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FEBRUARY 2013 MARKET UPDATE!! Sales up almost 24% around the North Shore year over year!!

2013-03-15T12:23:41-04:00

Sales continue to climb around the North Shore. Many towns have experienced double digit gains as far the number of single family homes sold year over year. The key indicator to watch right now is price point. Although inventory is at 15 year lows in some areas you still need to show caution when pricing your home. Homes that are outdated and need attention to the electrical, heating, roof, structural are still having a difficult time selling. Homes that are turnkey are doing well and are seeing multiple offers in the first 3 to 5 days on the open market. Many homes are selling before the open house.

Team Cotraro's Single Family Market Report for November 2012

2012-12-17T13:32:19-05:00

Here is the latest market news for the month of November. We compiled 10 towns on the North Shore and here are the results:

1) Every town increased its number of sales in the month of November. Led by Peabody, Middleton, and Salem increasing its sales by an average of 34%.

2) Six of the ten towns showed an increase in the sales price for November. Led by Topsfield,Ipswich, and Beverly. Sale price increased on average for these 3 towns by 11.7%.

3) The number of sales for all ten towns increased by 19.2% for the month of November

4) The average sales price increased 3.2% for all ten towns for the month of November.

MASSACHUSETTS SALES UP NEARLY 25% FOR OCTOBER YEAR OVER YEAR!!

2012-11-05T12:35:39-05:00

The total value of Massachusetts residential sales in October (single family and condos) were up 24.9% from a year earlier. This was the 9th month in a row that the total value of residential sales in MA were appreciably higher than the year earlier.

Measuring total sales values against the same year earlier month eliminates seasonality and provides a more accurate picture of how sales are progressing.

(NOTE: THE HOME BUYER TAX CREDIT WAS IN PLACE FROM JAN 2009 THROUGH APRIL 2010 WHICH PROVIDED AN ARTIFICIAL SALES STIMULUS DURING THAT TIME FRAME)

Ipswich up 52% YEAR OVER YEAR for Units Sold! North Shore up 22% on Average!!

2012-10-02T13:39:23-04:00

The homes sales keep rising across the North Shore. The latest information from our Remax Statistics shows the North Shore on average is up 22% for units sold year over year. Since January of 2012 we have seen an increase in units sold every month with September being another huge month. Sales prices on average are up about 2% on average with Beverly up 8.5% and Topsfield up 9% year over year. With interest rates remaining at historic lows now is a great time to purchase a home!

CHECK OUT THE LATEST MARKET REPORT:

Single Family Home Sales are UP 20% from a year ago!!!

2012-08-22T11:49:15-04:00

Some communities on the North Shore have experienced a 20% increase in Single Family Home Sales while the sales price has decreased $5,000 or 1.4% from a year ago. Beverly, Ipswich, and Peabody have enjoyed significant growth in both sales units and sales price year over year. These towns had positive growth in both sectors. Many communities enjoyed an increase in sales units but may have had decreases in the sales price.

Please check out the latest statistics on our chart!!

Lower Supply of QUALITY HOMES!! Shart Decline Since 2011!!

2012-07-25T16:26:22-04:00

June Housing Inventory Drops Substantially Putting A Squeeze on Some Buyers

As inventories shrink, some single family buyers are seeing a shortage of homes to buy in some price bands.

Nationally, the inventory of single family homes for sale fell 3% from May and 24% from June 2011.

In MA, single family homes for sale fell 1% from May and 10% from June 2011. However, because of accelerating home sales, MA's months of inventory for single family homes dropped by 21% since May and 26% from June 2011 to 6.4 months

Housing Prices and Units Sold continue to RISE!!!

2012-07-18T16:41:14-04:00

After nearly 7 years of housing prices falling and housing units sold continuing down it now appears we are starting to trend in a positive direction.

Has housing reached a bottom?

2012-07-13T11:14:25-04:00

Around the North Shore there is a buzz about the housing market: I get asked many questions but the constant theme of the conversationi is "Hows the market? " Or "I hear things are picking" Or " A friend of mine sold his house in 3 days it only took one open house." Although we still have a long way to go until we reach the levels of 2005 / 2006 it appears that the housing inventory is being absorbed and prices are stabilizing. We have seen some towns have double digit price increases on a month over month basis while others have seen a price increase of less than 1% and others are still hovering around a zero change.

This article shows the latest consensus on the housing market from a national perspective.

http://blogs.wsj.com/developments/2012/07/11/has-housing-hit-bottom-on-your-street/

Have a great weekend!!

SINGLE FAMILY HOME SALES ARE UP 18% FOR MANY NORTH SHORE TOWNS!!

2012-07-03T15:28:59-04:00

MORE HOMES CLOSED THIS JUNE THAN LAST JUNE ACCORDING TO A STATISTICAL REPORT WE GENERATED TODAY. BEVERLY, DANVERS, MIDDLETON, AND PEABODY WERE UP IN UNITS SOLD AND SALES PRICE FOR JUNE 2012 COMPARED TO LAST JUNE 2011.

SOME TOWNS DID SHOW A SLIGHT DECREASE IN SALES PRICE SO THE AVERAGE WAS SLIGHTLY LOWER THIS YEAR AT $331,000 OR A DECREASE OF 1.2%

Massachusetts April Home Sales are UP! Year over Year 2011 to 2012!!

2012-05-22T14:08:02-04:00

April Home Sales in Massachusetts are UP! Year over Year 2011 to 2012!!

This data contnues to support the modest recovery in housing for our area.

MA April single family sales were up 22% from the year earlier and the median price rose 1.1% .
Year to date thru April single family home sales were up 18% and prices declined only 1% indicating a bottom is at hand.
April condo sales were up 12% and the median price rose 3.5%.
The Home Buyer Tax Credit ended in April 2010, so there is no influence from this program on the 2011 and 2012 sales numbers.

SALES for SINGLE FAMILY HOMES ARE UP IN ESSEX COUNTY YEAR OVER YEAR!!

2012-05-14T19:26:41-04:00

Since January of 2012 we have experienced a shift in the market as it relates to buying and selling property. There has been a higher demand on purchasing homes as prices have experienced a low point with some home sales now going above the asking price and some home sales having multiple bids over the asking price. These homes are generally with the foreclosure and short sale market but some other types of homes such as an estate, or home that may need some updating but is priced competitively is seeing multiple bids and some going above the asking price.

The sales chart above shows that the Number of Sales in Essex County is up 7.4% year over year. The sales price is down approximately 2.0% or $7,000. This indicates that some towns are showing price increases while others are starting to stabilize.

THIS CHART SHOWS 10 TOWNS WE HELP BUYERS AND SELLERS WITH REAL ESTATE. 70% OF THE TOWNS HAVE SHOWED AN INCREASE IN THE NUMBER OF SALES YEAR OVER YEAR. 40% ARE SHOWING INCREASES IN THE SALES PRICE YEAR OVER YEAR. ON AVERAGE THESE 10 TOWNS ARE UP 6.4% FOR UNITS SOLD AND DOWN 2.5% OR $7,400 FOR THE SALES PRICE. THIS IS VERY SIMILAR TO THE AVERAGES FOR ESSEX COUNTY.

Some Sources are Saying Housing Crisis to END in 2012???

2012-03-28T09:10:31-04:00

Is the market picking up a bit....YES, Unit Sales are UP in Most Markets, Pricing is very close to showing an increase year over year for Essex County, Is there a lower supply of quality homes on the market...YES,There is currently ONE Multifamily home for sale in Beverly under $300,000, Are mortgage rates near historic lows....YES, 30 year fixed rates still in the low 4's. There are still many factors that affect the housing market and the big factors are: 1)Banks ability to lend money 2) Number of homes in foreclosure or close to foreclosure, 2) job market, 3) Potential Gas and oil prices, 4) Debate of Renting vs Buying which equals Consumer Confidence.

Still appears that 2012 will be a better year than 2011 for the Housing Market. But still proceed with caution and find the right home for you and your family.

For more thoughts on this topic please

CLICK ON THE LINK AND READ THE LATEST ARTICLE!! THANK YOU!!

https://twitter.com/ryalsidemike/statuses/184978812038160384

http://www.dsnews.com/articles/housing-crisis-to-end-in-2012-as-banks-loosen-credit-standards-2012-01-24?utm_source=twitterfeed&utm_medium=twitter

Nationally sales are up for the year. Down slightly Month over Month

2012-03-21T13:29:55-04:00

Existing Home Sales are still healthy year over year. They are down slightly from January 2012 to February 2012 according to the National Association of Realtors. Inventory was at a 4 year low in January 2012 compound that with decent job numbers and low interest rates and you have the beginning or possibly the beginning of better market for both buyers and sellers.

Click on the link for the full report!!

http://www.mortgagenewsdaily.com/03212012_existing_home_sales.asp

Spring has Sprung and it looks like the Market is Springing UP!! See our Graph from REMAX!!

2012-03-20T12:12:15-04:00

The first day of Spring is today and the warm weather is shining down on the North Shore!! There has been an increase in Buyer activity and Sellers are ready to sell. This equals a happy buyer and happy seller. Please take a peek at our Graph as it shows the statistics on a National Level presented by Remax International.

Click on the link to see our Graph Presented By REMAX INTERNATIONAL!!

http://www.remax.com/documents/homepage/REMAX%20National%20Housing%20Report_March%202012.pdf

Encouraging Housing Market News for Boston, North of Boston, and North Shore!!

2012-03-05T22:41:47-05:00

2012 has started off much better than 2011 in terms of the number of units sold for single family, condo, and multifamilies in most counties. The sales price has increased for most counties as well. There has been an increase in activity throughout our region as many buyers want to take advantage of low interest rates and also take advantage of foreclosed homes and short sale opportunities. Please take a peak at the housing market chart below!

Is NOW a good time to BUY a HOME???

2012-03-01T21:40:48-05:00

A question frequently asked to me is the question, "IS NOW A GOOD TIME TO BUY A HOME?" Well, over the last 30 to 45 days I have noticed a slight shift in our local market. In particular with the single family and mid size multifamily homes (2 units to 4 units). I have noticed a sense of urgency with purchasing due to low interest rates, reletively low pricing, national headlines by Warren Buffet saying he would purchase thousands of homes and hold them as investments if possible. Then I see what is going on in my backyard. A single family house on Virginia Avenue sells in one day with multiple offers at a price of $179k, a two family on Corning street Beverly sells 20% over asking price with over 10 offers on the first day, a single family home on Arlington Street in North Beverly priced in the $190's gets over 10 offers and sells way over asking price in 2 days.

More Buyers are ready to purchase a home and because lending has become more stringent it has weeded out the pretenders and has produced serious real estate investors.

So why the recent flurry of activity. Articles such as the recent Case Shiller conversation explaining consumer confidence and why housing is making a slight comeback helps. Mortgage rates have been historically low but for how long. Article today about rising rates, this creates a little urgency.

Another article explained that housing prices in 2011 ended at levels last seen in 2002. This could explain a possible bottom to the housing market. In particular to areas of the country that have lower unemployment such as Beverly, Manchester, Salem, Peabody, Marblehead, Swampscott, Hamilton, Wenham, Topsfield, Boxford, etc... We live in a productive area of the country. We are fortunate to live in a great area and our real estate values although have dropped are starting to rebound.

SOO, the answer to the question, "IS NOW A GOOD TIME TO BUY A HOME?" My answer is yes. After talkng to contractors, investors, home owners, retired smart everyday people, they ALL SAY if people can get in the real estate game NOW is a great time jump in and get in the game.

Mortgage Rates hit ALL TIME LOWS!! 30 year fixed rates at 3.875 to 3.75%

2012-01-30T20:33:18-05:00

Well, if you have been waiting for the right time to purchase a home now might be a good time to get pre-approved and start shopping for a primary residence or possibly an investment property. Rates hit another historic low today with rates dropping to 3.75% for a 30 year fixed rate. This is incredible and obviously very helpful for potential buyers that have been on the sidelines. With SOME NOT ALL homes having a fair asking price there is the potential to land a very attractive home for a very low price if your timing is right. For instance, a home went on the market in Beverly, MA yesterday for $189k. The house is located at 99 Corning Street in the COVE section of Beverly. Walking distance to Lynch Park, RIce Beach, Woodbury Beach and downtown Beverly. The house does need work but this house fixed up with moderate updates is worth approximately $400k after renovations. When I say renovations I am talking about adding $100k to the house. Now you are at about $300k total and your home is worth $400k. Not a bad day for a first time home buyer. So get preapproved and go after a property. Once your in the game life can get a whole lot better.

Click on the link to read more about the mortgage rates!

http://www.mortgagenewsdaily.com/consumer_rates/245292.aspx

Federal Reserve released White Papers related to the Housing Market on January 4.

2012-01-05T15:41:25-05:00

Federal Reserve Chairman Ben Beranke and his department released white papers related to the US Housing Market with respect to the Current Conditions and Future Policy Considerations. In the Opening Statement Mr. Bernanke stated " The ongoing problems in the U.S. housing market continue to impede the economic recovery. House prices have fallen an average of about 33% from their 2006 peak, resulting in about $7 trillion in household wealth losses and an associated racheting down of aggregate consumption." Declines of this magnitude have not been realized since the Great Depression. Compound that with another tough statistic regarding the ratio of home equity to disposable income. Since 2007 the ratio of home equity to disposable personal income has declined 55%. This is the greatest decline since the statistc was developed in the 1950's.

Click here to view the opening statements from the Federal Reserve!!!

The ideas to address the housing market are the following: 1)Create more jobs - Free Enterprise created by our Founding Fathers , 2) Due to a growing need for rental units in the U.S. the foreclosed homes can be converted into Rental Units. 2) Land Banks - this is a method used when low value properties that have been foreclosed on simply will not sell for any profit if presented on the open market. Cleveland and Detroit have these types of situations to name a few. 3) Increasing Loan Modifications, 4) Improving accountability with Mortgage Companies

2011 Market Statisitics for Condominiums in Essex County - Units down 11% and Price down 3.7%

2012-01-05T13:37:34-05:00

The Condominium Housing Market in Essex County ended 2011 down on both units sold and price. The drop in units sold was slightly greater than expected and this can be attributed to many Condo's were purchased in the peak market and now can't sell unless they lose a significant amount of money or bring money to the closing table. Pricing is down by a few thousand dollars which can indicate that the luxury market may have influenced the stats. Some luxury markets however are down significantly from last year but are showing a sales price well above the new median of $193,250.

2011 Market Statisitcs for Multifamily Home in Essex County - Unit Sales down but Price is UP!

2012-01-05T13:28:10-05:00

The 2011 Multifamily Housing Market ended the year with a mix of ups and downs. From my personal experience I would have thought the Multifamily Housing Market would have ended the year flat or slightly up in terms of the number of units sold and the pricing to end the year would have been down slightly. Just the opposite happened in 2011. Unit sales ended the year down nearly 19% from the previous year and Pricing ended the year up 10.5% to an adjusted median price of $215,000.

2011 Single Family Market Statistics for Essex County - Units down 1.3% Price down 2.6%

2012-01-05T13:11:10-05:00

Well 2011 has come to a close and we saw a reletively flat year in terms of home buying and selling as it relates to residential homes in Essex County. A signficant amount of short sales and foreclosed homes dominated most of the single family market while some towns did have an increase in sales price or units sold the general conclusion for Essex County was a slight drop in Units sold and Price.

Pending Home Sales Up 10% Nationally and Locally month over month - Check out our graph!

2011-11-30T13:54:30-05:00

The National Association of Realtors pending home sales index (these are the homes under contract or sale is pending) rose 10% from a month earlier. This was an increase from September 2011 to October 2011. The big reason was and still is the low interest rates for a mortgage.

Interesting comparison was showing the same statistics for Beverly, Salem, and Peabody. These three towns increased the same 10% as the National Average.

Check out our graph showing the pending home sales for September and October 2011!!

Essex County Sales for Single Family, Multifamily, and Condos compared to Beverly, Peabody,Danvers, Salem

2011-11-23T14:47:29-05:00

Check out our video on the real estate market as it compares statistics for Essex County and how it is similar and different then a couple of our most frequented towns in the area. Single Family Homes are becoming much more affordable!! 12 houses under 250k in Beverly!!

http://youtu.be/7POem0QfJHE

Nationally and Locally Home Prices are down but Sales are UP!! Take a peak at the NAR report.

2011-11-09T17:00:10-05:00

As we have been indicating in our Housing Market Charts, home prices on average are down approximately 4% across Essex County and that is consistent with the North East in general. Home Sales are up from a year ago which is farily consistent with Essex County. Some towns such as Beverly, Middleton, and Topsfield are up in both price and units. Take a look at the National Assocation of Realtors stats for the entire United States. Happy House Hunting!!

http://www.mortgagenewsdaily.com/11092011_home_prices_sales.asp

Sales Report of our Top 10 Towns for (MULTI FAMILY HOMES) November 2, 2010 to November 2, 2011

2011-11-04T13:40:18-04:00

This Chart shows the Sales Activity for our Top 10 Towns as it relates to MULTI FAMILY HOMES over a 1 year span.

(November 2, 2010 to November 2, 2011)