If you've been thinking about buying a home but are concerned about today's interest rates or saving enough for a down payment, you may have more financing options available than you realize.One program worth highlighting this month is Greenfield Savings Bank's annual "Buy in July" Mortgage Special, which has helped area homebuyers for decades. This year's program includes several valuable incentives designed to assist both first-time buyers and repeat purchasers.Today's Buyers Have More Financing Options Than They ThinkMany people assume their only mortgage option is a traditional 30-year fixed-rate loan. While that's still an excellent choice for many buyers, today's lending environment offers a variety of financing solutions, including:❖ Fixed-rate mortgages❖ Adjustable-rate mortgag... 07/15/2026

Quite often I get questions from buyers who are frustrated by the lack of homes available for sale. One of the most common questions is, "If prices are still strong and homes are selling quickly, why aren't more people putting their homes on the market?"It's a great question, and the answer comes down to several factors that are keeping many homeowners on the sidelines.The Mortgage Rate Lock-In EffectPerhaps the biggest reason is mortgage rates.Millions of homeowners purchased or refinanced their homes during the historically low interest rate environment of 2020 and 2021. Many secured mortgage rates between 2.5% and 4%.Today, mortgage rates are significantly higher than they were then. For homeowners who currently have a 3% mortgage, selling their home and purchasing another property c... 06/27/2026

Franklin County: Limited Inventory Driving Prices HigherFranklin County experienced a decline in closed sales during May, with 36 single-family homes sold compared to 50 during the same month last year. However, fewer sales did not translate into lower prices. The median sales price increased nearly 15%, rising from $367,500 to $421,290. Inventory remains the primary story, with available homes for sale down more than 30% compared to last year, helping support home values and keeping competition alive among buyers.Hampshire County Continues to Show Strong MomentumClosed sales increased 12.3%, rising from 81 homes sold last year to 91 this year. The median sales price climbed from $494,000 to $525,000. Pending sales increased 45%, signaling strong buyer activity heading into the summer m... 06/21/2026

The Question Many Sellers Are AskingIf you've been following the real estate market lately, you've probably heard stories about homes receiving multiple offers within days of being listed. At the same time, other properties remain on the market much longer than expected. Many homeowners wonder how both can be true, especially when inventory remains limited throughout Franklin County and much of Massachusetts.Pricing Still Drives Buyer ActivityOne of the biggest reasons some homes receive multiple offers is proper pricing. Buyers today have access to more information than ever before. Within minutes, they can compare listings, review recent sales, and determine whether a home appears to be a good value. When a home enters the market at the right price, it often attracts more buyers and c... 06/15/2026

The Question Everyone Is AskingIf you've been searching for a home recently, you've probably noticed one thing—there simply aren't enough homes available. Many people assume higher mortgage rates are the main reason housing remains expensive, but the reality is more complex. Across Massachusetts—and especially here in Franklin County—the biggest challenge facing today's housing market is a lack of inventory.Massachusetts Faces a Significant Housing ShortageAccording to state housing planners, Massachusetts is expected to need approximately 222,000 additional housing units between 2025 and 2035 to meet demand and eliminate the current housing shortage. In Western Massachusetts alone, studies estimate a shortage of approximately 23,420 housing units, including roughly 3,370 units in Frank... 06/07/2026

Each year, the Massachusetts Association of REALTORS® (MAR) meets with state legislators to discuss policies that affect housing affordability, homeownership opportunities, and the overall health of our housing market. While REALTORS® support many initiatives designed to increase housing supply and expand access to affordable housing, there are also proposals that we believe could have unintended negative consequences for homeowners, renters, and communities.For 2026, two key legislative issues that MAR opposes are:• Transfer Taxes• Rent ControlOpposition to Transfer TaxesMassachusetts homeowners already pay a deed excise tax when a property is sold. Proposed transfer taxes would add another layer of taxation to real estate transactions, increasing the cost of buying and selling homes.R... 05/31/2026

Franklin County Market Remains Active This SpringThe Franklin County real estate market continued to show steady buyer activity throughout April, even as inventory remains limited across the region. According to the REALTOR® Association of Pioneer Valley, Franklin County single-family home sales increased 10.7% year over year, rising from 28 sales in April 2025 to 31 sales in April 2026. Meanwhile, the median single-family sales price adjusted downward by 9.2%, moving from $380,000 to $345,000.The condominium market also saw significant movement this month. Condo sales in Franklin County doubled year over year, increasing from 6 sales in April 2025 to 12 sales in April 2026. Median condo pricing also rose noticeably, climbing from approximately $278,500 to $335,000.Buyer Demand Continue... 05/24/2026

Last week, I joined fellow REALTORS® from across Massachusetts at the State House for the Massachusetts Association of REALTORS® (MAR) Annual REALTOR® Day on Beacon Hill. Each year, REALTORS® come together to meet directly with legislators and discuss critical housing issues impacting homeowners, buyers, sellers, and communities throughout the Commonwealth. We meet with local legislators in both the House and the Senate, as well as their staff, to highlight the pressing issues facing current and future homeowners in Massachusetts. Our discussions center on housing availability, affordability, property rights, local decision-making, consumer protection, and the long-term vitality of our communities. This year, several crucial topics we support took center stage. Massachusetts Needs More ... 05/14/2026

First impressions matter in real estate — and one of the very first things buyers notice is the front door. Before they ever step inside, buyers are already forming opinions about the home based on what they see from the curb. A clean, welcoming entrance can instantly make a property feel more inviting and better maintained.This week on WHAI, we talked about how something as simple as your front door color can influence a buyer’s perception of your home.Why Front Door Colors Matter to BuyersThe front door is more than just an entrance — it sets the emotional tone for the showing before buyers even step inside. Buyers naturally associate certain colors with specific feelings and styles, and those impressions can shape how they view the entire property.A thoughtfully chosen front door col... 05/06/2026

Buyer First Impressions: What Sellers Need to KnowWhen it comes to selling your home, first impressions are everything. The moment a buyer walks through the door, they’re not just looking at the property—they’re asking themselves one important question: “Can I see myself living here?”That emotional connection happens fast, and as a seller, your goal is to create a space where buyers can instantly feel at home.Creating a Flow That Feels RightFurniture placement plays a major role in how a home feels. Clear pathways help buyers move naturally, while oversized furniture can make rooms feel smaller. Highlight key features like windows and fireplaces to help define each space.Declutter to Let the Home ShineMinimize items on counters, tables, and dressers. Buyers will open closets, so keep th... 04/29/2026

First Quarter 2026 Real Estate Market ReportFranklin & Hampshire Counties MA | Single-Family Homes & Condominiums Prices stayed resilient Most segments held or posted gains in median price. Sales volume slowed Closed sales were lower across both counties. Buyers are being more selective Market times increased year over year in addition to seasonal highs.  Overview: A Market Adjusting, Not DecliningThe first quarter of 2026 showed a clear pattern across both Franklin and Hampshire Counties: prices remained firm or moved higher in most segments, while the number of closed sales declined.That points to a market that is rebalancing rather than weakening. Buyers are still active, but they are moving more carefully and taking more time to make decisions.Franklin County - Single-Family Homes M... 04/21/2026

When it comes to selling your home, first impressions happen instantly—and one of the most powerful (and overlooked) factors is smell.Before buyers notice your layout, finishes, or upgrades, they notice how your home feels. And scent plays a major role in that first emotional reaction.Clean Always WinsThe goal is simple: your home should smell clean.The most effective scents are light and fresh: Citrus (lemon or orange) Clean linen or “just cleaned” air Subtle natural scents like fresh flowers or light lavender Coffee or baked goods can help—but only if they’re very subtle. Smells That Turn Buyers Off InstantlyCertain odors can immediately create a negative reaction—and in some cases, cause buyers to lose interest altogether.Avoid: Strong cooking smells (especially grease or fish) Pet o... 04/15/2026

Security systems are becoming more and more common in today’s homes—from Ring doorbells to full alarm systems, technology is everywhere. Many homeowners now have some form of security, whether it’s a video doorbell, indoor cameras, or a monitored alarm system, providing peace of mind—especially for vacant homes or properties on the market. However, when it comes to selling your home in Massachusetts, there are important rules and best practices you need to understand.However, just because these systems are common doesn’t mean they don’t impact the home selling process.⚖️ Massachusetts Law: What You Need to KnowMassachusetts has very strict laws when it comes to recording.• Video recording is generally allowed.• Audio recording without consent is NOT allowed.This is a key distinction. Se... 04/10/2026

First Impressions Matter: What Buyers Notice First Inside Your HomeEntryway Sets the ToneThe entrance to your home is your chance to make a strong first impression. Most buyers will walk in through the front door, so this space should be clean, uncluttered, and welcoming. Shoes, coats, or any clutter can instantly create a negative impression. A tidy, well-maintained entryway signals that the home is cared for and inviting.Smell: The First Thing Buyers NoticeIt may be surprising, but scent is one of the most powerful first impressions. Buyers notice it immediately—even before they take in the layout or features. Lingering odors from pets, cooking, or mustiness can quickly turn buyers away. A fresh, neutral scent creates a positive emotional response right from the start.Lighting and Nat... 04/07/2026

Spring has officially arrived, ushering in one of the busiest and most crucial times in real estate: the spring selling season. If you’re considering putting your home on the market this year, now is the perfect time to begin preparations. Above all, remember that first impressions are key.Start with the ExteriorA buyer’s experience begins before they ever step inside your home. The moment they pull up, they’re already forming opinions.After a long winter, prioritize a thorough spring cleanup. Remove any debris, tidy up walkways, and ensure the path to your front door is spotless and inviting. Buyers want to feel welcomed immediately—and that experience begins at the curb.Simple touches like fresh flowers can make a big difference. Early-spring blooms, such as pansies, daffodils, and cr... 04/07/2026

 Multifamily properties such as two-family, three-family, and larger apartment buildings can serve both as investments and as opportunities for buyers who want to live in one unit while renting the others. Let’s take a look at what the numbers from 2025 tell us about the multifamily market in Franklin County and Hampshire County.Franklin County Multifamily SalesIn Franklin County, the multifamily market showed some interesting changes compared with the previous year.For two-family homes, there were 47 sales in 2025, slightly up from 45 sales in 2024.For three-family homes, the market also saw an increase, with 11 sales in 2025 compared to 8 in 2024.Properties with four or more units, which are typically purchased by investors, moved in the opposite direction. There were 7 sales in 2025 ... 04/03/2026

2025 Year-End Numbers: Land Sales in the Pioneer ValleyLand is a very different market compared to single-family homes and condos.Prices and demand can vary widely depending on whether the land is buildable, recreational, or large acreage.Franklin County Land Market        58 land sales in 2025 (down from 74 in 2024)        Average price: $118,000 (similar to $116,000 in 2024)        Days on market dropped from 110 → 75 days        Inventory increased to 35 parcels (up from 14)        Pending sales increased from 2 → 8 Franklin County saw fewer sales, but stronger activity overall with faster sales times and more properties going under agreement.Hampshire County Land Market        88 sales in 2025 (down from 103 in 2024)        Average price: $115,000 (down from $148,000)        Days on... 04/03/2026

2025 Year-End Numbers: Condominium Market in the Pioneer Valley The condo market remained steady, with strong sales activity and continued buyer demand, even as inventory and pricing showed some variation.Pioneer Valley Condo Market Overview        Sales increased by 8.4%        Median price around $260,000        Days on market increased from 35 to 44 days        New listings slightly down overall        Pending sales up 3.2% Even with some fluctuations in listings, the increase in pending sales shows continued buyer activity heading into 2026.Franklin County Condo Market        Closed sales up about 20% (47 condos sold)        Median price: $260,000 (+4%)        Days on market: 37 days        List-to-sale price: 99.4%        New listings: 48        Pending sales up about 20% Franklin ... 03/30/2026

Pioneer Valley Overview (All Counties Combined) Sales were down slightly (-4.8%) Median price was up 7.7% to about $348,000 Inventory dropped again (-14%) Days on market increased to about 42 days Pending sales were up 8.5% Even though fewer homes sold, buyer demand is still strong—and that’s what’s continuing to push prices up.Franklin County Market Update Sales: +6.2% Median Price: $375,000 (+6.4%) Days on Market: 48 days (up from 41) List-to-Sale Price: 97% New Listings: +2.8% Pending Sales: +6.2% Inventory Reality: Only 63 homes for sale in the entire county—down 37% from the year before.My Take: We are starting to move toward a more balanced pace, but inventory is still so low that sellers continue to have the advantage.Hampshire County Market Update Sales: +11% Median Price: $455,... 03/30/2026

When you make improvements to your home, the question you need to ask yourself before you make any significant changes should be - Will this add to my home's value or make my home more marketable or both?  Value in Real Estate translates into the dollar value of a property. The price a house sells for is considered fair market value. Appraised value is quite often the measurement lenders used to determine value. Marketability is what makes a property appealing to a prospective buyer. Sometimes improvements lean more towards the marketability side than increasing the value. New windows, a new furnace or new roof all will appeal to a buyer and add to a home's marketability. Unfortunately, in most cases, it will not add dollar for dollar value to the property. Though the costs of these upg... 08/19/2020