massachusetts homes for sale: 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)

massachusetts homes for sale: 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)

massachusetts homes for sale: 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)

massachusetts homes for sale: 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)

massachusetts homes for sale: 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)

massachusetts homes for sale: 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)

massachusetts homes for sale: 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)

massachusetts homes for sale: 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)

massachusetts homes for sale: 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)

massachusetts homes for sale: 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)

massachusetts homes for sale: 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)

massachusetts homes for sale: 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)

massachusetts homes for sale: Multi-Family vs Single Family Ownership - 12/03/20 06:39 AM
Is owning a multi-family right for you? There is a lot to consider when purchasing a multi-family home. There are pros and cons to choosing to own a multi-family home versus a single-family home. Rental income is a plus, and the driving force more most, but additional responsibility and potential liability need to be considered.
Years ago, many first-time buyers would seek out a multi-family home as their first home. It was and still is a way for them to break into homeownership, get used to being a homeowner, and use the rental income to make improvements to the house and save … (1 comments)

massachusetts homes for sale: What it means to own a Condo - 11/17/20 11:12 AM
What does it mean to own a Condo? What do you own? You own the dwelling, also known as the unit. Each unit owner owns all the land in common, common hallways, and amenities like pools and laundry facilities. As an owner, you will receive a unit deed and the master deed of the entire development.
Each unit owner is a member of the condo association. The association is organized by officers who are in charge of the basic functions of the association. In addition, some associations will hire a management company to manage their development. The association usually will meet once … (0 comments)