As we approach one of our country’s most historic elections in our nation’s history I hope you’ll all get out and vote for the candidates of your choice.  At the heart of this election is the crisis in housing–a crisis that effects each of us in many ways. Our elected officials have enormous power to shape our economic futures and our American dream of home ownership.  What better reason to make your voice count? With that in mind I’m passing along these “Top 10 Voter Tips” published by MassVote.org! 

The Massachusetts Association of Realtors reported a 5% increase in the number of single family home sales for the month of September when compared to September 2007.  “This is the first year to year increase in monthly sales in 2008….The median price of a single family home was $295,000, the first time median home prices dipped below $300,000 since 2003″ according to the Association.  Sales of condominiums continued to decline by 6.2% when compared to the same month last year.  For a closer look at sales of single family homes and condominiums take a look at this report by the Massachusetts Association of Realtors.  As your neighborhood expert, I’m here to help you understand your local and regional housing markets.  Contact me at ReMax Partners in Andover for more information about market trends in Andover, North Andover, Boxford and the surrounding communities.

Now let’s take a look at the market data for single family home sales in North Andover. 

Just what will happen next with the economic news and upcoming election clearly remains to be seen. As your realtor I can help you sort through the media reports with clear, specific local market information. So contact me,Paulette Zuena at RE/MAX Partners in Andover, MA.  I’ll be watching the market closely!

With the first three quarters of 2008 behind us it’s time to look at the market data for single family home sales in Andover. For a perspective on home sale trends here in Andover take a look at the following market data for sales recorded with the are Multiple Listing Service. 

Want more details?  Take a look at the month by month sales of single family homes here in Andover, MA . 

Every day the news is filled with stories about the mortgage crisis and falling  of home values. Yet did you know that the median sale price of single family homes sold in Andover during the past 12 months is only 1.4% lower than the median sale price for single family homes during the identical prior 12 month period? While the number of home sales has indeed declined, prices for many neighborhoods continue to be favorable.  For up to date market data specific to your neighborhood contact Paulette Zuena at REMAX Partners in Andover.

With so much news about the financial markets it’s no wonder home owners are concerned about the value of their homes and home buyers are wondering if prices have stabilized or if further adjustments can be expected.  Wise investors have always understood that real estate has always been a local, long term investment .  The time to buy or sell a home is always about what’s right for you–not about the emotional highs and lows of the daily news.  Still, many people wonder when the national real estate market will begin to recover.  For an interesting perspective on this topic take a look at this recent  article by James Cramer published in the New York Magazine.

Paint the front door. You would be surprised at how much a bold, complimentary new door color will liven up the curb appeal. A freshly painted door will add instant impact to the front of your house.

Maintain your yard. A poorly maintained yard leaves the impression of a home in disrepair. Keep your lawn in good condition, haul away any trash and mow, prune and weed whack your yard often.

Install new cabinet handles. If you don’t want to go through the expense of installing new cabinets, swap out old, broken or unsightly handles with handsome new replacements. It’s easy and affordable. 

Paint the walls. If you decide you want to update a room’s color palette, the right shade can dramatically change the feel of a room. Sometimes just painting one wall or section is all that’s needed.

Pressure-wash your home. You may not need to spend a lot of money repainting your home’s exterior. A good power wash will often have your paint job looking as good as new.

Contact Paulette Zuena at REMAX Partners in Andover, MA for more ways you can improve the value of your home. This is especially important if you are thinking about selling your home.

© 2008 Buffini & Company All Rights Reserved. Used by Permission.