MSN Ranks Bargain Markets
July 10, 2008 | Filed Under Real Estate News | 1 Comment
While some major cities are experiencing falling home prices, several hidden gems in the central part of the United States offer affordable and appreciating housing, strong local economies and a good quality of life, according to the 2008 MSN Real Estate Most-Livable Bargain Markets list. The largest 100 U.S. cities were evaluated based on several criteria: affordability, home price appreciation, unemployment, cost of living, commute times and whether there was sufficient entertainment and recreation to keep people busy throughout the year.
The top cities were:
1. Wichita, Kan.
2. Omaha, Neb.-Council Bluffs, Iowa
3. Harrisburg-Carlisle, Pa.
4. Madison, Wis.
5. San Antonio
6. Indianapolis
7. Pittsburgh
8. Dallas-Fort Worth
9. Tulsa, Okla.
More Homeowners Look for Energy-Efficient Upgrades
June 26, 2008 | Filed Under Real Estate News, Real Estate Trends and Statistics, Boston Real Estate | 3 Comments
As energy costs soar, more homeowners are looking for money-saving solutions from remodeling contractors. According to NAHB’s quarterly Remodeling Market Index, 33 percent of the contractors surveyed said they are receiving more requests to improve the energy efficiency of clients’ homes.
The study finds that the most common energy-efficient products installed by contractors include:
Windows with better insulation - 73 percent;
Insulation upgrades – 65 percent
Insulated exterior doors – 52 percent
High-efficiency HVAC systems – 56 percent
High-efficiency kitchen appliances – 47 percent
Water-saving faucets and fixtures – 46 percent
Tankless water heaters – 35 percent
This report supports the latest trend in the Boston Real Estate market: “green” buildings, LEED certified new constructions, etc… Monthly payment is the most important factor for buyers.
Read more about the first “green” residential building in Boston: The MacAllen Building
Stunning 2 bed 2 bath Home Now Available at the Regatta Riverview
June 19, 2008 | Filed Under Real Estate News, Boston Lifestyle, Boston Condos, Boston Luxury Developments, Boston Real Estate | Leave a Comment
For you Bostonians who haven’t been over to the other side of the river in a while, it is really time to expand your horizons. East Cambridge is booming as the North Point project takes off. The first stage of the North Point Park is absolutely stunning. Acres of rolling greens run into finely manicured flowers and a mondern playground. Tie your boat to one of the many docks, or simply stroll over from Beacon Hill. The second stage of the planned park, known as Central Park, is well underway. The North Point loft buildings now have certificates of occupancy, and the commercial buildings, restaurants and retail shops will be built soon. Oh, and I almost forgot to mention, the Regatta Riverview has some of the best views in the entire metro Boston area. The Regatta is super close to both MGH and MIT.
Come visit this pristine 2 bedroom 2 bathroom home at Sunday’s Open House (12:00 - 2:00). This condo features a stellar master bath with deep Jacuzzi tup and multiple shower jets, Brazilian cherry floors, cherry cabinets, stainless steel appliances and a huge walk-in closet. The price includes one valet garage parking space and is pet friendly. Amenities include 24-hour concierge, pool, gym, movie theater, business center and club room. Located only a few minutes from the Green Line T.
10 Museum Way #1621 Exclusively offered at $685,000
The Boston Courant Vs. Boston Homes
June 16, 2008 | Filed Under Real Estate News, Boston Real Estate | 3 Comments
As most of you locals may have noticed, The Boston Courant started publishing a new open house section about nine weeks ago. It has quickly taken off and is quite the rival for Boston Homes. Rather than update its open house section from the LINK network link Boston Homes, The Boston Courant uses MLS…the prefered multiple listing source for local agents. This free market competition will hopefully bring a balance to the current advertising system. Good Luck Boston Courant!
Pending Sales Up 6.3% nationwide according to NAR
June 12, 2008 | Filed Under Real Estate News, Real Estate Trends and Statistics, Real Estate Investment, Boston Real Estate | Leave a Comment
The National Association of Realtors has reported a 6.3 percent increase in pending transactions from March to April. The news is based on the Pending Home Sales Index, which is based on contacts signed during a set period of time. April’s numbers are the highest point since last October, but they are still 13.1 percent less than April of last year.
That said, the Northeast index doesn’t look quite as rosey as the national one. In the Northeast, the index actually declined by 1.9 percent in April comparted to March.
Regent Hotel backs out of Battery Wharf project in the 11th hour
June 11, 2008 | Filed Under Real Estate News, Boston Condos, Boston Luxury Developments, Boston Real Estate | Leave a Comment
The Regent Hotel has officially left the Battery Wharf project up the Charles without a paddle. The premier hotel operator and the $300m luxury hotel and residence project along Boston’s waterfront will part ways due to “philosophical differences.” The Regent’s departure will leave the Battery Wharf without an operator for it’s 150-room hotel, it will also leave them without a provider for the ultra-luxury amenities and services promised to all the home buyers who plopped down millions for a slice of “Utopia Engineered.” This comes at exactly the worst possible moment. Only 22 of the 105 condominiums offered have sold, with another 40 under-agreement. The Battery Wharf may have some issues with hesitant home buyers who will not want to close when they see they are not getting what they were promised. In addition, the development may face difficulty selling the remaining units if they don’t bring a premier hotel provider on board a.s.a.p.
4% Commission Limited Time Offer
June 8, 2008 | Filed Under Real Estate News, Boston Lofts, Real Estate Investment, Boston Lifestyle, Boston Real Estate | Leave a Comment
Are you considering selling your loft in the near future? If so, we have the deal for you! Bushari Group Real Estate is running a 4% commission promotion for all loft listing contracts signed with us by June 31st, 2008. Your listing will be featured on our highly-optimized www.bostonianlofts.com website, as well as our www.bushari.com webiste. Contact us today to learn more about this amazing limited time offer, and about the unique marketing strategies of Bushari Group Real Estate.
Home Price Declines Widespread, But Smaller Markets Fare Better: Study
June 5, 2008 | Filed Under Real Estate News, Real Estate Trends and Statistics | 1 Comment
Single-family home prices fell 6.7 percent during the first quarter of 2008, marking the third straight quarterly decline, according to Global Insight, an economic analysis consulting firm. In its quarterly House Prices in America study, 262 of the 330 housing markets surveyed experienced declines, accounting for 84 percent of all housing units and 89 percent of real estate value. But only eight housing markets were determined to be overvalued, down from a peak of 53 markets in 2006.
The steepest declines occurred in California, Florida and Michigan, which had 45 of the 50 worst performing metro areas for the period. The top markets with price increases during the first quarter had populations of less than 300,000: Ithaca, N.Y.; Billings, Mont.; Houma, La.; and Odessa, Texas.
April New-Home Sales Rise
May 27, 2008 | Filed Under Real Estate News, Real Estate Trends and Statistics | 1 Comment
Sales of new single-family homes rose 3.3 percent in April to a seasonally adjusted annual rate of 526,000, according to data released this morning by the U.S. Commerce Department. This is 42.0 percent below the estimate of 907,000 from April of last year. The median sale price of a new home increased 1.5 percent from $242,500 in April 2007 to $246,100 last month. There were 456,000 new homes available for sale at the end of April, which represents a 10.6-month supply at the current sales rate, down from the 11.1-month supply in March, but up from a 7.4-month supply last year.
April Existing-Home Sales Fall, Inventory Rises
May 23, 2008 | Filed Under Real Estate News, Real Estate Trends and Statistics, Real Estate Investment, Mortgage and Finance | Leave a Comment
Existing-home sales fell to a seasonally adjusted annual rate of 4.89 million units in April, which is 1.0 percent below the 4.94 million units in March and 17.5 percent below the 5.93 million-unit level a year ago, NAR announced this morning. The median existing-home price in April was $202,300, down 8.0 percent from April 2007.
Total housing inventory increased 10.5 percent last month to 4.55 million homes available for sale. This represents an 11.2-month supply, up from a 10.0-month supply available last month.
Existing-home sales increased month-over-month in the West by 6.4 percent, remained unchanged in the South, and decreased in the Northeast and Midwest by 4.4 percent and 6.0 percent respectively. All regions saw decreases from a year ago: 15.3 percent in the West; 18.6 percent in the South; 14.7 percent in the Northeast; and 19.7 percent in the Midwest.
NAR President Richard F. Gaylord pointed to some good signs in the market. “In the past week, Freddie Mac and Fannie Mae announced that they were eliminating their ‘declining market’ policies, effective June 1,” he said in a statement. “This means consumers across the country will have access to safe, affordable financing with down payments of only 5 percent on most mortgages, with 100 percent financing available on some loan products, and we could see an upturn in home sales this summer.”
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