franklin county: Percentages can be misleading... - 04/21/21 12:57 PM
Every month, the Realtor Association both local and State releases the monthly single-family and condo sales report. Among other statistics it covers the number of sales and the median price compared to the previous year. It is presented by county and the entire Pioneer Valley as a whole, covering all three counties.
The percentage posted can differ significantly from month to month. As a result, it may give a misleading picture of the market, especially in Franklin County, where the number of homes that sell in any given month is modest. For example, in February, the numbers show that Franklin County saw … (0 comments)

franklin county: The Escalation Clause - 04/17/21 05:51 AM
In an ultra-competitive Real Estate market such as one we are experiencing, prospective buyers are looking for ways to be the one the seller chooses when competing with multiple offers. Some situations cannot be avoided, such as a cash buyer being chosen over a buyer with a low-down-payment requiring PMI. Most sellers will choose a cash buyer over one needing financing, especially loans that will require the seller's house to meet specific standards of loans requiring FHA, USDA, and VA backing, which adds another layer to the loan approval. Buyers are looking to get a leg up on their competition trying to … (4 comments)

franklin county: The color GREEN - 04/06/21 10:59 AM
Color adds to the experience of selling and buying a home. Green is a welcoming color and most anticipated as we leave winter and enter the much-awaited spring. After the pristine white of winter is gone and the grays and browns are left before spring arrives, the much-needed spring clean-up of yards and gardens uncover and await the colors of spring. People associate spring with seeing the grass turn green, and the added colors from crocuses, daffodils, and pansies bring it to life.
Spring traditionally is the most active time in the Real Estate seasonal cycle. Homeowners who have been preparing to … (5 comments)

franklin county: Spring Forward, Check Your Detectors - 03/17/21 07:22 AM
Changing the clocks in the spring and fall has created a tradition to prompt us to test our smoke detectors and change the batteries. Since the onset of this tradition, a lot has changed with smoke detectors, their technology, their placement requirements, and the addition of carbon monoxide detectors. These updates are designed to keep us safe and to minimize loss of life and damage to our homes.
The most recent change to the fire code in Massachusetts was regarding homes that sold after December 1, 2016, requiring homes built before January 1, 1975, be equipped with smoke detectors containing a 10-year … (3 comments)

franklin county: Video & Recording Devices - 03/17/21 06:53 AM
Videos have become a welcomed addition to buying and selling homes, especially this past year during the pandemic. Buyers have found the ability to see pictures and videos very helpful in the home buying process. In many cases, it makes the difference of whether to make an appointment to see a house and, in some cases, making an offer sight-unseen based on the photos and videos.
As professionals representing the sale of the property, we receive permission from the seller to post photos and videos online and in print. If a buyer or a buyer's agent wants to take pictures, video, facetime, … (2 comments)

franklin county: Sight Unseen - 03/03/21 10:04 AM
When selling your home, would you accept an offer from a buyer who has not physically walked through your house, the property or seen the neighborhood or surroundings? Would you accept an offer from a buyer sight unseen?
In the market we are currently in, where there are few homes for sale and more buyers than there are sellers, there are a few reasons why buyers are submitting offers "sight unseen." Some live out of the area and will not be able to view it in person. They rely on photos and videos. Others are concerned with COVID and do not want … (1 comments)

franklin county: Off to a GREAT start - 02/24/21 10:12 AM
2021 is off to a great start in Real Estate here in the Valley. The January single-family home sales were strong. Overall, there was an increase in sales of 7.3% over January 2020. Franklin County saw a 33.3% increase, while Hampshire County only saw a 2.6% increase.
The median price overall was up 17.3% year over year. Franklin County up 34.4% from $200,000 to $268,500. Hampshire County up 25.6% from $267,500 to $336,000. Note: The median price reflects the middle range of the homes that sold. It does not mean the price of homes increased by that percentage. Though there has been … (2 comments)

franklin county: Be Prepared - 02/17/21 09:02 AM
When winter storms, ice, and high winds result in power outages, we could be in serious trouble if we go without power for any length of time. So what is the best way to be prepared for an outage that would protect ourselves and our homes?
Besides having an emergency kit that includes battery-operated flashlights, candles, water, can and dry foods, and blankets, having a gas or propane generator to power the critical parts of your house is something to consider.
Sometimes we take for granted or forget how vital electricity is and what it powers. Especially in the winter, electricity is required … (2 comments)

franklin county: The Real Estate Contract - 02/10/21 09:48 AM
A real estate contract is slightly different than other contracts in that it must be in writing. While verbal agreements may be allowable in some situations, they are not binding in real estate.
The basic requirements in a real estate contract must include the parties' legal names, the property description, either by the address of deed reference, the purchase price, earnest money deposit to bind the agreement and signatures of both parties. Without all of these elements, the contract is not binding.
The method of payment to the seller, though not a requirement, is expected. The seller will want to know if the … (0 comments)

franklin county: Year-End Numbers Are Telling - 02/03/21 06:35 AM
The year-end numbers are quite telling. They show that the higher-end properties significantly contributed to the robust real estate market here in the Valley. Will we see this trend continue in 2021?
The median sales price of single-family homes sold in the Pioneer Valley in 2020 increased overall by 9.2% over 2019, going from $229,000 to $250,000. Franklin County went from $226,500 to $245,000. Hampshire County $291,500 to $319,900. Much of the increase in the median price has to do with the high-end sales.
In Franklin County, the single-family homes that sold between $300,000 - $400,000 in 2020 were 131, whereas, in 2019, … (1 comments)

franklin county: A Step in the Right Direction - 01/14/21 08:46 AM
2021 has started off in the right direction in addressing the housing shortage in Massachusetts as there is good news on the legislative front. On January 7th, the House and Senate passed the Housing Choice bill, H. 5250, An Act enabling partnerships for growth, as part of the economic development package.
This legislation will enable cities and towns to adopt zoning related to housing development by a simple majority vote rather than a two-thirds supermajority as it currently stands.
Other important provisions in this 101-page bill will directly affect us here in the Valley. It includes 5 million dollars to fund broadband improvements … (4 comments)

franklin county: Looking Forward - 01/12/21 12:46 PM
As we venture into 2021, there is much hope for the Pandemic to subside as the vaccination begins to roll out. It directly affects all of us, including real estate, and many are wondering what is instore for Real Estate in 2021. Will it be a continuation of 2020, or will we see some changes?
The National Association of Realtors surveyed 23 economic and housing market experts and other key US bureaus and compiled their responses for the 2020 Real Estate Forecast Summit last month. They forecasted key economic factors they believe will affect Real Estate in 2021 and 2022.
They predict the … (1 comments)

franklin county: 2020 in Review - 01/12/21 12:34 PM
2020 was an unusual year for everyone. For many of us, we experienced things we have never had to deal with in our lifetime. The pandemic affected us all, but it did so in very different ways. Some got sick, others did not, and sadly some succumbed to it. We had and still have heroes working on the frontlines in healthcare, bankers making loans for PPP to grocery store workers who worked and still work tirelessly for us while others lost jobs, businesses closed and everything in between.
In real estate, we had to shut down for a few weeks at the … (1 comments)

franklin county: November Numbers - 01/12/21 12:23 PM
November was another strong month in Real Estate here in the Valley. The sale of single family homes was up 11.3%, and the median price up 13.5% in all three counties combined compared to November of 2019. Franklin County saw a 37% increase in sales. The median price remained virtually the same, though year to date, it's up 7.2% from $226,750 in 2019 to $243,000 in 2020.
The lack of inventory continues to be a player in the marketplace. At the end of November, there were only 81 single family homes for sale in Franklin County, 108 in 2019. A decrease of … (0 comments)

franklin county: Rural Migration - 01/12/21 11:56 AM
COVID has affected us all one way or another, good, bad, sad all the way to feeling lucky and grateful.
Here in the Valley we are fortunate to live in a beautiful rural community. The word is out, others are finding their way here more now than ever.
In the last six months, we have seen an increase in sales, unlike anything I've seen in all my years. We came somewhat close in 1989 and the early 2000s and there has been a continual growth in sales of single-family homes since 2013 and condominiums since 2009, but 2019 is off the charts.  Much … (5 comments)

franklin county: Does it stay? Or does it go? - 08/05/20 11:43 AM
That is the question you need to ask when there are items in the yard that may or may not stay with the sale. Features like fences, inground pools, sheds, and patios are expected to remain when a house is sold. Other things like aboveground pools, play structures, portable fire pits, and yard sculptures do not necessarily stay with the house and maybe considered personal property.
It is always best to address these questions with a seller before the property is listed. That way, it is clear what their expectation is. It is also an opportunity to exclude items that they may … (3 comments)

franklin county: Picnic on the Patio - 07/28/20 10:45 AM
The final segment of this series is Patios. Unlike decks and porches, patios are set on the ground. But, much like decks, they are usually located in the back of the house. Sometimes they are on the side of the house, but it's unusual to see them in front of the house.
 
They are more permanent, as they are built into and on the ground and are created out of concrete, brick, or stone. Patios, too, come in all shapes and sizes. Because they can be made with individual bricks and stone, you can create all kinds of designs within the space, … (4 comments)

franklin county: Top 10 things Sellers Need from their REALTOR - 03/23/13 06:13 AM
Top 10 things Sellers Need from their REALTOR
 
Be a REALTOR. Not every Real Estate licensee is a REALTOR. REALTORS subscribe to the code of ethics of the National Association of REALTORS. They invest in their business and their education. Many have earned NAR designations that help them advance their knowledge of the industry to betters serve their clients. Have Experience. Your home is one of the most valuable assets you will have in your lifetime. Make sure the REALTOR representing you has been listing and selling real estate long enough to make you feel comfortable with their skills. Understand your needs. Every … (0 comments)

franklin county: Home for sale Ashfield Massachusetts in the hills of Franklin County - 03/19/13 09:36 AM
Home for sale Ashfield Massachusetts in the hills of Franklin County you will find this Very artistic …One-of-a-Kind Farm House surrounded by stunning landscape, striking perennial gardens with colorful plantings in bloom from spring to fall, stone walls and many wonderful surprises inside and out.
Situated in a picturesque setting on a lovely country road just outside the quaint village center of Ashfield and Ashfield Lake . This unique, well built and well kept 4 Bedroom, 2 Bath Home for sale in Ashfield Massachusetts in the hills of Franklin County has character and charm in every corner with built ins, beautiful wood and … (0 comments)

franklin county: Single Family Home Sales Pioneer Valley February 2013 - 03/19/13 01:01 AM

Single Family Home Sales for the Pioneer Valley, Franklin County, Hampshire County, Hampden County in February 2013 drop 0.9% ever so slightly from 223 in February 2012 to 221 while the Median price rose 7.1% from $155,000 in February 2012 to $166,000 in February 2013.The Inventory for single family listings Dropped 10.6% from 2,417 at the end of February 2012 to2,161 single family listings at the end of February 2013.
The supply of single family homes for sale in the Pioneer Valley, Franklin, County Hampshire County, Hampden County at the end of February 2012 there were 10.8 months of supply at the current rate of sale. At … (0 comments)