Income limits may be increased. We are at the eleventh hour and they are still posturing and it the deadline is looming close.
The wealthy towns of Wellesley, Lincoln and Weston where there are many luxury homes have seen a considerable drop. The Weston price drop is 12% and sales drop doubling that number at 22.6%.
Highend real estate has been out of luck with a tax break. it should be across the board and it should have been for all as far as I am concerned.
The tax credit created so much activity but left the luxury market out. I was showing a listing of mine at $425,000 and the people coming to Open Houses could not qualify because the combined income was too high. This just doesn't seem at all fair to me.
I hope they consider all while extending the credit. Fair is fair.
Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage, 1 Chapel Street, Needham, MA 02492
Needham, MA Is A super Town to Live in for many reasons, one of which is we have realistic taxes. Needham, MA has a great YMCA, an incredible Library, our own Beth Israel Deaconess Hospital Needham Campus with ICU and Emergency Room. The Beth Israel has a new look.
What else does Needham, MA have? Well Needham, MA has close proximity to Route 128/95, which a major highway with direct accessibility to the Mass Pike, to Logan Airport, to 495, and 93. For the commuter there are 4 train stops in Needham and the MBTA bus that connects to Riverside MBTA. Needham is 10.5 miles from Back Bay, Boston, MA.
Needham, MA has a reputation for fine schools. We attract the best and brightest and I believe it is just a nice place to live. Our Town Meeting form of government works so well. Needham's Park and Recreation programs are year round and offer terrific programs.
Some actual quotes from Needham residents:
"I feel proud that Needham is one of the towns with a Hospice House."
"It is just the people's attitude to work hard - enjoy leisure time and take part in the many varied activities Needham has to offer."
"Sledding on the High School hill."
"Summer outdoor concerts."
"Annual Spelling Bee for adults."
"The country's newest college town "Olin College of Engineering"
"The service clubs do so much i.e. Rotary, Lions, Exchange, and Women's Club
"The incredible July 4 Celebration put on by the Exchange Club."
"Our superb local theatre group."
"Our Community Council does so much for people. i.e., The Food Pantry."
I have been here since 1965 and have enjoyed and been able to partake of what this town offers. We have raised our son here and now we take our grandkids to the events we have done over the years.
We look forward to celebrating our 300th year in 2011. Stay tuned for announcements for Needham 300.
Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage, 1 Chapel Street, Needham, MA 02492
This seller could write a book because after waiting 17 months to sell their lovely home in Massachusetts which will close this week. They have had several offers and they have reduced their price as well. The good news was that she sold it on the her birthday. They will close on the property they have found one week later but it became a little nerve racking when the mortgage company starting make requests.
Truly this house was in perfect condition. The buyers are fortunate to be getting it. Request that seemed out of the ordinary came from the mortgage company so near the closing date. First the mortgage company wanted another pest inspection before they would give the buyer a commitment letter. They had already had all their inspections but the mortgage company wanted another pest inspection. So of course, they complied with that it was done right away. One more thing this is a second home for the buyers.
Sure enough they found some termites in a small area under deck. The next thing the mortgage company wanted was a builder to come and inspect to see if the termites had caused structural damage. Oh come on! There was only a little section on the deck where they were found.
Are these mortgage companies getting carried away? The seller is closing the end of the week, Thank God. They are moving to their permanent home.
I have so much compassion for sellers because it truly is not easy selling your home these days. I just put myself in their place. You think you are all set and the buyer puts an offer in and get cold feet. They walk away. Meanwhile someone wants to move to your new location. The seller had been transferred two years ago and the commute is nearly 2 hours so he is away from home most of the week. Everything is going along fine and then something comes up at the last minute. The sellers are taking all this well and looking forward to their move to their new home and they have been wonderful buyers. It has been a pleasure to work with them.
I like what Sandi has done here. These are great suggestions. I like the alternative names for orange too. The beiges always work and it feels so good when you are in a room with these beiges.
In my other career long ago I loved do people's colors as far as makeup and clothing. It was so much fun but not in vogue now. When the person wore the wrong makeup or clothing they felt weak. I believe that these colors would appeal to everyone.
The colors inside a home make such a difference. Thank you Sandi for sharing this information.
It is the depth of the neutral that gives it life and longevity. Some good examples of current "beiges" from the Benjamin Moore series are:
Willow (CC-542)
Hillsborough (CC-330)
Stampede (CC-540)
Chocolate Fondue (CC-482)
And in the "grey" range we have:
Metropolis (CC-546)
Asphalt (CC-548)
This year it's all about Shine * Shimmer * Metallic finishes. The metallic finishes are warm gold tones. And wallpaper is back. If you are unsure or unconvinced, try it in a small room or under utilized area such as a powder room or dining room. Plaid is also making a comeback but the color combinations are much different.
Yellow and Purple are the #1 colors this year. For the best results when choosing purple, use:
Camelot (CC-4)
Muskoka Dusk (CC-6)
Orange is still HOT but we don't like to refer to it as such, instead using shades of Adobe Dust, Smoked Salmon and Tofino Sunset.
Matte paint finish on the the walls combined with a high gloss trim (Simply White OC 117) looks stunning.
The "Field of Dreams" has now been dedicated as of Saturday October 24, 2009 at DeFazio Park and this completes the dream. The individuals and companies have been recognized for the contributions to this effort to renovate the DeFazio and Memorial fields which is a wonderful thing.
Nearly every day I am taking advantage of the track by walking at Memorial Park. It is really great to have even for walking. The ball field is terrific too.
Article from Hometown Weekly regarding the dedication of the Fields of Dreams at DeFazio Park and Memorial Park - October 22, 2009. There is a link to the article below.
Defazio Park now has two multipurpose turf fields, two natural turf fields, one of which is engulfed by a new track, and two 90-foot baseball diamonds. The two natural turf fields, as well as one of the baseball fields, have been completed, but will not be used until the spring of 2010.
This project will make a big difference for the youth sports clubs. My son lives in Holliston and I attend a lot of the sports games there and they have a similar field and it is really great.
Condo Home for Sale Rosemary Ridge Needham Heights, Needham, MA 02494
Asking $325,000.
This Rosemary Ridgecondo for sale in Needham, MA features 2 bedrooms, 2 baths, and a balcony. Located in the front on the 2nd floor, it also features an elevator. Full compliment of amenities include an on-site concierge, swimming pool, hot tub, club/function room, library, and more.
This condo would be great for a couple starting out, and couple downsizing, mom and daughter or son, or anyone on their own who likes to have a guest room. It could also be great for someone who wants a home for the summer and who wants spend winters in Florida.
Condo Home for Sale Rosemary Ridge Needham Heights, Needham, MA
As you leave the parking lot, you can see the town Rosemary Pool. Just above that and up the hill, you'll find the Needham Public Library, Needham High School and Sudbury Farms Grocery Store. Dunkin' Donuts is just beyond that. If you turn left at that corner and walk about a 1/2 mile, you'll find banks, restaurants, Trader Joes, Starbucks and a little common park.
Needham shines when it comes to transportation with the commuter rail and the MBTA bus. There are 4 Needham exits off Route 128/95, and 10 minutes to the Mass Turnpike, quick trip to Logan Airport without traffic about 25 minutes.
Community Attractions:
Needham has also become a mecca for restaurants and just about everything type of culinary delight is represented here. I can name a few: Fuji Steak House, Petit Maison Robert, Fresca, Pomodora, Sweet Basil, Rice Barn(Asian and Thai), Masala Art (Indian), Acapulcos, Panera Bread, Not Your Average Joe's, Blue on Highland, Tu Y Yo Mexican, Sweet Tomatoes, and it goes on and from there.
The town of Needham will celebrate it 300th year in the 2011. I am serving on one of the committees that are planning activities and it is going to be a really fun year. The kick of will be at the end of 2010 and that is not so far away. We are all getting really excited about this momentous occasion. We have looked back at when was done in the 250th year celebration and that is fun to see too. I didn't come to town until after that celebration but from what I am told it was really great.
We have come so very far and have so much to celebrate. It would be wonderful if former residents will return for some of the fun things that will be happening. I won't leak a thing right now so you will just have to keep checking in as time approaches but I know it will be great fun for all ages.
If you once lived in Needham I would love to hear back from you of some of the things that you remember and enjoyed. We have a very rich heritage and some very famous people who came from Needham as well.
I personally live in an historical house built in 1870 and before that the land was owned by the Kingsbury family. I am a history buff and so doing the research on our house was fun.
Needham is a vibrant community now and basically always has been. We have much to celebrate and be proud of especially our school system.
We have the finest police department and fire department and we are very lucky to have each and every man and woman who serve us.
All who are involved in our town government are dilligent about the tasks of running this great town and we appreciate everyone as well.
It is the best place to live we think and close to major highways and 20 minutes to Boston and not much more to Logan Airport. It only takes a hour to get to the Sagamore Bridge and Cape Cod. We can be in New Hampshire in less than and hour. We are surrounded by wonderful culture and education and have much to be greatful for.
As time approaches and this great town is celebrated I will keep postng what is planned.
Back in June of 2009 I called for an estimate to trim or remove a very old and large tree on my property. A friend recommended this company to me. I kept the estimates and didn't know when I would be ready to have the tree work done.
Well 2 weeks later on a Sunday in the middle of the night the tree was hit and it was apparent we had to do something about this tree. In the winter we had limbs come down in snow storms that were like small trees. It was time. I called Royer Tree Service and they responded right away. I also called another tree company that will remain anonymous. The estimate from the the second tree company was more than twice the Royer Tree Service.
They were so very nice to us and to our neighbor. They had to use her driveway and they were very careful of her sprinkler system. They did an outstanding job and I highly recommend them without reservation.
It is so true these days with all that a buyer needs to be aware of and their buyer representative can keep them informed and on track with the process of purchasing a home from start to finish. As realtors and Accredited Buyers Representatives we are abreast of all that is involved in that home buying process and any new regulation. In our area there is a change coming as far as smoke detectors. There are so many things to consider and the buyer representation is vital for the buyer today.
Pat Baker, Realtor, Green, ABR, Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage, Needham/BostonMetroWest area, MA 617-435-3471 http://budurl.com/GreenHomeTips
Me, being one who has this natural penchant to see the world "backwards" from everyone else when it comes to the buyers of property out in the market place, I say
Hiring A Buyer Agent SHOULD Be A "KNOW" Brainer.
Many what I will call novice or at least uninformed buyers want to use multiple REALTORS, call off yard signs, walk into new construction homes and talk to the salesperson by themselves, search craigslist for that next home, drive all over on the weekends with no plan, get loan financing off the Internet, on and on.
BUT in my backwards way of looking at the world if you read many of the posts of Members here who ARE Realtors and Lenders, real estate is getting MORE complicated year by year. More paperwork, needing more resources, more of the right connections to get things done. More training, more learning about the regulation, "knowing" when that $8,000 buyer tax credit expires and who qualifies. With more complexity it is a "know" brainer to sign up with an exclusive buyer rep agreement where you have a "dedicated" professional working for you. Technically at no cost too, although the buyer agent commission is in the closing cost.
Disclaimer: ActiveRain Corp. does not necessarily endorse the real estate agents, loan officers and brokers listed on this site. These real estate profiles, blogs and blog entries are provided here as a courtesy to our visitors to help them make an informed decision when buying or selling a house. ActiveRain Corp. takes no responsibility for the content in these profiles, that are written by the members of this community.
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