999 - there are 11 compared with 3 a year ago; and $600,000 to $699,999 - there are 10 compared with 5 last year; so good opportunities for buyers in those ranges.  

Recent activity shows there are 18 single-family homes with accepted offers and 13 with sales pending. There were 13 closed sales in October, only one less than in October 2008. Five of the homes sold in October were between $450,000 and $499,000 with an average time on the market of 63 days compared an average of 125 for all ranges  Overall, both the median and average sale price was lower than in October 2008- the median was $467,000; average was $528,008.

With the tax credit extension and expansion, buyers who may have thought Sudbury prices were too high for them, may want to take another look. Three bedroom homes start at $289,000; four bedrooms start at $369,500; and five bedrooms start at $569,900 for a traditional Colonial style home. New construction in Sudbury starts are $819,900.

Anyone who wants to sell their home in Sudbury needs to think carefully about pricing their property correctly for the current market. Correct pricing is crucial; all the pretty pictures and videos in the world will not attract buyers if the home is not priced correctly. Lowering the price after the fact will only net less money and add even more frustration to the process.

Interest rates are low and there are lots of great choices for buyers! Visit www.MarilynMessenger.com for the latest local market condition reports for Sudbury, Wayland, Weston, Maynard and Stow MA, complete MLS home search, news and information to help you plan your next move. To get market information for any other town e-mail marilynmessenger@realtor.com.

Data Source: MLSPIN (Multiple Listing Service Property Information Network)

Just listed: Smartly designed young Colonial on private 1.5 acre lot
combines the perfect mix of open and private spaces for the way you live, work, and play. Attention to detail, beautiful finishes - crown-moldings, wainscoting, hardwood, and natural light add comfort and elegance. Inviting foyer, office/parlor, formal dining room. Maple/stainless kitchen adjacent to great room w/ custom stone fireplace. Luxurious master; finished 3rd level w/bath, lots of closets, w-o basement, deck, yard, country road.

Go to http://www.marilynmessenger.com for details and photos
and to find all the homes listed on MLS with addresses and maps. Sign up for daily updates, market reports - everything you need to
plan your next move.

Educating Real Estate Agents On How To Use Modern Technologies To Better Their Business Will Never Be The Same!

On November 17th, 2009 dozens of the most respected educators in the real estate industry converge to host the first of its kind, Virtual Real Estate BarCamp.

Virtual Real Estate BarCamp is a 1-Day Learning Extravaganza.
From 9am until 4pm PST, three concurrent webinar "rooms" will each host 9 different sessions, for a total of 27 different presentations.
There is something for everyone and everything for someone, and best of all, IT IS FREE and attendance is unlimited!

Click below to:
Register.
Learn more.
See who is coming.
Check out the Session Calendar.
Get sponsorship info.

Attendance is projected to be at least 1000 agents, nationwide.
Do not miss out on being part of this ground-breaking event.

Session topics include:

1. Social Media Risk Management
2. Flickr for Real Estate
3. Developing Your Brand
4. Online Advertising Secrets
5. Facebook for Real Estate
6. WordPress Training
7. Daily Goal Tracking
8. Starting a Real Estate Blog

...and much more, with new sessions being added every day.

And if that wasn\'t cool enough, individuals from around the country are volunteering to host In-Real-Life MeetUps for after the event.
Learn all day, and then meet to have a beer with local participants. This is going to be a blast!

We hope to see you there!

Welcome to the Sudbury MA real estate market update. Overall inventory is up from last year at this time - 138 current listings compared with 107 last year. Prices for single family homes In Sudbury range from $199,000 to $3,700,000. The median list price is higher than last year at this time - $839,450 compared with $785,000; the average list price is also a bit higher - $1,086,580 compared with $1,010,198; and the average number of days on the market is also higher - 187 days up from 145 days.

The price ranges with the most significant increase of homes for sale are: one million to $1,499,999 - there are 28 compared with 19 last year; and $800,000 to $899,999 - there are 13 compared with 4 a year ago; good opportunities for buyers in those ranges. For people looking in between $700 and $799,999 there are only 9 homes for sale compared with 15 last year - fewer choices generally lead to more competition and higher prices.

Recent activity shows there are 18 single-family homes with accepted offers and 13 with sales pending.

The number of closed sales for September was up from September 2008 and median and average sale prices were both lower; 15 sold vs. 11 in September 2008; the September 2009 median sale price was $665,000 vs. $897,000; the average was $669,900 down from $998,909; and it took longer for homes to sell - average time on the market for September 2009 was 173 days and 65 days in September 2008.

Given the increase in the number of homes on the market, anyone who wants to sell needs to think carefully about pricing their property correctly for the current market. Correct pricing is crucial; all the pretty pictures and videos in the world will not attract buyers if the home is not priced correctly. Lowering the price after the fact will only net less money and add even more frustration to the process.

Interest rates are low and there are lots of great choices for buyers! Visit www.MarilynMessenger.com for the latest local market condition reports for Sudbury, Wayland, Weston, Maynard and Stow MA, complete MLS home search, news and information to help you plan your next move. To get market information for any other town e-mail marilynmessenger@realtor.com.

Data Source: MLSPIN (Multiple Listing Service Property Information Network)

Just listed! Updated center-entrance cape with all the bedrooms on the second floor. Gorgeous 5+ acre lot on scenic road. Minutes to schools, hiking trails, baseball complex, shops, resturants, and commuter routes. Won't last - stop by on Sunday between 1 and 3 P.M.

or click the photo for a tour and schedule an appointment for a showing.


Listing broker: Marilyn Messenger, CRS, ABR, GRI
                     RE/MAX Landmark
                     www.marilynmessenger.com 
                     marilynmessenger@realtor.com

Inviting Deer Hedge Run townhome with everything you want at a price you can afford! Hardwood on all 3 floors, finished loft w/fireplace, updated lighting & paint, generous closets, an eat-in kitchen w/stainless appliances, master w/slider, 2 full size decks, central a-c, parking for 2. The open dining/living room combination in back offers flexible space & privacy. 37+ acres w/mature landscaping, clubhouse with fitness room, tennis, heated pool. Washer, dryer, refrigerator included. 1-year home warranty.

Deer Hedge Run is located just 22 miles west of Boston in Maynard MA near the Acton, Sudbury, Concord line; minutes to commuter rail, shopping, resturants, movie theatre, live theatre and art. Easy commute on routes 117, 2, and west to 495.

Click the photo for additional photos and information. 

www.marilynmessenger.com for complete MLS homes searches with addresses and maps; diaily updates, news and information to start planning your next move.

Excellent opportunities in Weston MA for luxury home buyers. The number of single family homes for sale in Weston is up from last year at this time; there are 103 homes available compared with 81 last year. Three of the homes for sale already have accepted offers with contingencies waiting to clear; and as there are sixteen homes with sales pending.

Prices in Weston range from $449,000 to $14,000,000; median and average list prices in Weston are less than last year at this time. The median is $1,585,000; the average is $2,167,700. Last year at this time the median was $1,795,000; the average was $2,312,777. The price range with the most homes for sale in Weston is $1,000,000 to $1,499,000; there are 25 available compared with 12 last year at this time - lot's of excellent choices.

There were 21 closed sales during July 2009 up from 17 in July 2008 and median and average sales prices were both higher.

To find out what homes are available in Weston call 508-596-3501 or search MLS listings, get daily listing updates, news and information at www.marilynmessenger.com 24/7.

Source: MLSPIN (Multiple Listing Service Property Information Network)