After years of dormancy, the ranch is coming back! Easy one-story living, lots of light, and do-it-yourself maintenance are some of the reasons for new buyer interest. And, by the way,prices are truly affordable for many buyers.

Vanessa Parks has much to say about the resurrection of the ranch in her Boston Globe Magazine article (May 6, 2012). Among other reasons for renewed appeal of the ranch are these:

•  Lots of space
• Good layout for entertaining
• Easy and less expensive to update or renovate
• No stairs to maneuver
• Accessibility for older or physically limited people

Sound interesting? Call me at Think Real Estate Services in Newton, and I’ll help you explore ranches or other home styles in Greater Boston.

For more insights about the return of the ranch, read Vanessa’s article, Back to the Ranch, Sunday, May 6, 2012, p.32, the Boston Globe Magazine.

 Mitchell Kur,

Cell: 617-962-7895

Office: 617-244-2755

NUMBER SOLD, AVERAGE SALE PRICE, AND AVERAGE DAYS ON MARKET

NEWTON, BROOKLINE, NEEDHAM, WELLESLEY, & NATICK, MA

2007 to 2011, and 4 months 2012

MAY 1, 2012

Compiled by Mitchell Kur, Principal, Think Real Estate Services, Newton, MA

Data Source: MLSPIN

Source: MLSPIN

* First four months of 2012

** Average Days on Market

You may find the data above valuable if you are sellers in any of these five cities and towns, or if you are considering buying a home in one of them. The data provide a backdrop for your exploration as well as help to set expectations. For example, the numbers suggest that Natick may be a great community for first time buyers. Needham has experienced slow but steady price increases over the five year period. Newton, Brookline and Wellesley prices have remained relatively stable (and strong), good for sellers, although buyers may find many individual excellent values that counter the averages.

The more current data (first four months of 2012) reflect an active start of the “spring season,” with lower priced homes leading sales, and higher priced homes sitting on the market longer.

Some buyers are beginning to feel that they are being priced out of the market—that homes are not affordable. But take a look at the schedule below. Among the over 700 homes for sale in these five communities, there are 138 homes for sale at $600,000 or less, 52 of them in Natick and 32 in Needham.

SINGLE FAMILY HOMES FOR SALE ON MAY 1, 2012

Source: MLSPIN

Take heart, buyers. The average list prices above look scary when compared with actual selling price data in the first schedule. That’s because final prices are reached in the overwhelming number of cases only after careful negotiations. Also on your side, buyers, are very low interest rates.

There are still homes in great communities at all (final) prices that will fit the pocketbooks of buyers. Get professional help to find the right home, negotiate, manage the process, and achieve your goals. For a free consultation, contact me or one of our other professionals at Think Real Estate Services.

Mitchell Kur , Principal Think Real Estate Services 191 Sumner Street Newton Centre, MA 02459 617-962-7895 (direct) 617-244-2755 (office)

www.THINKres.com

Natick | For Sale $439,000

By Mitchell Kur

Principal, Think Real Estate Services, Newton, MA

If you are looking for your first (or even your second) home, look no further. Natick may be your answer.

Why Natick?

• Near most major roads.
• Near Metropolitan Boston museums, theaters, music venues, and sports events.
• Great Natick shopping.
• Highly rated schools.
• Wonderful residential neighborhoods.
• Outstanding values in single family homes.

SINGLE FAMILY HOMES — Compared to benchmark peak year 2005, when the average selling price of a single family home in Natick was $552,194, by last year (2011) the average price had fallen to $463,282, a drop of 16%. Prices have declined steadily since the 2005 peak, resulting in offerings that are more affordable at a time when interest rates are at their lowest point in scores of years. The decrease in Selling Price per square foot of living space has dropped from $277/sf in 2005 to $229/sf last year (2011), further reinforcing the current value proposition for Natick homes.

NO. OF SINGLE FAMILY HOMES SOLD AND AVERAGE PRICES–NATICK, MA

2005 TO 2011

Source: MLSPIN

Prices of SFHs in the neighboring communities of Newton and Needham, on the other hand, have been rising during the past three years, suggesting the beginning of turnaround in cities and towns closer to Boston. That may eventually extend to communities farther away from Boston. Does that mean Natick has reached its lowest price point? We don’t know, but we do know that Natick prices are lower than at any time in the past five years. It’s impossible to predict the exact low point of any cycle, but it appears that Natick may be close, suggesting it’s a great time to buy there.

CONDOMINIUMS — The picture for condo sales in Natick is quite different. Average condominium prices have remained in a price band between $300,000 and $350,000 for the past six years, with steady growth in the number of condos sold from 110 in 2006 to 188 last year. Interestingly, the early sales this year (first 11 weeks) reflect 21 condos sold at an average price of $304,000 and average price per square foot of just under $200, both their lowest points in at least six years. If you are looking for a condo, it might be wise to check out Natick, given these initial 2012 statistics.

NO. OF CONDOMINIUMS SOLD AND AVERAGE PRICES–NATICK, MA

2005 TO 2011  

Source: MLSPIN

If you have questions, comments, or want more information about Natick homes, contact the author at mitch@thinkres.com . Your input is welcome and valuable.

By Mitchell Kur

Principal, Think Real Estate Services, Newton, MA

For Sale in Natick MA

19 Plain Street, Natick, MA 01760 $319,900!

If you are looking for your first (or even your second) home, look no further. Natick may be your answer.

Why Natick?

• Near most major roads.
• Near Metropolitan Boston museums, theaters, music venues, and sports events.
• Great Natick shopping.
• Highly rated schools.
• Wonderful residential neighborhoods.
• Outstanding values in single family homes.

SINGLE FAMILY HOMES –Compared to benchmark peak year 2005, when the average selling price of a single family home in Natick was $552,194, by last year (2011) the average price had fallen to $463,282, a drop of 16%. Prices have declined steadily since the 2005 peak, resulting in offerings that are more affordable at a time when interest rates are at their lowest point in scores of years. The decrease in Selling Price per square foot of living space has dropped from $277/sf in 2005 to $229/sf last year (2011), further reinforcing the current value proposition for Natick homes.

NO. OF SINGLE FAMILY HOMES SOLD AND AVERAGE PRICES–NATICK, MA

2005 TO 2011

Source: MLSPIN

Prices of SFHs in the neighboring communities of Newton and Needham, on the other hand, have been rising during the past three years, suggesting the beginning of turnaround in cities and towns closer to Boston. That may eventually extend to communities farther away from Boston. Does that mean Natick has reached its lowest price point? We don’t know, but we do know that Natick prices are lower than at any time in the past five years. It’s impossible to predict the exact low point of any cycle, but it appears that Natick may be close, suggesting it’s a great time to buy there.

CONDOMINIUMS — The picture for condo sales in Natick is quite different. Average condominium prices have remained in a price band between $300,000 and $350,000 for the past six years, with steady growth in the number of condos sold from 110 in 2006 to 188 last year. Interestingly, the early sales this year (first 11 weeks) reflect 21 condos sold at an average price of $304,000 and average price per square foot of just under $200, both their lowest points in at least six years. If you are looking for a condo, it might be wise to check out Natick, given these initial 2012 statistics.

NO. OF CONDOMINIUMS SOLD AND AVERAGE PRICES–NATICK, MA

2005 TO 2011

Source: MLSPIN

 If you have questions, comments, or want more information about Natick homes, contact the author at mitch@thinkres.com. Your input is welcome and valuable.

You may also download additional data for Brookline, Newton, Needham and Wellesley.

*Listing courtesy of Denise F. Earl, Century 21 Commonwealth