Recent Metrowest home sales: October 2011

Lots of people have mentioned how interested they are in seeing recent sales, so I'll focus on that a bit more than my regular market updates. If you're interested in any other information or sales for other towns in the area, please email me and I'll get you what you need. Of course, you can always do your own searches here (or if you're on a smart phone, here).

Single family home sales in the last week for a few Metrowest cities and towns (10/17/11-10/24/11) - prices shown are sale prices:

Natick
17 Belmore Rd (3 bed Cape): $335,000
12 Oak Knoll (3 bed Ranch): $336,800

Wellesley
22 Elm St (3 bed Colonial): $825,000
40 Whittier Rd (4 bed Colonial): $842,000
50 Woodlawn Ave (4 bed): $1,000,000
56 Temple Rd (4 bed Multi-Level): $1,100,000
81 Maugus Ave (4 bed Contemporary): $1,500,000
37 Garrison Rd (6 bed Colonial): $1,690,000

Newton
6 Philbrick Rd (3 bed Colonial): $504,000
12 Roosevelt Rd (3 bed Colonial): $526,000
106 Brookline St (3 bed Cape): $542,000
23 Hemlock Rd (3 bed Cape): $537,000
23 Marcellus Dr (3 bed Colonial): $725,000
186 Lincoln St (3 bed Colonial): $923,000
76 Cotton St (5 bed Colonial): $1,337,000

Needham
14 Hazel Ln (4 bed Split): $507,500
672 Chestnut St (5 bed Colonial): $2,040,000

Wayland
19 Oak/Timber (4 bed Cape): $374,000

2011 Yard Waste Pickup

Just when the lawn mowing ended, it's time for leaf blowers and rakes! Here's the important leaf and yard waste pickup info for Natick, Newton, Ashland, and Framingham. You can also drop off your own yard waste, and in most of the other Metrowest towns, it's taken by drop-off only.





Natick:
Yard waste will be picked up on Monday, 11/14, for Tuesday’s trash collection day.
Yard waste will be picked up on Monday, 11/21, for Wednesday’s trash collection day.
Yard waste will be picked up on Monday, 11/28, for Thursday’s trash collection day.
Yard waste will be picked up on Monday, 12/5, for Friday’s trash collection day.


Framingham:
Leaf pickup will be on regular trash days during the month of November.
Brush pickup will be 10/24-10/28 and 11/5-11/9.


Newton:
Yard waste pickup will continue through 12/5.


Ashland:
Yard waste will be picked up for 6 Mondays from 10/10-11/14.

Happy Halloween! Metrowest events, October 2011

Here are some of the MANY fun Halloween celebrations going on this month in the Metrowest area. Know of something that isn't listed here? Please add it in a comment and have a safe and happy Halloween!

October 14: Natick Early Childhood Network Halloween Costume Swap 9am-4pm http://www.natickearlychildhood.org/2011/10/03/halloween-costume-swap-october-14/

October 15: Bates School Pumpkin Fair 10am-2pm: Bates School 116 Elmwood Rd Wellesley

October 22: Natick Mall Halloween Bash 11am outside Crate and Barrel

October 28: Metrowest YMCA Halloween Party 6pm-8pm 280 Old Connecticut Path Framingham



October 29: Natick Common Spooktacular 12pm: http://www.natickps.org/district/districtmaininfo/documents/2011%20Spooktacular%20Flyer%20-%20oct.%2029.pdf

October 29: Halloween Kids Fest 10am-2pm: Natick Mall, outside Crate and Barrel

October 29: Halloween Musical Celebration 11am at TCAN
http://natickarts.org/tcan_artistdetail.php?artist_id=1711&event_id=1711

October 29: Halloween Window Painting Contest 9am-4pm http://www.newtoncommunitypride.org/halloween.html

October 30: Halloween Skating Event 2pm-3:20pm William Chase Arena 35 Windsor Ave Natick

October 31: Whole Foods Wellesley Halloween event for kids from 2-4pm

Recent Home Sales in Natick and Wellesley September 2011

In addition to overall market data (September Update), it can be interesting to see more specifics on recent sales, especially for those considering buying or selling. Here are Natick and Wellesley's sales in the last week (only single family homes are included here):


Natick


25 Virginia Rd (4 bed cape) Sold: $256,500
19 Lacosta Dr (3 bed raised ranch) Sold: $435,000
16 Strawberry Hill Rd (4 bed cape) Sold: $531,000
10 Clover Ln (4 bed split) Sold: $540,000

Wellesley


676 Worcester St (5 bed colonial) Sold: $385,000
389 Worcester St (5 bed colonial) Sold: $515,000
361 Linden St (4 bed garrison) Sold: $655,159
25 Glen Rd (4 bed colonial) Sold: $710,000
30 Oakridge Rd (5 bed colonial) Sold: $820,000

Metrowest September 2011 Market Update - Natick, Wellesley, and Newton

The fall housing market is well underway! Here are the key facts, with comparisons from last month, for Natick, Wellesley, and Newton:

In Natick, there are currently 85 single family homes on the market for an average list price of $599,000. 26 homes have sold in Natick in the past month for an average of $488,500 (up 7% from last month) after 69 days on the market (faster than an average of 95 days last month).

In Wellesley, there are currently 146 single family homes on the market for an average list price of $1,751,000. 16 homes have sold in Wellesley in the past month for an average of $1,170,000 (down 14% from last month) after 99 days on the market (faster than an average of 126 days last month).

In Newton, there are currently 193 single family homes on the market for an average list price of $1,188,000. 52 homes have sold in Newton in the past month for an average of $893,000 (down 2% from last month) after 80 days on the market (slower than an average of 70 days last month).

5 Lies & 3 Truths from Real Estate Reality TV

There is no shortage of addictive real estate reality tv - House Hunters, Flipping Out, Property Virgins, Million Dollar Listing, Selling New York, Flip This House (to name a few!) - but how much from these shows can be applied to real life? Well, some. But here are 5 real estate un-realities that always seem to come up on reality tv:

1. The house should sell at the open house.
Of course, it's great when that happens, and you can get good feedback this way (especially if you're on a show that puts hidden cameras out and you have smelly old carpet in every room). But, most of the time, the home sells after a regular scheduled showing, so don't stress too much if it's not under agreement after the first Sunday it's on the market.

2. To flip a house, your only expenses are the cost of the house plus repairs.
If only the profits shown at the end of these shows were real! They don't usually factor in carrying costs like taxes, insurance, utilities, and interest, closing costs, or commission. It's still possible to do very well but if you're getting any ideas, remember to account for ALL the expenses.

3. You need lots of help, experience, and power tools to stage a home on a budget.
Sure, these things help, but just because you aren't a carpenter and don't have access to one who will work for free doesn't mean you can't make your home look like it should be featured in the Pottery Barn catalogue. Anyone can de-clutter, store too-big furniture, do a halfway decent job painting, and buy fresh flowers. And, don't forget to close the toilet seat.

4. Real estate agents regularly make six-figure commissions.
Shows like Million Dollar Listing and Selling New York show the potential commission agents make from each sale, but what they don't clarify is that the listing agent and buyers' agent split that commission 50/50 and split it again (this amount varies) with their brokerage, and also pay marketing costs. So neither your favorite tv agent nor the one selling your home will be walking away with the whole 5% of the sale price.

5. Buyers are supposed to see three homes and then buy the one of those three that they like the best. 
This makes a good structure for a 30 minute show, but it's rarely the case. Some buyers will look for months (and sometimes years) before they find just the right property, and others will make a purchase sight unseen from across the country. Somehow I don't think giving each client three homes to choose from would get me much repeat business.

For when you just can't stop watching, there are SOME parts to these shows that you can believe. The best three:

1. Look at houses similar to yours that have sold recently. Maybe even in person.
If you're selling a house, your agent should give you "comps", or homes that are close to yours in size, condition, and location. This will support the price you list at and give you an idea of features you might need to improve upon. If you're hesitant to just accept a list price - or a list of work to do - go check them out in person and see what you think.

2. Clean!
Some shows like Designed to Sell will bring in professionals to do some updating, but they also emphasize the importance of cleaning. If you're selling your home, have it spotless before the first picture is taken. For some who are vacuum-challenged or just don't have time, spend a little cash and hire a cleaning person for a one time clean.

3. De-personalize.
Yes, your kids are adorable, and your wedding pictures are beautiful, but it is true that personal photos will not help prospective buyers envision themselves in your home. So, just for now, pack up the pictures and get ready to hang them at your new home. At the same time, if you're a buyer, it will help if you can try to see past someone else's photos, artwork, and car in the driveway (unless, of course, it's a really nice one).

Metrowest August 2011 Market Update

The following information covers Natick, Wellesley, and Newton for 7/21/11-8/20/11. There haven't been significant price changes since last month, aside from the typical mid-summer slow down, but it remains clear that to avoid a long time on the market, sellers must have their homes priced right and marketed well. In some cases, even in the current market, this leads to a sale price above the listing price in a short period of time.


In Natick, there are currently 91 active single family homes on the market for an average list price of $579,000, having been on the market for an average of 119 days.
There are 37 homes under agreement, with an average list price of $496,000. These homes were on the market for an average of 61 days.
In the past month, 27 homes sold for an average of $457,000 (list prices averaging $468,000), after 95 days on the market.

In Wellesley, there are currently 140 active single family homes on the market for an average list price of $1,811,000, having been on the market for an average of 157 days.
There are 23 homes under agreement, with an average list price of $1,373,000. These homes were on the market for an average of 104 days.
In the past month, 43 homes sold for an average of $1,367,000 (list prices averaging $1,451,000), after 126 days on the market.

In Newton, there are currently 185 active single family homes on the market for an average list price of $1,245,000, having been on the market for an average of 126 days.
There are 72 homes under agreement, with an average list price of $981,000. These homes were on the market for an average of 83 days.
In the past month, 72 homes sold for an average of $908,000 (list prices averaging $937,000), after 70 days on the market.


Although they aren't included here, condos and multi-family properties are excellent investments right now, as there is a very strong rental market. Owners can benefit from cash flow and tax deductions if they are able to finance the purchase of a rental property.


For more information, please visit my website: www.torykeithrealestate.com