June 2026 Greater Boston Market Update: Community Spotlight on Newton

Happy summer and happy 4th of July weekend! The spring market has been strong in certain pockets, while various price points have been a bit more sluggish than we've seen over the past few years. In other words, buyers are price-sensitive right now, and with slightly more inventory available, there are more options on the table.

One thing that's changed the game this year: the new MA home inspection law. We've seen more and more properties go back on market after home inspections, which is exactly why a pre-listing inspection matters more than ever. Pre-listing inspections are helping us avoid being blindsided by an inspector's findings/opinions after an offer has been accepted.

As always, let me know if you ever need anything.

Best regards,
Mike

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Trivia - Answer at the Bottom

Boston is home to what is considered the narrowest house in the country. How wide is it at its narrowest point - and what's the story behind why it was built?

Hint: Think about a neighborhood dispute and what a little spite can build.

June 2026 Market Update

Greater Boston - Middlesex, Norfolk, Suffolk & Essex Counties

Single-Family Homes

Spring was one of the busiest quarters we've seen. Average sale prices reached $1,155,770 over the past three months, nearly 5,000 homes closed, and the average home sold in just 31 days - down 23 percent from the prior period. Inventory ticked up 15 percent as more sellers came to market, which is a healthy sign heading into summer. A few of the larger trend swings below reflect the seasonal comparison - this spring period measured against a quieter late-winter window - but the core signal is consistent: well-priced homes are still selling fast and at or above list.

Source: MLS PIN 3-Month Area Market Survey - Single-Family - Middlesex, Norfolk, Suffolk & Essex Counties - Apr 1-Jul 1, 2026

June 2026 Community Spotlight

Newton, MA

Newton City Hall and War Memorial, Newton Centre, MA  |  Source: Wikimedia Commons

Newton is one of Greater Boston's most beloved suburbs, just 7 miles west of the city and made up of 13 distinct villages - each with its own walkable center and personality. Consistently ranked among the top school districts in Massachusetts, Newton draws families, professionals, and buyers who want a small-town feel with easy access to everything Boston has to offer. It's also one of the most active real estate markets in the region, with strong demand across single-family, multi-family, and condo segments.

Source: MLS PIN 3-Month Area Market Survey - Newton - SF/MF/Condo - Apr 1-Jul 1, 2026

* DOM = Days on Market

Luxury Market Update

The luxury market is generally defined as the top 10% of all home sales by price in a given area.

Something I've been watching closely: the luxury market is shifting in some interesting ways, and what's happening in Austin right now is a revealing example. According to the Institute for Luxury Home Marketing, affluent buyers are increasingly making decisions based on lifestyle alignment, long-term value, and flexibility - not short-term market speculation. We're also starting to see the early stages of the Great Wealth Transfer play out, with younger high-net-worth buyers entering the market who want homes that function as full lifestyle platforms, not just assets to hold. The practical implication: demand at the high end remains resilient even as rates fluctuate, because many luxury buyers are using cash or private lending. The fundamentals - low unemployment at the top income tiers, solid household balance sheets, and strong local demand - are still holding here in Greater Boston. If you own a luxury property and have been watching the market, this is a favorable time to understand your options.

Source: Institute for Luxury Home Marketing, "What Austin's Luxury Market Is Telling Us About Affluent Buyers" - June 30, 2026 - luxuryhomemarketing.com

Current National Luxury Market Report

Worth a Read

Why Our Team Uses a Dedicated Buyer Agent (And What It Means for You)

Have you ever wondered what it actually looks like when a real estate team has an agent dedicated exclusively to buyers? In this post, I break down why we work this way - and what it means for you when you're ready to buy. From faster showings to sharper negotiation strategy, having someone fully focused on your search makes a real difference. Worth a few minutes if you're thinking about buying.

Read the full post →

Know Someone Thinking About Buying or Selling?

I'd love the introduction. A quick call or text with their name is all it takes - I'll take it from there.

Trivia Answer

The "Skinny House" on Hull Street in Boston's North End - just 6.2 feet wide at its narrowest point.

The house at 44 Hull Street is just 6.2 feet wide at its narrowest point (10.4 feet at its widest) and is considered the narrowest home in the United States. It was reportedly built as a "spite house" shortly after the Civil War. The story: a property owner, angry that a neighbor had built a large structure that blocked his light and view while he was away at war, constructed the sliver building deliberately to block the neighbor's windows and access. Today the building is worth well over $750,000 - prime North End real estate even at just 6 feet wide.

Source: Freedom Trail Realty School, Inc. - bostonrealestateclass.com/real-estate-trivia/

As a Certified Residential Specialist (CRS), I'm among the top 4% of agents nationally - advanced training in marketing, technology & negotiation.

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