Children’s Miracle Network – Children’s Hospital Boston – 104.1 Radiothon
March 6, 2012
Friday Mike Hughes of our Newton office volunteered at Children’s Hospital Boston. For two days each March the Mix 104.1 Cares for Kids radiothon fills the Boston airwaves with amazing stories of courage and hope from patients, families and staff at the hospital. The DJs broadcast live from the hospital. This year’s event raised $625,000 for this premier institution.
With about 24 other people between 6 and 9AM Mike reports that he was able to raise about $2000 in donations. He noted that although he had been a supporter of the CMN (Children’s Miracle Network), seeing the kids and hearing their stories firsthand “impressed me with the enormous need”. As a father Mike was struck, as any father would be, by the stories he heard. “They could be about my child –
or yours”. He overheard one of the other workers tell a caller to think of the donation as paying into a savings account that needs to be constantly funded to provide care for children in need of critical medical attention.
Mike also reported that the mood was extremely positive and at the same time empathetic and energetic. The DJs interacted with the volunteers and the staff continuously dropped in to share stories and appreciation.
“For many years RE/MAX Leading Edge has been involved with the Children’s Miracle Network and it is so exciting to see other organizations step in to help this outstanding resource we have in Boston for sick children”, commented Mike.
Greater Boston Area Home Sale Statistics
November 21, 2011
Greetings,
I hope you have been enjoying the beautiful weather that we’ve been having! With Thanksgiving just a few days away, we are quickly approaching the new year! Please let me know if you have any questions about the below information. As always, the data represents single family and condominium statistics for each town using a “rolling quarter.” (Period ending 11/8/2011) Although these trends are useful, please feel free to call or email me if you have specific questions about your neighborhood. (A home analysis is much more specific and will typically only include similar properties to the subject property.)
| Towns / Location | Year Over Year % Change | Units Listed | Units Selling Each Month | Average Sale Price 2011 (M) | Average Sale Price 2010 (M) |
| Boston | 3% | 976 | 373 | $538 | $521 |
| Middlesex County | -1% | 3029 | 1,096 | $435 | $440 |
| Norfolk County | -0% | 1771 | 534 | $453 | $455 |
| Andover | -7% | 95 | 33 | $527 | $562 |
| Allston | 24% | 8 | 6 | $320 | $244 |
| Arlington | -5% | 63 | 40 | $456 | $477 |
| Bedford | -2% | 28 | 12 | $549 | $560 |
| Belmont | -8% | 45 | 22 | $627 | $677 |
| Billerica | -10% | 82 | 25 | $284 | $311 |
| Brookline | -1% | 106 | 51 | $710 | $716 |
| Brighton | -17% | 35 | 23 | $269 | $316 |
| Burlington | -9% | 49 | 15 | $400 | $434 |
| Cambridge | -8% | 104 | 68 | $533 | $574 |
| Concord | -6% | 57 | 21 | $800 | $846 |
| Lexington | 14% | 83 | 32 | $817 | $699 |
| Lincoln | -13% | 18 | 5 | $851 | $958 |
| Natick | -3% | 87 | 45 | $408 | $419 |
| Needham | 12% | 86 | 27 | $830 | $727 |
| Newton | -2% | 178 | 67 | $729 | $740 |
| Somerville | 2% | 110 | 37 | $403 | $394 |
| Sudbury | -7% | 54 | 18 | $658 | $703 |
| Waltham | -3% | 89 | 34 | $359 | $368 |
| Watertown | 2% | 58 | 16 | $424 | $417 |
| Wayland | 1% | 64 | 16 | $592 | $587 |
| Wellesley | 29% | 92 | 22 | $1,287 | $915 |
| Weston | -1% | 45 | 11 | $1,229 | $1,245 |
| West Roxbury | -17% | 74 | 21 | $338 | $397 |
Data provided by MA Multiple Listing Service Property Information System (MLSPIN)
Greater Boston Real Estate Statistics – Including Newton, Brookline Waltham & Surrounding Communities
October 17, 2011
How’s the market? It really depends …
As always, real estate is local and so are market conditions. Generally speaking, the real estate market is great if you’re a buyer. I strongly believe that countless people will be kicking themselves 3, 5 and 10 years from now when they realize the missed opportunity in the way of historically low interest rates and general housing prices. (By the way, if you’re a buyer waiting for the market to bottom out, you missed it. Some areas are far exceeding the prices of 2006. For example, Brookline, MA has an average sale price that is approximately 18% higher than the “peek” prices of 2006!)
Sellers are having a more competitive time. To win in this market, you basically need to have your home in top condition and showcase ready. Otherwise, you will sit. Buyers are very picky, a bad layout or property that needs too much work can be the kiss of death. Call or email me for a comprehensive “preparing your home” checklist. I’m also available for no obligation pricing analysis.
The below information is taken from the Multiple Listing Service (MLS PIN) for the period ending 10/7/2011 – based on a rolling 3-month quarter. Averages are based on the compilation of single family and condominium statistics. I welcome you to share your thoughts, opinions and questions.
Have a great October!
| Towns / Location | Year Over Year % Change | Units Listed | Units Selling Each Month | Average Sale Price 2011 (M) | Average Sale Price 2010 (M) |
| Boston | 3% | 1095 | 437 | $539 | $521 |
| Middlesex County | -1% | 3560 | 1,286 | $459 | $464 |
| Norfolk County | 4% | 1932 | 635 | $504 | $483 |
| Andover | -5% | 98 | 41 | $542 | $569 |
| Allston | 19% | 7 | 8 | $325 | $262 |
| Arlington | -11% | 82 | 55 | $456 | $508 |
| Bedford | -14% | 36 | 14 | $544 | $618 |
| Belmont | -1% | 46 | 27 | $692 | $697 |
| Billerica | -7% | 107 | 27 | $286 | $306 |
| Brookline | 7% | 136 | 73 | $847 | $784 |
| Brighton | -11% | 46 | 27 | $274 | $304 |
| Burlington | -2% | 56 | 15 | $415 | $422 |
| Cambridge | -8% | 124 | 91 | $543 | $584 |
| Concord | 0% | 60 | 22 | $810 | $806 |
| Lexington | 8% | 107 | 41 | $824 | $757 |
| Lincoln | 3% | 24 | 6 | $981 | $951 |
| Natick | 2% | 104 | 49 | $424 | $417 |
| Needham | -0% | 98 | 35 | $794 | $795 |
| Newton | -6% | 223 | 86 | $755 | $803 |
| Somerville | 4% | 110 | 49 | $416 | $399 |
| Sudbury | 7% | 73 | 26 | $720 | $669 |
| Waltham | -1% | 110 | 40 | $364 | $366 |
| Watertown | -5% | 58 | 17 | $400 | $420 |
| Wayland | 4% | 61 | 19 | $643 | $617 |
| Wellesley | 26% | 103 | 30 | $1,280 | $948 |
| Weston | -6% | 42 | 14 | $1,223 | $1,296 |
| West Roxbury | -4% | 76 | 25 | $362 | $378 |
Newton MA Real Estate & Greater Boston Sales Statistics
September 9, 2011
Greetings, I hope this post finds you well!
Fall is in the air and the real estate market (prices) is all over the place. Some towns are doing extremely well while other are doing worse than ever. Take a look and let me know if you have any questions. As always, I am happy to prepare a custom report for your home or neighborhood. Also, keep an eye out for the first ever Newton Village Report. It will outline the price averages by village – until now, brokerages have only achieved this by ZIP code comparison – my analysis will drill down to the street level.
Call or email me anytime – I’d love to hear from you!
|
Towns / Location |
Year Over Year % Change |
Units Listed |
Units Selling Each Month |
Average Sale Price 2011 (M) |
Average Sale Price 2010 (M) |
| Boston |
4% |
1063 |
508 |
$545 |
$521 |
| Middlesex County |
0% |
3555 |
1,430 |
$477 |
$475 |
| Norfolk County |
3% |
1846 |
689 |
$515 |
$502 |
| Andover |
-3% |
118 |
46 |
$560 |
$579 |
| Allston |
12% |
11 |
10 |
$315 |
$277 |
| Arlington |
-5% |
83 |
61 |
$477 |
$503 |
| Bedford |
-9% |
37 |
15 |
$568 |
$621 |
| Belmont |
1% |
30 |
29 |
$702 |
$693 |
| Billerica |
2% |
119 |
28 |
$296 |
$291 |
| Brookline |
9% |
116 |
90 |
$824 |
$749 |
| Brighton |
-1% |
46 |
32 |
$276 |
$280 |
| Burlington |
-3% |
56 |
18 |
$401 |
$413 |
| Cambridge |
-7% |
129 |
108 |
$576 |
$617 |
| Concord |
-14% |
59 |
28 |
$803 |
$917 |
| Lexington |
0% |
95 |
55 |
$816 |
$813 |
| Lincoln |
14% |
19 |
5 |
$985 |
$850 |
| Natick |
8% |
97 |
51 |
$447 |
$413 |
| Needham |
-1% |
74 |
39 |
$776 |
$780 |
| Newton |
-1% |
186 |
103 |
$768 |
$777 |
| Somerville |
3% |
102 |
61 |
$414 |
$401 |
| Sudbury |
11% |
60 |
29 |
$754 |
$674 |
| Waltham |
-4% |
108 |
45 |
$364 |
$378 |
| Watertown |
-10% |
58 |
24 |
$368 |
$403 |
| Wayland |
-2% |
57 |
20 |
$646 |
$657 |
| Wellesley |
11% |
84 |
40 |
$1,216 |
$1,081 |
| Weston |
2% |
56 |
17 |
$1,212 |
$1,192 |
| West Roxbury |
-7% |
68 |
32 |
$375 |
$403 |
Real Estate Sales Statistics for Newton and Greater Boston Communities
June 6, 2011
The Boston and Greater Boston real estate markets continue to charge on! Depending on your price point, the market is hot – for others, it’s not.
As you can see (below) the Boston market and Middlessex county are both doing better than a year ago. Although we are seeing substantially fewer transactions (Newton for example is down 19% when comparing Q1 2010 to Q1 2011), homes continue to sell. Here’s the catch, location counts and features are critical. If you don’t have one, or both of these, you may find yourself waiting to sell. Although there is not general rule of tumb, it’s important to compare your property to the competition’s and offer more – for a better price.
Each price point demands different features and buyer expectations can vary, so feel free to call or email me if you’d like a no charge evaluation. The payoff to being prepared will net you more and leave your competition wondering why the buy choose your home over theirs.
| Towns / Location | Year Over Year % Change | Units Listed | Units Selling Each Month | Average Sale Price 2011 (M) | Average Sale Price 2010 (M) |
| Boston | 9% | 1892 | 362 | $539 | $488 |
| Middlesex County | 5% | 5193 | 951 | $440 | $418 |
| Andover | -4% | 164 | 22 | $483 | $502 |
| Allston | 18% | 32 | 7 | $334 | $274 |
| Arlington | -1% | 126 | 31 | $464 | $470 |
| Bedford | -1% | 56 | 8 | $542 | $550 |
| Belmont | 15% | 81 | 18 | $724 | $618 |
| Billerica | -8% | 125 | 20 | $292 | $314 |
| Brookline | 8% | 239 | 53 | $712 | $656 |
| Brighton | -17% | 106 | 20 | $276 | $324 |
| Burlington | -1% | 79 | 12 | $403 | $407 |
| Cambridge | 12% | 293 | 60 | $574 | $506 |
| Concord | -27% | 101 | 15 | $649 | $821 |
| Lexington | -3% | 151 | 35 | $798 | $818 |
| Lincoln | -45% | 37 | 5 | $873 | $1,269 |
| Natick | 10% | 144 | 33 | $440 | $397 |
| Needham | -3% | 130 | 33 | $748 | $770 |
| Newton | 11% | 298 | 56 | $790 | $703 |
| Somerville | 8% | 177 | 29 | $397 | $366 |
| Sudbury | 1% | 127 | 16 | $644 | $637 |
| Waltham | -2% | 166 | 38 | $363 | $369 |
| Watertown | 4% | 80 | 18 | $370 | $354 |
| Wayland | -5% | 105 | 13 | $581 | $610 |
| Wellesley | 19% | 125 | 27 | $1,319 | $1,070 |
| Weston | 26% | 88 | 9 | $1,942 | $1,442 |
| West Roxbury | 6% | 189 | 16 | $417 | $392 |
Newton Highlands Home for Sale – 95 Columbia Ave. – Presented by Mike Hughes, Newton Real Estate Expert
May 16, 2011
95 Columbia Ave., Newton, MA
Turn-key cape-style home w/bright open floor plan close to Countryside Elm. School, Newton Highlands Playground, “T,” Rt.128/ 9, shopping & much more! Featuring a rare large front-to-back living room w/fireplace & large foyer that provides the perfect layout for entertaining & comfortable living. Complete with 3 bedrooms, 3 renovated bas, gleaming hardwoods & updated systems..this home simply awaits your personal touches. Don’t miss this opportunity! Floor plan available.
Hot Features:
- 3 Bedrooms
- 3 Bathrooms
- Garage Parking with new door & opener
- Move-in Condition
- South facing
- Recessed lighting
- Partially finished basement
1st Floor:
- Larger than average living room (usually reserved for 3,000+ sq.ft. homes) with great light
- Wood burning fireplace with gas to property
- Flexible layout for entertaining and space division
2nd Floor:
- Loads of storage in easy to access knee walls
- Large bedrooms allow for flexible configuration
- New bathroom
(Exterior)
- One-way street prevents cut-through traffic
- Landscaping provides natural privacy
- Large lot with no neighbors on one side
(Neighborhood)
- Close to Newton Highland playground
- Only 15 minutes to Newton Highlands “T”
- Easy access to route 9/ 128
Newton Highlands home for sale, call Mike Hughes at 617-610-0716 to schedule a private showing.
Newton & Greater Boston Real Estate Statistics (through 4-8-11)
April 20, 2011
So, here are the current (to April 8, 2011) real estate statistics for Newton, Brookline, Waltham, Watertown and most of Greater Boston. Please share your comments and forward this info. to anyone you think may appreciate it …
As always, please email or call me anytime with questions.
| Towns / Location | Year Over Year % Change | Units Listed | Units Selling Each Month | Average Sale Price 2010 (M) | Average Sale Price 2009 (M) |
| Boston | 10% | 1652 | 250 | $563 | $509 |
| Middlesex County | 7% | 3895 | 689 | $434 | $404 |
| Andover | 7% | 114 | 17 | $494 | $461 |
| Allston | 6% | 22 | 6 | $320 | $300 |
| Arlington | 1% | 98 | 22 | $452 | $446 |
| Bedford | 3% | 27 | 7 | $530 | $512 |
| Belmont | 19% | 69 | 10 | $743 | $602 |
| Billerica | -6% | 97 | 15 | $298 | $315 |
| Brookline | 11% | 207 | 29 | $721 | $644 |
| Brighton | -7% | 89 | 18 | $281 | $302 |
| Burlington | -9% | 46 | 10 | $379 | $414 |
| Cambridge | 1% | 282 | 39 | $635 | $630 |
| Concord | -10% | 79 | 13 | $746 | $821 |
| Lexington | 3% | 97 | 21 | $821 | $795 |
| Lincoln | -2% | 16 | 4 | $826 | $843 |
| Natick | 3% | 117 | 25 | $430 | $418 |
| Needham | 1% | 102 | 14 | $736 | $728 |
| Newton | 17% | 282 | 38 | $832 | $692 |
| Somerville | 6% | 134 | 20 | $393 | $370 |
| Sudbury | -12% | 80 | 8 | $597 | $671 |
| Waltham | -2% | 119 | 24 | $338 | $345 |
| Watertown | 3% | 71 | 18 | $364 | $353 |
| Wayland | -3% | 67 | 9 | $532 | $549 |
| Wellesley | 4% | 127 | 19 | $1,198 | $1,145 |
| Weston | 49% | 71 | 7 | $2,428 | $1,249 |
| West Roxbury | 13% | 90 | 9 | $380 | $332 |
Spring Traditions
Provided by Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage & Mike Hughes
We all have our favorite harbingers of spring; later sunsets, the Groundhog Day ceremony, and for millions of families, spring break. Whether one has children or not, spring vacation is a tremendous respite and a much welcomed tradition for those who have endured a harsh winter.
If you have spring break plans, here are several tips to keep your home and property safe while escaping to more exciting locales and hopefully balmier climes. Ask a neighbor to collect your mail or have your mail held for you at the post office. Install light timers, which you can purchase at most hardware stores, throughout your home. Lock away important valuables, documents, and medications in a safe or a safety deposit box. Don’t forget to secure all windows and doors before you leave.
For those of you selling your home, be sure to leave it sparkling clean and fresh in the event of a scheduled showing while you’re away. It’s true that historically home sales tend to slow during the frosty months, particularly during those unforgiving winters. For serious home buyers, however, no amount of snow or icy conditions can keep them at bay.
The month of December is a perfect example. One would expect that with stormy weather and the approaching holidays, home buyers would have been few and reluctant to move. However, existing-home sales rose 12.3 percent to a seasonally adjusted annual rate of 5.28 million in December 2010, when sales increased for the fifth time in six months, according to the National Association of REALTORS®.
Of course real estate is very local. Regardless of seasonal trends, one community may show signs of slowing sales activity, while another may experience an increase for various reasons. Enjoy your spring break, it was well earned!
Newton, MA Real Estate Statistics & Trends
February 25, 2011
The below graph is a basic representation of the current real estate market trends in Newton, MA. This graph is updated daily with the most current available information. As you know, each neighborhood and property requires specific analysis when considering price. Please always feel free to call or email me if you, or someone you know, have any real estate questions or needs.
Have a great weekend,
Mike
Newton, MA & Greater Boston Real Estate Statistics
February 16, 2011
The numbers are in … and inventories continue to remain low! The below data is for the last three months – please be sure to let me know if you have any questions. (This information is based on a rolling quarter with combined data for single family homes and condominiums.)
As you would expect, each property and neighborhood deserves individual analysis. As you prepare to buy or sell this spring, please call me so that we can discuss your situation and pricing specific to your area.
Real estate markets like Newton and Brookline continue to see strong sales and low inventories … buyers are eager to find their new homes before rates increase and the summer months come – email or call me anytime with questions – now is a great time to sell!
| Towns / Location | Year Over Year % Change | Units Listed | Units Selling Each Month | Average Sale Price 2010 (M) | Average Sale Price 2009 (M) |
| Boston | 19% | 815 | 298 | $599 | $488 |
| Middlesex County | 6% | 1954 | 815 | $444 | $416 |
| Andover | 6% | 53 | 25 | $503 | $474 |
| Allston | 2% | 7 | 4 | $286 | $280 |
| Arlington | 5% | 38 | 34 | $465 | $442 |
| Bedford | -7% | 13 | 7 | $508 | $543 |
| Belmont | -4% | 27 | 17 | $613 | $639 |
| Billerica | 7% | 45 | 23 | $316 | $293 |
| Brookline | 1% | 66 | 37 | $726 | $721 |
| Brighton | 0% | 34 | 17 | $301 | $301 |
| Burlington | -10% | 22 | 12 | $356 | $391 |
| Cambridge | 7% | 99 | 55 | $669 | $624 |
| Concord | 9% | 32 | 18 | $795 | $727 |
| Lexington | 7% | 27 | 22 | $799 | $747 |
| Lincoln | 4% | 7 | 3 | $791 | $761 |
| Natick | -5% | 52 | 32 | $415 | $436 |
| Needham | 2% | 39 | 20 | $846 | $827 |
| Newton | 5% | 94 | 53 | $774 | $739 |
| Somerville | 17% | 55 | 21 | $430 | $355 |
| Sudbury | -2% | 30 | 14 | $616 | $628 |
| Waltham | -5% | 53 | 26 | $340 | $357 |
| Watertown | 2% | 51 | 19 | $379 | $372 |
| Wayland | 32% | 15 | 6 | $720 | $490 |
| Wellesley | -5% | 43 | 23 | $1,046 | $1,096 |
| Weston | 18% | 29 | 7 | $1,411 | $1,161 |
| West Roxbury | 0% | 32 | 14 | $361 | $360 |
IS 2011 THE YEAR OF RECOVERY?
January 25, 2011
The below content is partly provided by Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage – JANUARY 2011
As we kick-off the new year and make resolutions to keep our resolutions, one question is still at the forefront of many minds. Will the housing market and the economy overall improve in 2011? Depending on what you’re reading or who you’re watching, the opinions of economists and real estate industry watchers are varied. It’s not easy to predict what the market will do in the coming year, especially without the help of a crystal ball. However there are some key indicators to follow.
Most agree that the housing market recovery is largely based on the recovery of the job market. Consumers will make a down payment and purchase a home when they feel financially stable and secure.
According to a U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics report released in December, 28 states and the District of Columbia posted unemployment rate decreases from a year earlier though the national jobless rate approached 9.8 percent in November.
In December, the Labor Department issued statistics that showed applications for jobless insurance payments fell by 3,000 sending the average in December to the lowest level since August 2008, and fewer workers filed claims for unemployment possibly signaling that the U.S. job market is improving if only slightly.
Another indicator to watch is pending home sale statistics. According to the National Association of REALTORS® (NAR), pending home sales jumped in October, showing a positive uptrend since bottoming in June. The NAR Pending Home Sales Index rose 10.4 percent to 89.3 based on contracts signed in October from 80.9 in September. Of course the index remains 20.5 percent below when compared to the same time last year as buyers rushed to meet the Tax Credit deadline in 2009.
Overall, these numbers are positive, but we still have some way to go before a full recovery is realized. “It is welcoming to see a solid double-digit percentage gain, but activity needs to improve further to reach healthy, sustainable levels,” said Lawrence Yun, NAR chief economist. “The housing market clearly is in a recovery phase and will be uneven at times, but the improving job market and consequential boost to household formation will help the recovery process going into 2011,” he said.
If you are in the process of buying or selling a home, it’s important for us to discuss these factors. I am always happy to provide inventory levels, days on market and recent sales which can affect your home purchase and home sale goals.
I am hopeful that 2011 will bring a revived economy and a stable housing market. I look forward to welcoming in the new year and assisting you with all your real estate needs in 2011 and beyond.
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