One of the fun parts of my job is staying connected with the communities I serve and passing that information along.   Did you know you could shop online AND support the North Andover Youth Center at the same time? Click here for store listings.  Start your North Andover home search or sign up for  my free MLS Property Finder.

Reading today’s edition of the Boston Globe, I came across this comic strip by Terri Libenson….I thought it was a perfect commentary for the last day of winter break in Massachusetts communities!  Enjoy….

The end of winter break in the Andovers

You may have heard the comment — “our perception is our reality.”  However, I find it helpful to check the facts every now and again.  As I study the daily updates for homes for sale in Andover and North Andover it seems as though there are fewer new listings and homes for sale in the Andover area than we typically see even during the holiday season.  A careful look at the market reports does indeed confirm my instincts.  There are fewer single family homes on the market in Andover and North Andover compared to this same time in 2008.  Let’s take a look…

On December 7, 2008  there were 101 single family homes on the market in Andover with a median list price of $604,900 and average days on market of 190.

Today, December 7, 2009 there are 86 single family homes on the market in Andover with a median list price of $599,450 and average days on market of 184.

The North Andover real estate market shows a similar trend.

On December 7, 2008 there were 99 single family homes on the market with a median asking price of $559,000 and average days on market of 194.

Today, December 7, 2009 there are 88 single family homes on the market in North Andover with a median asking price of$554,450 and average days on market of 184.

That translates to 4.1 months of inventory for Andover and 5.4 months for North Andover and for sellers this means now can be a great time to sell your home.  To see what homes have sold for in your neighborhood check MyHomeValueToday.

The kids are finally out of school here in Andover and North Andover and you may be planning a fun family vacation! Before you go, take some time to think about the best ways to protect your home from a possible burglary while you are away. The post offices in Andover and North Andover will gladly stop the mail while you're away and deliver it in bulk when you return---no need to make two trips to the post office. A simple phone call to the Boston Globe or the Eagle Tribune will stop the newspaper delivery--you can even donate your undelivered newspapers to a local school program! Obviously be sure to  lock the house up tightly and leave a light on.  Here are a few more ideas which go a step beyond these old stand-bys:

• If you happen to be going away on an extended trip, you may be better off asking a neighbor to pick up your mail and newspaper and bring it into your home each day.
• Invest in  a couple of timers. You can set them to turn a light on and then off at the same time each day. You can also use a timer on a radio or stereo.
• Hire a house sitter in the form of your neighbor’s responsible teen, or work out a system with your neighbor where you can cover their house when they go away and they look after yours when you are away.
• If your neighborhood does not already have a “neighborhood watch” program, be the one to start it. That way you will always have someone to tell your travel plans to.
• Consider purchasing a home security system. Your home will be regularly monitored and many companies offer a neighborhood patrol.  Many will even monitor your home for smoke, water or temperature changes.

It’s that fun time of year again!  I’m so thankful to live in a country where we shoot cannons and explosives into the night sky to celebrate our freedom and not to overthrow repressive governments and dictators.  Around the world there is unrest—Honduras, Iran, Iraq and Pakistan are just a few of the world regions where freedom and the right to “life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness” are just a distant hope and dream.  I hope you will take some time this Independence Day to celebrate our treasured heritage with family and loved ones.  Remember always how blessed we are, how important it is to protect our freedom and to give thanks to those who came before us and sacrificed much to leave us the legacy and lifestyle we enjoy today.  To help you enjoy your 4th of July Holiday, here is a list of local holiday events, activities and of course Fireworks!

Andover

July 3: Andover High School, 80 Shawsheen Road with performance by Middlesex Concert Band at 7 p.m., followed by fireworks at dusk.

July 4: The Park, Bartlet Street, with jazz band concert at 8-9:30 a.m.; pancake breakfast (adults $5, children/seniors, $3; Horribles parade, 9:30 a.m.; children’s games, prizes and entertainment, 10-11:30 a.m.; Middlesex Concert Band, 10:30 a.m.-noon. 

North Andover

July 3: Town Common in Old Center with family picnic, music by Russ McQueen, beer and wine tent, 5-8 p.m.

July 4: Town Common, 28th annual Merrimack Valley Striders Road Race starts 8 a.m.; food, children’s games, crafters and display tents, 9 a.m.-4 p.m.; doll carriage and bike parade, pony rides, Rotary Club castle, beer and wine tent, starting at noon. Fireworks at North Andover Middle School, 9 p.m. Free parking and shuttle service from North Andover High to common, 11 a.m.-8 p.m.

July 5: Town Common with Military Appreciation Day non-denominational service at 9 a.m. with Ulysses S. Grant re-enactor, crafters and display tents, 10 a.m.; dunk tank, pony rides at noon; vintage baseball, 3 p.m.; performance by Jazz Disciples, 3:30 p.m.; beer and wine tent, noon.

• Make sure that you have enough in savings to cover your mortgage while you find a new job, should you lose your job. Many experts recommend at the very least to have six months worth of savings to cover all expenses, including the mortgage.
• Understand before purchasing your home, all of the expenses that will be involved to maintain the home. If you are considering purchasing a fixer-upper, make a list of all of the inevitable things that will need to be replaced or repaired and their costs. 
• Consider your other expenses, such as your car payment or transportation costs, taxes, etc. and whether or not this new home will be affordable for you.

Elegant North Andover Colonial home for sale

 Elegant Colonial set on a picuresque acre lot. Sophisticated style and first class amenities throughout including central air conditioning , hardwood flooring, custom built-in cabinetry, 5 true bedrooms, 3.5 baths and more than 1000 square feet of beautiful lower level living space. In home office, plenty of storage and desirable cul-de-sac location.  Take a virtual tour  of this fine home, schedule a private showing by contacting me at RE/MAX Partners in Andover, MA or search the entire MLS and sign up for free email updates!

A surprisingly peaceful backyard retreat that comes with this charming Cape style home. From top to bottom this bright and sunny home is truly move in condition. All systems go-including new roof 2004, oil tank and chimney 2006 and bonus pellet stove to reduce heat costs. Close to Andover Center and commuter routes, this home offers expansion possibilities as well as an oversized 2 car garage perfect for storage, workshop or hobbies. Abuts acres of conservation land. To schedule a private showing contact me at RE/MAX Partners in Andover.  To search all current listings and recieve free email updates in Andover, North Andover and all of Massachusetts sign up for my MLS Property Finder!

According the the National Association of Realtors, on average, home equity accounts for 60% of a family’s net worth.  Also, the National Association of Realtors, historical data shows that home values nearly double every ten years.  With that in mind the current market screams with opportunities for home buyers. Because prices and the supply of homes for sale varies from neighborhood to neighborhood and town to town, feel secure knowing that I have the most up to date information about the real estate market conditions  Andover, North Andover, Boxford and surrounding communities.  Sign up for free market updates or see what homes in your neighborhood have sold for recently.  I value your trust in me and look forward to helping you with all of your real estate needs.