Wednesday, January 13, 2010

Maynard Real Estate - 2009 Sales Up!

Welcome to the Maynard MA Market Conditions report.


First a recap of 2009: sales of single-family homes in Maynard during 2009 were up 23.6% over 2008 sales – 94 compared to 76. The median sale price was $280,000 – down by 10% from 2008. Lower prices made for faster sales – the average time on the market was 105 days; 27% fewer days than in 2008.

There were only four closed sales for single-family during December 2009 in Maynard MA; down from six during December 2008; while both median and average sale prices were up – the median sale price during December 2009 was $391,450; the average was $367,725 and the average time on the market was only 80 days.

Currently, there are fewer single-family homes on the market in Maynard than last year at this time; only 2, 2 of which already have accepted offers and are being shown for backup offers. Last year there were 31 single family homes available in Maynard.

List prices range from $111,000 to $519,900. The median list price is less than last year - $284,900 vs. $299,900; the average price is higher - $322,515 compared with $304,048.

Condominium sales were also up in Maynard during 2009; 31 sold compared with 22 in 2008; the median sale price was $229,000 – down 18.7%; and the average time on the market was 165 days up from 151 days. Townhouse sales at Deer Hedge Run, Apple Ridge, and Oak Ridge more than doubled; 18 units sold in 2009 compared with only 8 in 2008. The median sale price was $226,000; down 11% from the previous year.

Currently, there are 17 condos/townhouses available in Maynard; last year at this time there were 26.

Maynard remains a more affordable option for buyers than the surrounding towns – Sudbury, Acton, Concord, and Stow. The extended home buyer tax credit, which now also includes $6,500 for many existing home owners who would like to move up, move down or move sideways to easier living or another location, should help more buyers and sellers take advantage of all that the town of Maynard has to offer.

Search for houses in Maynard and the nearby towns west of Boston, visit http://http//www.marilynmessenger.com your on-line source for real estate listings, news and information or call Marilyn Messenger at 508-596-3501 for personal real estate services.

*Data Source - MLSPIN (Multiple Listing Service Property Information Network.)

Tuesday, January 12, 2010

Your Vote is Important!


Democracy can only happen when people show up! Town meeting is democracy in it's purest form - anyone can speak up, one person, one vote. Last night's special town meeting in Maynard was democracy at it's best - so great to see people come out to participate in our town government!

The purpose of the meeting was to vote on building a new high school for Maynard - a major issue for the town. Because the decision makers at the State level still hasn't decided which plan it will approve for funding, participants were asked to vote only to adjorn the meeting and hold another on February 9 at which time we town officials will present an actual plan and we will vote.

The town meeting form of government is in jepardy. Many towns in Massachusetts, including Maynard, have lowered their quorum minimum in order to conduct business; some towns are working to eliminate town meeting all together due to lack of participation. Wouldn't it be great if people came out to participate and vote on all the issues and not just the ones that effect them directly? What about elections in general - fewer and fewer people come out to vote...

The system isn't perfect but it's the best we have and it's up to us to make it work. I encourage everyone to attend their town meetings; and by all means, vote in the upcoming Massachusetts senate election on January 19. Decisions are made by those who show up - show up and be counted! And if you live in Maynard, don't forget town meeting on February 9th.