The Dr. Seuss Real Estate Poem

By Chandra Hall

I love Real Estate, I love the pay!

I love it more and more each day.

I love buyers and sellers and all the rest

Being your own boss is simply the best.

I love my office and its location,

Although I wouldn't mind another vacation.

I love title work, easements and rights of way,

And piles of paperwork that grow each day.

I think Real Estate is really swell,

There's nothing else I love so well.

I love to work among my peers,

With 1.3 million, there's always one near!

I love my computer and its software,

My cell phone and scanner are common fare.

I love each referral and every expired,

Calling on FSBO's, I'll never grow tired.

Of Real Estate, I am indeed the biggest fan,

I'm happy to be here, I am, I am!

HAVE A SAFE & HAPPY 4^TH OF JULY WEEKEND!!

Fannie and Freddie are changing the rules on how payments on existing primary homes are treated when a buyer is purchasing a new home and plans to rent out the old house. In the past, we have been able to offset the payment on their existing home by showing a lease for the house and counting the rental income to cover the house payment.

Under the new rules, this will only be possible if there is a minimum of 30% equity in the existing home. So, if the house had a $200,000 mortgage on it, then it would have to be valued at over $285,000 to be acceptable as a rental conversion. Otherwise, the buyer has to be able to qualify with both house payments and has to have 6 months of house payments in reserve after closing. Ouch . . .

This change in guidelines appears to me to be directly related to a new phenomenon; people buying a new house and then letting their old home go into foreclosure after closing on the new house. I have been reading about this on the web. The idea is if you owe more than your home is worth then you go out and buy a new home at a great price. You indicate that you are going to be renting the old house out. After closing on the new house you stop making the payments on the old house which has negative equity and it goes into foreclosure. Sure your credit is wrecked but you already bought a new house and your bank loses all of the money on the old house. Some great scam eh?

I don’t know who comes up with these ideas but it is bad for everyone. Forces home values down further and adds to the steep losses which are seriously undermining the banking industry in the U.S. Whatever happened to the idea of living up to your obligations?

The bottom line is that the effort to close up loop holes like this is making it harder for legitimate buyers to keep their existing homes, rent them out and buy a new house. Stay tuned. The currents are changing on a daily basis and I’m just trying to keep you informed.

In June of 2008 there were 13 homes that closed within the month for Holliston Massachusetts. This is a decrease of 17 of units as there were 30 homes that closed in June of 2007.

The Average list price for the homes that closed in Holliston for June of 2007 was $485,133

The Average list price for the homes that closed in Holliston for June of 2008 was $409,608

The Average sale price for the homes that closed in Holliston for June of 2007 was $468,707

The Average sale price for the homes that closed in Holliston for June of 2008 was $396,369

The Average Market time for the homes that closed in Holliston in June of 2007 was 110 days.

The Average Market time for the homes that closed in Holliston June of 2008 was 93 days.

10 homes went under agreement in Holliston Massachusetts in the month of June. The average list price of the homes that went under agreement was $443,417 The average time on the market for these Holliston homes were 170 days.

                                    January - June Market Statistics for Holliston Massachusetts

In Holliston MA for the period of January to June of 2007 there were 92 properties sold.

In Holliston MA for the period of January to June 2008 there were 52 properties sold.

In Holliston MA for the period of January to June in 2007 the average list price was $462,201 the average sale price was $446,337 and the average market time was 134 days.

In Holliston MA for the period of January to June in 2008 the average list price was $416,378 the average sale price was $400,291 and the average time on the market was 108 days.

** The above statistics are for single family homes only and do not include condo's or Multi-family homes in Holliston MA.

In comparing year over year longer term data for Holliston Massachusetts, it appears that there is still a downward trend in the average sale price for homes. There was a decrease in the days on the market  for the same period in Holliston MA. Unfortunately, there was also a substantial decrease in the number of properties sold in the January to June time frame in Holliston MA.

These statistics are similar to many of the towns in Metrowest MA and represent the on going weakness in the market as compared to previous years.

Click here for previous  Real Estate Market Reports for Holliston MA.

Market reports for Hopkinton 

Market Reports for Mendon

Market reports for Hopedale

Market reports for Milford 

Market reports for Southboro 

Market reports for Upton 

Market reports for Ashland 

Market Reports for Westboro

Selling a home in Holliston Massachusetts or other Metrowest town is heavily dependant on pricing your home properly and picking an agent that will create an "online market presence" for your home. As a home seller, you need to be aware that the market in Holliston and many other Metrowest communities has changed over the last three and a half years. We are no longer in a seller's market. When selling a home in Holliston Massachusetts, it pays to have a pro in your corner representing you.

When selling a home in Holliston MA, it pays to have a pro in your corner representing you. Here are some excellent questions  to ask when interviewing your agent, that will help you determine if you are hiring a top producer or not!

** 85% of all buyers are finding their homes on the Internet. See this must read article on where I advertise on-line. Metrowest MA Homes ~ How to effectively market to the masses on-line. **

_________________________________________________________________________________________________________

The Holliston Massachusetts Real Estate market report was provided by Bill Gassett, the team leader for the #4 RE/MAX Team in Massachusetts in 2007. Bill can be reached via email at billgassett@remaxexec.com or by phone at 508-435-5356. Bill has helped people move in and out of Holliston MA and other Metrowest towns for the last 22+ Years. Bill's office is conveniently located in the center of Hopkinton MA at 77 Main Street. Bill also has an office located in the center of Holliston on Rte 16 as well.

 "I have a passion for Real Estate and love to share my marketing expertise! I would welcome the opportunity to earn your business."

For Massachusetts and Holliston MA Real Estate and homes see Holliston MA Real Estate. Want to have MLS access to beat other buyers to your dream home? Sign up with no obligation at my MLS Property Finder Site.

I service the following towns in Metrowest MA: Hopkinton, Milford, Upton, Southboro, Westboro, Ashland, Holliston, Mendon, Hopedale, Medway, Grafton, Northbridge, Uxbridge, and Framingham MA.

Click here to view Bill Gassett's Real Estate profile.

Subscribe in a reader                                                                             

SUBSCRIBE TO MY METROWEST HOMES BLOG via email.  

Building lasting relationships by helping people move in and out of Metrowest Massachusetts for the last 22 years.

I am a huge NFL football fan, and I know that each team is able to carry a maximum of 53 players on its roster.  Of this number, there are many who never see any playing time on the field.

A couple of nights ago, I was happy to attend a minor league baseball game with some good friends.  While I was enjoying the game, I noticed that there were a number of players on each team who didn't actually play.  Instead, they were watching from the dugouts. 

I thought about the potential home buyers I have spoken with over the past several months, and how similar many of them are to those players in the dugout or the sidelines who never get out on the field. 

As a home buyer, you have the power to help change the real estate market for the better.  How, you ask?

Basically, I have found that much of the difficulty with the Austin real estate market when times are slow (and this certainly applies elsewhere) stems from the perception that things are bad.  This is a self-fulfilling and self-perpetuating phenomenon.  In other words, the economy will improve (and housing along with it) when people feel like things are getting better, because they will begin to act.

If you are considering purchasing a home, NOW IS THE TIME!   

The media has focused their microscope on our industry pretty heavily over the past year or so, and they love to trumpet any problems or "declines" that they can find.  Unfortunately, this focus has been one factor that has kept buyers from moving on properties because they are concerned that things are worsening.  The net result?  It gets worse!

I have been through a couple of "down" cycles during my career, and the primary catalyst for change was action which followed the sense that "things are better now".  I remember this most distinctly after 9/11. 

So, if you are in a financial position to buy a home, DO NOT wait.  As I saw quoted somewhere recently (and I am paraphrasing here):

The best way to spot the bottom of the market is in the rear-view mirror when you are headed uphill, having already missed a prime opportunity.

You will probably kick yourself if you don't buy soon, because interest rates are on the rise, and many of the basic economic factors are solid right now, at least in Austin.  Don't miss this chance. 

It is time to suit up and get on the field.  You will thank me for this advice later.

In June of 2008 there were 24 homes that closed within the month for Milford Massachusetts. This is an increase of 6 units as there were 18 homes that closed in June of 2007.

The Average list price for the homes that closed in Milford for June of 2007 was $356,184

The Average list price for the homes that closed in Milford for June of 2008 was $289,750

The Average sale price for the homes that closed in Milford for June of 2007 was $344,639

The Average sale price for the homes that closed in Milford for June of 2008 was $280,046

The Average Market time for the homes that closed in Milford in June of 2007 was 115 days.

The Average Market time for the homes that closed in Milford June of 2008 was 165 days.

15 homes went under agreement in Milford MA in the month of June. The average list price of the homes that went under agreement was $271,940 The average time on the market for these Milford homes were 164 days.

                                    January - June Market Statistics for Milford Massachusetts

In Milford MA for the period of January to June of 2007 there were 69 properties sold.

In Milford MA for the period of January to June 2008 there were 102 properties sold.

In Milford MA for the period of January to June in 2007 the average list price was $351,795 the average sale price was $343,351 and the average market time was 136 days.

In Milford MA for the period of January to June in 2008 the average list price was $305,312 the average sale price was $291,858 and the average time on the market was 167 days.

** The above statistics are for single family homes only and do not include condo's or Multi-family homes in Milford MA.

In comparing year over year longer term data for Milford Massachusetts, it appears that there is still a downward trend in the average sale price for homes, as well as an increase in the days on the market for the same period in Milford MA. There was however, a substantial increase in the number of properties sold in the January to June time frame in Milford MA year over year!

These statistics are similar to many of the towns in Metrowest MA and represent the on going weakness in the market as compared to previous years.

Click here to see previous Milford MA Real Estate Market reports.

Market reports for Hopkinton 

Market reports for Holliston 

Market Reports for Mendon

Market reports for Hopedale

Market reports for Southboro 

Market reports for Upton 

Market reports for Ashland 

Market Reports for Westboro

Selling a home in Milford Massachusetts or other Metrowest town is heavily dependant on pricing your home properly and picking an agent that will create an "online market presence" for your home. As a home seller, you need to be aware that the market in Ashland and many other Metrowest communities has changed over the last three and a half years. We are no longer in a seller's market. When selling a home in Milford Massachusetts, it pays to have a pro in your corner representing you.

 When selling a home in Milford MA, it pays to have a pro in your corner representing you. Here are some excellent questions  to ask when interviewing your agent, that will help you determine if you are hiring a top producer or not!

** 85% of all buyers are finding their homes on the Internet. See this must read article on where I advertise on-line. Metrowest MA Homes ~ How to effectively market to the masses on-line. **

_________________________________________________________________________________________________________

This Milford Real Estate market report was provided by Bill Gassett, the team leader for the #4 RE/MAX Team in Massachusetts in 2007. Bill can be reached via email at billgassett@remaxexec.com or by phone at 508-435-5356. Bill has helped people move in and out of Milford MA and other Metrowest towns for the last 22+ Years. Bill's office is conveniently located in the center of Hopkinton MA at 77 Main Street. Bill also has an office in Holliston & Upton to service home sales in Milford MA.

I have a passion for Real Estate and love to share my marketing expertise! I would welcome the opportunity to earn your business.

For Massachusetts and Milford MA Real Estate and homes see Milford MA Real Estate. Want to have MLS access to beat other buyers to your dream home? Sign up with no obligation at my MLS Property Finder Site.

I service the following towns in Metrowest MA: Hopkinton, Milford, Upton, Southboro, Westboro, Ashland, Holliston, Mendon, Hopedale, Medway, Grafton, Northbridge, Uxbridge, and Framingham MA.

Click here to view Bill Gassett's Real Estate profile

Subscribe in a reader                                                                 

SUBSCRIBE TO MY METROWEST HOMES BLOG via email.  

Building lasting relationships by helping people move in and out of Metrowest Massachusetts for the last 22 years.

In June of 2008 there were 11 homes that closed within the month for Southboro Massachusetts. This is a decrease of 3 units, as there were 11 homes that closed in June of 2007.

The Average list price for the homes that closed in Southboro for June of 2007 was $498,286

The Average list price for the homes that closed in Southboro for June of 2008 was $775,036

The Average sale price for the homes that closed in Southboro for June of 2007 was $466,279

The Average sale price for the homes that closed in Southboro for June of 2008 was $717,945

The Average Market time for the homes that closed in Southboro in June of 2007 was 164 days.

The Average Market time for the homes that closed in Southboro June of 2008 was 198 days.

4 homes went under agreement in Southboro MA in the month of June. The average list price of the homes that went under agreement was $705,750. The average time on the market for these Southboro homes were 72 days.

                                    January - June Market Statistics for Southboro MA

In Southboro MA for the period of January to June of 2007 there were 47 properties sold.

In Southboro MA for the period of January to June 2008 there were 35 properties sold.

In Southboro MA for the period of January to June in 2007 the average list price was $551,628 the average sale price was $525,977 and the average market time was 161 days.

In Southboro MA for the period of January to June in 2008 the average list price was $666,597 the average sale price was $628,385 and the average time on the market was 172 days.

** The above statistics are for single family homes only and do not include condo's or Multi-family homes in Southboro MA.

In comparing year over year longer term data for Southboro Massachusetts through June, there have been less homes sold but not a big difference. The average sale price did increase as there were more higher end properties that closed. The average days on the market has remained stable in Southboro Massachusetts. 

These statistics are similar to many of the towns in Metrowest MA and represent the on going weakness in the market as compared to previous years. What must be stressed, however, is that these home figures still represent a healthy amount of sales.

Click here for previous Southboro Real Estate Market Reports.

Market reports for Hopkinton 

Market Reports for Westboro

Market reports for Holliston 

Market reports for Milford 

Market reports for Ashland 

Selling a home in Southboro Massachusetts or other Metrowest town is heavily dependant on pricing your home properly and picking an agent that will create an "online market presence" for your home. As a home seller, you need to be aware that the market in Southboro and many other Metrowest communities has changed over the last three and a half years. We are no longer in a seller's market. When selling a home in Southboro Massachusetts, it pays to have a pro in your corner representing you.

** 85% of all buyers are finding their homes on the Internet. See this must read article on where I advertise on-line. Metrowest MA Homes ~ How to effectively market to the masses on-line. **

We are no longer in a seller's market. When selling a home in Southboro MA, it pays to have a pro in your corner representing you. Here are some excellent questions  to ask when interviewing your agent, that will help you determine if you are hiring a top producer or not!

_________________________________________________________________________________________________________

The above Southboro MA Real Estate report was provided by Bill Gassett, the team leader for the #4 RE/MAX Team in Massachusetts in 2007. Bill can be reached via email at billgassett@remaxexec.com or by phone at 508-435-5356. Bill has helped people move in and out of Southboro MA and other Metrowest towns for the last 22+ Years. Bill's office is conveniently located in the center of Hopkinton MA at 77 Main Street.

For Massachusetts and Southboro MA Real Estate and homes see Southboro MA Real Estate.  Want to have MLS access to beat other buyers to your dream home? Sign up with no obligation at my MLS Property Finder Site.

I Have a passion for Real Estate and would love to have you as one of my clients!

I service the following towns in Metrowest MA: Hopkinton, Milford, Upton, Southboro, Westboro, Ashland, Holliston, Mendon, Hopedale, Medway, Grafton, Northboro, Northbridge, Uxbridge, and Framingham MA.

Click here to view Bill Gassett's Real Estate profile.

  Subscribe in a reader

SUBSCRIBE TO MY METROWEST HOMES BLOG via email.  

Building lasting relationships by helping people move in and out of Metrowest Massachusetts for the last 22 years.

In June of 2008 there were 10 homes that closed within the month for Westboro Massachusetts. This is an decrease of 13 units as there were 23 homes that closed in June of 2007.

The Average list price for the homes that closed in Westboro for June of 2007 was $526,878

The Average list price for the homes that closed in Westboro for June of 2008 was $365,375

The Average sale price for the homes that closed in Westboro for June of 2007 was $512,828

The Average sale price for the homes that closed in Westboro for June of 2006 was $350,380

The Average Market time for the homes that closed in Westboro in June of 2007 was 147 days.

The Average Market time for the homes that closed in Westboro June of 2008 was 107 days.

20 homes went under agreement in Westboro MA in the month of June. The average list price of the homes that went under agreement was $562,995. The average time on the market for these Westboro MA homes were 55 days.

                                    January - June Market Statistics for Westboro Massachusetts

In Westboro MA for the period of January to June of 2007 there were 86 properties sold.

In Westboro MA for the period of January to June 2008 there were 53 properties sold.

In Westboro MA for the period of January to June in 2007 the average list price was $463,354 the average sale price was $448,781, and the average market time was 153 days.

In Westboro MA for the period of January to June in 2008 the average list price was $413,884 the average sale price was $393,160 and the average time on the market was 117 days.

** The above statistics are for single family homes only and do not include condo's or Multi-family homes in Westboro Massachusetts.

In comparing year over year longer term data for Westboro MA, the average list price and sale price both went down year over year from January to June. This can be attributed to the on going weakness in the real estate market in Metrowest MA. There was however a decrease in the days on the market for the same period in Westboro MA. This is indictive of sellers becoming more realistic in pricing their homes properly. The number of sales so far year to date is down substantially from last year.

These statistics are similar to many of the towns in Metrowest MA. Most of the surrounding towns experienced a decrease in the average list price and sale price for the January to June time frame. 

Selling a home in Westboro Massachusetts or other Metrowest town is heavily dependant on pricing your home properly and picking an agent that will create an "online market presence" for your home. As a home seller, you need to be aware that the market in Westboro and many other Metrowest communities has changed over the last three and a half years. We are no longer in a seller's market. When selling a home in Westboro Massachusetts, it pays to have a pro in your corner representing you.

 When selling a home in Westboro MA, it pays to have a pro in your corner representing you. Here are some excellent questions  to ask when interviewing your agent, that will help you determine if you are hiring a top producer or not!

** 85% of all buyers are finding their homes on the Internet. See this must read article on where I advertise on-line. Metrowest MA Homes ~ How to effectively market to the masses on-line. **

Market reports for Hopkinton 

Market reports for Holliston 

Market reports for Milford 

Market reports for Southboro 

Market reports for Upton 

Market reports for Ashland 

_________________________________________________________________________________________________________

The above Westboro Real Estate market report was provided by Bill Gassett, the team leader for the #4 RE/MAX Team in Massachusetts in 2007. Bill can be reached via email at billgassett@remaxexec.com or by phone at 508-435-5356. Bill has helped people move in and out of Westboro MA and other Metrowest towns for the last 22+ Years. Bill's office is conveniently located in the center of Hopkinton MA at 77 Main Street. RE/MAX Executive Realty also has offices in Upton, and Grafton to service home sales in Westboro MA.

I have a passion for Real Estate and love to share my marketing expertise! I would welcome the opportunity to earn your business.

For Massachusetts and Westboro MA Real Estate and homes see Westboro MA Real Estate Want to have MLS access to beat other buyers to your dream home? Sign up with no obligation at my MLS Property Finder Site.

I service the following towns in Metrowest MA: Hopkinton, Milford, Upton, Southboro, Westboro, Ashland, Holliston, Mendon, Hopedale, Medway, Grafton, Northbridge, Uxbridge, and Framingham MA.

Click here to view Bill Gassett's Real Estate profile.

 Subscribe in a reader

SUBSCRIBE TO MY METROWEST HOMES BLOG via email.  

Building lasting relationships by helping people move in and out of Metrowest Massachusetts for the last 22 years.