Every news report I read reports improving real estate sales in Massachusetts. According to  the Boston Globe sales of single family homes in Massachusetts rose 3% in 2009, the first year over year increase since 2004.  Whether or not this trend continues is the subject of much debate.  There is much speculation and many opinions as to whether or not the housing market will continue to recover after the government home buyer tax incentives expire.  Let’s take a look at single family home sales in Andover and North Andover. 

 In Andover the average single family home price in 2009 was $574,387 down .9% from the 2008 average sale price of $585,193.   A total of 252 single family homes sold in Andover in  2009 up 1.6%  over 2008 sales.

In North Andover the average single family home price in 2009 was $459,480 down 14.2% from the 2008 average sale price of $528,274. A total of 195 single family homes sold in North Andover in 2009 up 7.8% over 2008 sales.

You see the market data can be very different even in two neighboring towns.  Knowing and understanding your local market is critical when making buying or selling decisions.   See what homes have sold in YOUR NEIGHBORHOOD. 

Andover / North Andover Real Estate Market Data is a post from: Andover | North Andover Real Estate & Home Town News

Outdoor fun in Andover

No, the superbowl won’t be as much fun this year for local homeowners without the Patriots…but there still is plenty to do in Andover and North Andover on weekend afternoons.  Here’s one idea for outdoor winter fun. Did you know  you can rent or buy snowshoes or cross country skis at Moore and Mountain 3 Railroad Square, Andover.  Then enjoy some fresh air and exersize on one of our local  trails in Andover or North Andover.

What to do in Andover now that there are no more Patriots games to watch… is a post from: Andover | North Andover Real Estate & Home Town News

Why winter can be a great time to sell your home is a post from: Andover | North Andover Real Estate & Home Town News

With the New Year upon us we’re reading and viewing the recommendations and predictions from many experts in all fields—personal, family, health and, not the least of course, ecomonics and real estate.  Naturally, I listen carefully to the comments offered by the economists.  While most agree that the housing market appears to be stabilizing, many of the experts also agree that the recovery will be long and slow and no one is certain if the recovery will be able to sustain itself once the government homebuyer tax credits go away.  While I believe this market is the perfect time for many people to buy their first home and for others to “move up” to a larger home,  I also agree with the economist I heard on “Good Morning America” this weekend.  His advice?  Before you think about investing in anything…stocks, bonds, real estate—even your 401K account…pay off all your credit cards.  By making sure your accounts are up to date and saving for a down payment you’ll be able to afford that home—no matter what the market condition.

Why not to buy real estate in a buyer’s market…. is a post from: Andover | North Andover Real Estate & Home Town News

Buying and selling real estate seems to get more complicated every day.  You might think that with all the media reports on housing, market data and the mortgage crisis a home buyer or seller has all the information he or she needs for a successful and efficient transaction.  My experience suggests the opposite. The challenge is not finding the information, it’s finding relevant, local information and synthesizing that information into a plan that makes sense for the individual consumer.

 Market data is a great example. We are bombarded by news reports of home sales. Of course it’s broken down into regions, states, counties and towns…but what about YOUR neighborhood?  Why did one particular 2000 square foot, 4 bedroom, 2.5 bath home sell in 24 days while another languishes on the market month after month?  Whether you’re buying OR selling knowing the answer to that question will help you make an informed, intelligent decision.  More importantly, the answer to that question could save — or cost you—tens of thousands of dollars.  An experienced real estate agent will save you time and money.  She will also guide you through a financing process that is becoming increasingly frustrating and complex by the day.  New guidelines and lending rules have been changing dramatically and are about to change significantly again on January 1.  One forgotten detail or mistaken entry on a form may delay or prevent a transaction from closing. Your home is likely to be your most significant financial asset. Doesn’t it make sense to manage it wisely?

A new year, a new real estate market! is a post from: Andover | North Andover Real Estate & Home Town News

North Andover Tax Increase

The average homeowner in North Andover will see his or her real estate tax go up again in 2010.  An average home valued at $447,800 will soon pay  property tax of $6502.  Selectman voted earlier this month to set the North Andover residential property tax rate at $12.74 per $1000 valuation. See the current valuation of your home in North Andover. 

Andover residents will see similar increases in their property taxes where the residential tax rate will increase to $13.19 per $1000 valuation.  If you’re concerned about your ability to pay your 2010 property taxes contact me at REMAX Partners in Andover.  Many cities and towns offer tax exceptions or abatements for qualified residents but there are very specific procedures and deadlines which must be followed.

North Andover Real Estate Taxes Also Going Up in 2010 is a post from: Andover | North Andover Real Estate & Home Town News

Remember the home buyer tax credit has been expanded to include current homeowners who have lived in their current homes for 5 of the previous 8 years.  There are income restrictions and homes must be under contract by April 30, 2010.  Find out here how to take advantage of this tax credit and start searching for your new home here in the Andover area.

First time homebuyers rock on! is a post from: Andover | North Andover Real Estate & Home Town News

Andover Central Park

North Andover Olde Center

These photos remind us of why we love living here in Andover and North Andover….a beautiful fall afternoon!  Find your dream home here in the Andover area!

Why we love living in Andover and North Andover is a post from: Andover | North Andover Real Estate & Home Town News

Have you ever asked yourself if you really need a Realtor?  Perhaps you’re concerned about saving money or being overwhelmed by phone calls or e-mails.  However, whether you’re buying or selling your home a real estate professional can be an invaluable asset, helping to keep deals together and making sure every important detail is managed in a timely fashion.

Because I know the Andover and North Andover real estate market can help sellers properly price their homes.   As “Your Neighborhood Expert” I advertise and market homes not only to potential buyers but to other real estate professionals as well.  I help home owners present their homes in a way that will appeal to potential buyers. I negotiate contracts and make certain all the essential details are properly coordinated.

My knowledge of the local real estate market is just as valuable for home buyers. I know what homes are available and I know the community, its amenities and all that it has to offer.  I prepare contracts, negotiate offers, help arrange home inspections and coordinate all the steps required for a successful closing.

If you’re thinking about buying or selling a home in the Andover area, or know someone who is, I can help diminish the stresses involved with buying or selling real estate.  Contact me at ReMax Partners in Andover to learn more about my buyer and seller services.

Why Use A Realtor? is a post from: Andover | North Andover Real Estate & Home Town News

1. Short sales are impossible and never get approved. It is true that short sales are more difficult but they are not impossible. A Certified Distressed Property Expert (CDPE)  has extensive training to help homeowners in distress.  By engaging the services of a CDPE you're chances of completing a successful short sale improve significantly.
2. Banks Don’t Accept Short Sales. In reality, banks, too, would like to avoid foreclosure whenever possible, but it is critical that your realtor has special training the process.  Many attempted short sales fail simply because the process was mishandled.
3. You must be behind on your mortgage to negotiate a short sale. Many lenders today focus on verifiable hardship, monthly cash flow shortfall and insolvency, not just people in default.
4. Buyers Avoid Short Sales. Many agents report that buyers call them looking for short sales and an experienced, knowledgable real estate agent understands short sales are becoming synonymous with a “good deals.”
5. Listing your home as a short sale is embarrassing. Recent estimates state that 1 out of 5 homeowners in the U.S. is in this situation. You are not alone!
6. Banks prefer to foreclose. Banks do NOT want to foreclose. Banks, investors and the federal government have all publicly stated that if a person qualifies for a short sale, then the deal needs to be considered.
7. There is not enough time to negotiate a short sale before my foreclosure. Many lenders today will stall a foreclosure up to the final day of the process, with a legitimate contract.