The Massachusetts Association of Realtors (MAR) just released the latest stats for the end of Q2 and it makes very interesting reading for sellers. Across all of our offices we are seeing prices continuing to rise and days on market to fall as a result of the increased demand and limited inventory.  In Acton so far this year, single-family homes are selling for an average of 109.5% of the list price, and in Carlisle, Lincoln and Lexington that number is around 104%. In all towns homes are selling on average over the asking price, compared to last year when single family homes sold for a little under the list price. Days on market have also dropped compared to the first six months of 2020 - Westford has an average of 19 days to sale, Bedford is 37 days and Winchester is 42 days. In Concord the average days on market has halved since June 2020. Available inventory continues to be an issue - as of the end of June there was less than one month’s supply of homes in Acton, Bedford and Westford. For more details on these towns and many others around us, read the full report here.

So for sellers the market still has many positive indicators, but things may be set to change this fall. With the foreclosure moratorium coming to an end in July, and both the mortgage forbearance program and pandemic unemployment assistance ending in September, many are predicting a change in the housing market in the coming months. If you are thinking about selling your home, don’t wait to see what will happen - talk to one of our experienced realtors to get a detailed analysis of the market in your area.

Already decided to sell? Check back for our tips on how to prep your home this summer to be ready for the busy fall market!

If you want to get a mortgage from the bank, a good credit score is essential. You should shoot for a 640 if you want to buy a house in Boston, and the higher the score the more options you'll have regarding lenders and interest rates. It is possible to get a loan with a lower score, but it will be more difficult. Several factors go into [...]

One of the most special things about summer is enjoying an outdoor movie. There are several drive-in movie theaters in our area that show current releases and old classics throughout the summer months. Topsfield Drive In, Mendon Twin Drive In and even Milford Drive In Theater in NH are all within an hour’s drive, and offer a program of family favorites such as Back to the Future and The Goonies alongside other summer classics like Jaws. They also show current movies such as the latest in the Fast and Furious franchise. It's a fun night out for all ages.

However if you prefer to pick your own movie and enjoy your own snacks it's pretty easy to set up your own outdoor movie theater. You can pick up a projector from most of the big box stores which you can connect to your own laptop or device, and then you can broadcast movies from any of the streaming services such as Netflix or Disney Plus. You can also purchase a screen, but a white sheet suspended from a deck or a tree will do just as well. Grab some beach chairs or a beanbag and you are free to create your own special summer memories whenever you like!

Take a look at some of these homes from Sotheby’s International Realty to inspire your backyard movie theater set-up. Don’t have the perfect spot yet?  Browse our listings for homes with yards just right for movies under the stars.

The idea of owning your own private island is the stuff of childhood dreams.  Adventure stories and fairy tales often feature the idea of a magical, secluded space, separated by water, where anything can happen. As we grow up and get older, private islands and retreats become the ultimate aspirational home goal, with all the seclusion and [...]