acton ma real estate: The Next 4 Things No One Tells Acton First Time Homebuyers - 03/20/13 09:55 PM
 
The Next 4 Things No One Tells Area First Time Homebuyers
 
Of all the things first time homebuyers in our Acton area are told, some that turn out to be pretty important are too often overlooked. Here are four items first time homebuyers will find useful to know: 
4. Remodeling costs more than you think
You’ve found a fixer upper, your energy is to be applauded. But before you write that offer, if you are one of our Acton first-time homebuyers, be certain to have penciled out the bottom line cost of bringing the home up to the standard … (1 comments)

acton ma real estate: Home Prices Predictions: Reliable for Acton Homeowners? - 02/22/13 08:57 PM
 
Home Prices Predictions: Reliable for Acton Homeowners?
 
Who doesn’t want to know what will happen in the future? That’s a very small group, for sure, since good planning is a cornerstone of good management -- for households as well as for organizations of every kind.
So, whenever Acton,MA homeowners see headlines like “Home Prices Up ‘Unsustainable’ 5.9% in 2012,” above a MarketWatch article that explains that price growth is expected to slow, they probably would like to gauge the reliability of the forecasters. 
In this case, MarketWatch is part of the relatively stalwart Wall Street Journal, so credibility goes up. But … (2 comments)

acton ma real estate: The Best Day for Listing Your Acton Home is.... - 02/10/13 08:12 PM
 
 
The Best Day for Listing Your Acton Home is…
 
“Mansion” is the Wall Street Journal’s entry into the high-end real estate magazine world. Well, not quite a magazine -- it’s an extra section they run on Fridays. It’s a nice diversion for those who want to read about really rich people selling their properties. More than that, it could actually be an important source of information if you decide to buy a vineyard in the middle of Los Angeles (Bel-Air, actually -- that one was featured last week).  
It was another article that caught my eye on Friday, … (0 comments)

acton ma real estate: Acton Bathroom Remodels Can Boost Sale Value - 01/31/13 09:36 PM
 
Acton Bathroom Remodels Can Boost Sale Value
 
Though things are looking up in real estate these days, selling a home in Acton is as demanding as ever. As in any serious business proposition, looking for ways to increase the value of your offering will always pay dividends. 
One of the major ways you can make your own Acton home more marketable is to do a bathroom remodel. It’s always a key focus for prospective buyers…and yes, it does sound like a lot of work (and a lot of money) -- but there are a number of ways you can cut … (0 comments)

acton ma real estate: Bargain Hunters Find an Acton Market that Isn't Waiting - 01/28/13 08:34 PM
 
Buyer Beware: Strategies That Get You Nowhere
 
Anyone who is buying a house in Acton -- or even just checking up on the market -- is likely to find that some of the rules of the game seem to have shifted. Particularly anyone expecting to be deluged by the kind of amazing deals being offered in 2008 and 2009 should see what I mean.
As the latest housing statistics continue to paint an upbeat picture, at least when it comes to bargain-priced properties, the days of multiple bids and ‘offers over asking’ are back.  If you are weighing the advantages … (0 comments)

acton ma real estate: Acton Homeowners' Long-Term Thinking Pays Off - 01/27/13 10:15 PM
Long Planning Sets Homeowners Ahead of the Pack
 
“Longevity planning” is not something most youthful or middle-aged Acton residents spend a lot of time thinking about. “Getting old?” Who wants to dwell on that?
Joseph Coughlin, the director of the AgeLab at MIT, pushes for changing that attitude when it comes to home sale decisions. He points out that a 65-year-old woman today can plan to live past 85 -- far longer than her parents did. If her budget plans match theirs, the result will be a serious shortfall in later years. 
It may be more doable than you’d think. The … (0 comments)

acton ma real estate: Best of All worlds! Private 4+ acre property in Acton Center neighborhood! - 02/23/12 09:56 PM

 
1 Evergreen Way Acton, MA Here is one of Acton’s most beautiful homes in a great part of town with lots of appealing features. Sited on more than four acres in this prime Acton Center location, this home still retains a tranquil, neighborhood setting. You can enjoy your morning cup of coffee on the screened porch surrounded by woods. Then come home after a long day to the peace and privacy of this great home. Inside, you’ll love the beautiful views available from every window.
This Acton home has a new roof, a lovely mahogany farmer’s porch and central … (0 comments)

acton ma real estate: Oktoberfest in Acton MA - 09/26/11 03:24 PM
By admin posted September 25th, 2011   Octoberfest in Acton, MA
Acton likes to ring in October the right way. If you’re around next Saturday, October 1st, stop by and join the community to celebrate Acton’s annual Octoberfest. The fun starts with a 5K run or walk and a kids’ fun run sponsored by the Middlesex West Chamber of Commerce. You’ll see lots of local vendors selling delicious food and drinks, and there will also be plenty of singing, dancing, and merriment among the entire community.
Kids enjoy going on the rides and visiting the fire station’s annual open house, but most … (2 comments)

acton ma real estate: Acton Makes CNN’s “Best Place to Live” List!! - 09/11/11 01:07 AM
Acton Makes CNN’s “Best Place to Live” List! By admin posted September 8th, 2011    
Acton Makes CNN's Best Places to Live List
 
Acton just placed 16th on CNN’s poll of the Best Places in Live in the U.S. Some of the factors they cited as making Acton so desirable were the consistently top-rated schools, low crime, historic significance, proximity to major commuter routes and more. They said that even though Acton is easily accessible to Boston, it “feels very much like its own place.”
Visitors enjoying interacting with Revolutionary War landmarks and artifacts, and residents take a lot of … (1 comments)

acton ma real estate: Acton MA Monthly Real Estate Update - July 2011 - 08/31/11 12:41 AM
Acton MA was named in CNN Money Magazines list of Best Small Towns in America, ranking at number 16! 
http://money.cnn.com/magazines/moneymag/bplive/2011/top100/ 
Here's a picture of the real estate market in Acton MA in July of 2011.
Home Sales - 23
Average List Price: $660,263
Average Sale Price: $641,648 or 97.2% of the final list price
Average Days on Market of these sold homes:  79.6
 
This compares very favorably with the stats from a year ago:  July 2010
Home Sales - 8
Average List Price: $590,835
Average Sale Price: $578,425 or 97.9% of the final list price
Average days on Market 42.63
(0 comments)

acton ma real estate: Acton MA Life! - 06/22/11 02:41 PM
NARA Park Acton By agent posted June 20th, 2011    
NARA Park Acton
 
NARA (North Acton Recreation Area) Park is a wonderful asset to Acton homeowners. The park is open all year and provides residents with a wealth of outdoor recreation and beauty to enjoy. NARA Beach opens each year at Memorial Day and for a small fee residents and guests can use the beach and rent paddleboats or canoes. The amphitheater at NARA park is a hot spot for summer concerts that keep Acton residents involved in entertainment, their community and outdoor life.
At NARA park, you’ll find plenty … (0 comments)

acton ma real estate: South Acton MA neighborhood info - 04/27/11 11:30 PM

South Acton Neighborhood Info By betsypurcell posted April 26th, 2011    
Faulkner Homestead in South Acton
 
South Acton used to be the most industrialized area of Acton. In the 18th century many, many mills and other small industrial developments were in this area and using water power generated by the Fort Pond Brook. South Acton includes the Faulkner Homestead, which is the oldest home still standing in Acton.
The Homestead was owned by the Faulkner family who also owned and operated a mill that was just across the street from the family home. The Jones Tavern is another antique … (0 comments)

acton ma real estate: Acton MA - West Acton Village - 04/23/11 01:55 AM
West Acton or West Acton Village as it’s known to local residents is an important commercial  and residential area of town. Many local businesses operate from it’s cute streets and are housed in older style buildings. Residents frequently walk to the bank or to buy lunch.
Seasonal things to do include the Farmers’ Market, which showcases produce from local farms in the area and even an Oktoberfest which is full of seasonal goodies from pumpkins to apple pies and lots of fun acitivities for children. The annual 5K run/walk takes place the morning of the Oktoberfest event, and is a fun … (0 comments)

acton ma real estate: Acton MA School System - 04/11/11 02:28 AM
 
Acton Boxborough Regional High School
 
Families looking to purchase Acton, MA real estate may want to know what the school district is like in Acton. The simple answer is excellent. The school system consists of five elementary schools, the Conant School, the Douglas School, the Gates School, the McCarthy-Towne School, and the Merriam School. There is also a Public Preschool that is available for three and four year olds.
There is one junior high school for grades 7 and 8, the Raymond J. Grey Junior High School, and the Acton-Boxborough Regional High School for grades 9 through 12. Acton, … (0 comments)

acton ma real estate: Acton MA Green Places - 04/04/11 02:25 AM
By betsypurcell posted April 4th, 2011    
 
North Acton Recreation Area
 
Those looking into purchasing Acton, MA homes may be surprised to learn that Acton has a large amount of green space in town. In fact, there are over 1,650 acres of town owned conservation lands. Here’s a look at just some of the great spots Acton has for nature lovers.
Great Hill. A 185 acre property that is located in South Acton behind the School Street fire station. There are picnic tables, two sets of playing fields and even a skating pond for wintertime fun.
Wills Hole Conservation … (0 comments)

acton ma real estate: Acton MA Cultural life - 03/30/11 01:27 AM
 
    Acton, MA real estate buyers are in for a real treat when it comes to cultural attractions. Acton, MA has a rich, diverse history and has a wide variety of attractions for everyone of all ages to enjoy.
 
Acton Memorial Library
 
The town owns and operates two libraries, the Acton Memorial Library and the West Acton Citizens Library (or the Secret Library as it’s known.) The Acton Historical Society also owns the Jenks Library which contains historical maps, documents, photographs and drawings.
Acton also has a variety of museums which include the Children’s Discovery Museum and … (0 comments)

acton ma real estate: Market Beginning to take off in Acton MA! - 01/29/11 08:41 AM
For the 3nd time in as many weeks, I have had to deal with disappointed buyers.  In each case we have looked at several properties, all of which have been on the market for between 60 and 180 days.  My clients have finally found a property that works for them, and when I contact the listing agent to talk about an offer I'm about to put in, I find out that they already have an accepted offer, or in one case 3 offers came in over 2 days after 120 days of sitting...  This isn't an issue of an agent not … (0 comments)

acton ma real estate: I want to Buy a Home in Acton MA! - 01/12/11 08:38 AM
Congratulations! You've finally made the decision. After many months of looking online, comparing towns, comparing homes, comparing school systems, tax rates, commuter access, you have decided that Acton, MA is the town for you.  Now what?  Attending open houses is a great step to start to get the feel of the community.  Begin to understand the nuances of various neighborhoods, and areas within Acton.  Do you want to be near the train?  Do you want to avoid a busy road? There are so many things to think about.  OK.  So now you've been to 8 or 10 open houses.  Have you … (0 comments)

acton ma real estate: I want to buy a house in Acton MA this year! - 01/08/11 12:48 PM
I've been wanting to buy a house in Acton for a long time.  I'm tired of waiting...
Prices have come down, interest rates have come down.  But what if I buy a house and the prices continue to go down? And more likely, what happens if interest rates go up?  
For every 1% increase in the interest rate you pay, your buying power decreases by 10%!!  In real numbers, if interest rates increase from 4.5% to 5.5%, instead of that $525,000 house you want and can afford to buy, (but are waiting and hoping to get for $495,000) you'll now … (1 comments)

acton ma real estate: Acton MA 2010 Real Estate Review - 12/30/10 06:42 AM
Every year it's interesting to take a look back to see how far we've come, and try to figure out where we are going next.. In real estate, looking ahead isn't always clear, but you can see some trends and get a sense of where we are.  
In Acton, MA, the real estate market has been fairly steady.  In fact, some of the comparisons to 2009 are quite favorable, which I wasn't counting on.  
In 2010, there were 185 sales of single family homes.  The average listing price for these homes was $588,092, and the average sale price $572,389. … (0 comments)