Buy or Rent? Must Ask Questions To Help You Decide

Whether you should buy or rent a home depends on your wants, needs, priorities, short and long term goals. Given the option, most people still prefer to own, especially these days when rents have gone up and mortgage rates have gone down. The decision is not only financial, but in fact, most people buy for quality of life reasons.

Here are some must ask questions to answer before you decide:

1)      What are your short and long term plans?

2)      What type of house do you want?

3)      What community do you want to live in?

4)      What is the upfront cost?  Down payment that goes toward the purchase price vs. security deposit, first and last month rent, rental agent fee.

5)      What is the actual after tax cost?

6)      How often do you want to move? A landlord can decide to sell the property at the end of your lease term end do you want to move after a year? What if you have children in school and there aren’t any rentals in that school district?

7)      Do you have a pet(s)? Many landlords do not allow any pets.

8)      How important is control over your living space?

9)      Do you like to decorate? You can’t change a rental; and why would you want to spend money on someone else’ property?

10)   How do you feel about paying your landlord’s mortgage/expenses, building some else’ wealth?

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Maynard Real Estate Update - Good Opportunities for Buyers!

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Single Family Homes: Current list prices for single family homes in Maynard range from $110,000 to $524,900; the median price is $269,450 - down from $300,000 last year; the average price is $288,023 - down from $328,494 last year at this time. There are 46 homes on the market. As in most other towns in the area, the market is very active because of the warm weather and low interest rates and of the 46 homes for sale, there are 8 that already have accepted offers. Last year there were 34 single family homes for sale. More inventory and lower prices combined with amazingly low interest rates make this a great time for buyers who would like to live in Maynard.

There are 11 single family properties with sales pending.

Closed Sales: January and February sales were down substantially from the first two months of 2011; only 9 compared with 17. And, sale prices were also lower. The median sale price was $230,000; the average was $225,889. The median sale price for the same period in 2011 was $321,000; the average was $329,865. On average, it took more time to sell – 130 days compared with 110 days.

While median and average price information is useful, it does not mean that every property value went up or down by the same amount or percent. Maynard had some good year-end opportunities in the lower ranges that buyers to advantage of; the average list price for homes with recently accepted offer is back up to $322,300.

Condominiums and Townhouses: There are only half as many condominiums including townhouses for sale in Maynard as there were last year at this time; 7 compared with 14. Median and average list prices are just about the same; the median is $239,999 and the average is $240,542


Sales of condomiumiums and townhouses for January and February were flat; only 6, last year there 7. And as with single-family homes in Maynard, sale prices were lower. The median sale price was $190,450; the average was $184,733.


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Maynard Home Sales Market Report- 2011 Sales Up!

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 The 2011 median price was -9.93% less than the peak in 2007 and +7% higher than the low in 2009. The number of homes sold increased since the peak and has remained steady since 2009.

Days on market is an important factor to consider when pricing your home to sell. Buyers will not make offers on homes that are not priced correctly. The longer a house is on the market, the less it will sell for.

Single Family Homes: Current list prices for single family homes in Maynard range from $85,000 to $524,900; the median price is $259,900 - down from $318,250 last year; the average price is $269,997 - down from $330,340 last year at this time. There are 43 homes on the market; up from 30 last year. More inventory and lower prices combined with amazingly low interest rates make this a great time for buyers who would like to live in Maynard.

There are 3 single family properties with sales pending.

December Closed sales: December ended the year on a positive note. There were 10 sold, up from 8 in December 2010. The median price was $313,500; up from last year’s median of $287,000. The average was $308,300, slightly lower than last year. And on average, it took less time to sell – 116 days compared with 140. 

Condominiums and Townhouses: Looking for easy living? There are a total of 10 condominiums including townhouses for sale in Maynard. Of the ten, four have accepted offers waiting for contingencies to clear. Last year at this time there were 18 for sale.

There were 25 condos/townhouses sold in 2011. The median price was $234,500; the average was $211,208. There were on 2 closed sales in December; a townhouse at Deer Hedge Run that sold for $201,000; and a half-duplex one on Butler Avenue that sold for $179,900.

Maynard offers more affordable options for buyers than the surrounding towns of Sudbury, Acton, Concord, and Stow. First time home buyers moving from the Cambridge, Waltham, Arlington area are attracted to the active downtown with a variety of specialty shops and restaurants, arts, and movies as well as the variety of opportunities for outdoor activities including walking, hiking, golf, fishing, canoeing. Construction is also in the process building a new high school. If you haven’t been to Maynard, come see what you’re missing!

Facebook users "like" Living West of Boston for updates about Maynard and the surrounding towns.

Data Source: MLSPIN (Multiple Listing Service Property Information Network)

Real Estate Market Conditions - Buyers Recognizing Good Values in Maynard!

The spring market is very busy in Maynard. Buyers are recogizing good values and taking advantage of low interest rates. Here is a summary of what's going on in the Maynard real estate market.

List prices for single family homes in Maynard range from $145,000 to $580,000; the median price is $299,000 - up 10K from last year; the average price is $308,528 - up approximately 2K from last year at this time. There are 55 homes on the market; exactly the same number as last year. The spring market in Maynard is very active with 13 accepted offers, 8 of which went in 20 days or less; and there are also 9 properties with sales pending. The average list price for homes with accepted offers is $307,915; the average price for sales pending is $358,856.

First quarter sales in Maynard held steady with 21 single family homes sold, one more than during Q1 of 2010 and the good news for sellers is that both the median and average sale price was higher this year. The median for Q1 2011 was $317,300; the average was $327,760. The median sales price for Q1 2010 was $284,450; the average was $304,030.



After this challenging winter we just had, more people are considering condominiums. For anyone looking for easy living, there are some excellent townhouse condominiums for sale in Maynard. Prices range from $89,000 for short sale needing lender approval to $323,000 for new construction in an over 55 townhouse development. Prices at the established townhouse developments of Apple Ridge, Oak Ridge, and Deer Hedge Run start at $229,000. At the peak these townhouses were selling up to the $320s so they are an excellent value in the $200s. There were 6 condominiums sold during the first quarter of 2011, one more than during Q1 of 2010. The median price was $252,000; it was $268,000 last year.



Maynard offers more affordable options for buyers than the surrounding towns of Sudbury, Acton, Concord, and Stow. First time home buyers moving from the Cambridge, Waltham, Arlington area are attracted to the active downtown with its variety of specialty shops and restaurants, arts, and movies as well as the variety of opportunities for outdoor activities including walking, hiking, golf, fishing, canoeing. Maynard also has approved the construction of a new high school. If you haven't been to Maynard, come see what you're missing!



Mortgage interest rates are still low but are starting to edge up; anyone who would enjoy living in Maynard should make their move soon before purchasing power erodes further. Visit www.marilynmessenger.com to search complete MLS listings with addresses and maps; news and information and market reports for Sudbury, Stow, Maynard, and Weston MA. Facebook users - "like" and search without leaving FB at www.facebook.com/livingwestofboston.

Data source: MLSPIN (Multiple Listing Service Property Information Network.

Maynard MA Housing Report - Sales and Prices Up!

Welcome to the Maynard MA Real Estate Market Conditions report for June 2010.


There are currently 49 single-family homes on the market in Maynard compared with 30 at this time last year; 3 of the properties already have accepted offers and are waiting for contingencies to clear. There are also 12 homes with sales pending.

The median list price for a single family home in Maynard is $329,500 up from last year at this time when it was $288,400; the average list price is also higher - $346,575, last year it was $327,730. The average list price for the homes with offers accepted is also $346,575; the average list price for sales pending is $334,083.

The average time on the market for current listings is 72 days compared with 135 days on 6/20/2009.

Closed single family home sales in Maynard during May 2010 were up from May 2009; 11 compared with 5. Median and average sale prices were also up by approximately 20K. The median sale price was $300,000; the average was $284,615. Year-to-date there have been 48 single family homes sold in Maynard, up substantially for the same period in 2009; and sale prices for the year are also up.

For anyone looking for easy living, there are there are 18 condominiums/townhouses available in Maynard; last year at this time there were 23. Prices range from $99,900 for apartment style condos to $339,900 for new townhouses. Prices at the established townhouse developments of Apple Ridge, Oak Ridge, and Deer Hedge Run start at $234,000.

Maynard offers more affordable housing options for buyers than the surrounding towns of Sudbury, Acton, Concord, and Stow, and the town has lots of activities and amenities including an active downtown with a variety of specialty shops and restaurants, Fine Arts movie theatre, live arts, music, and theatre. Check TV Diner's out recent restaurant reviews in Maynard.

To find out what homes are available in Maynard and the nearby towns west of Boston, visit www.marilynmessenger.com your on-line source for planning your move - MLS listings with addresses and maps, 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.)

Just Sold! Deer Hedge Run Townnhouse Maynard MA

Just sold another townhouse at Deer Hedge Run in Maynard. Sale price: $233,500! Check out the video.

The happy sellers are ready to take advantage of the home buyer tax credit which now includes up to $6,500 to puchase a single-family in Sudbury. What a great opportunity for buyers and sellers in this spring market; deadlines and restrictions apply - click here for information.

Deer Hedge Run is a townhouse development consisting of 155 townhouse units, a clubhouse for entertaining, a fitness room, heated outdoor pool, and a community tennis court; all  beautifully sited on 37+ acres of private land near Acton, Concord, and Sudbury. Perfect place for anyone looking for easy living.

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.)

Maynard Real Estate - November Sales Up!

Maynard MA: There were eleven closed sales for single-family during November in Maynard MA; up from only seven during November 2008; while both the median and average price were up just slightly; the median sale price was $270,000, the average was $258,545. The current inventory level is lower than last year at this time. Only 30 homes on the market; 4 of which already have accepted offers and are being shown for backup offers. Last year there were 35 single family homes available in Maynard. List prices range from $111,000 to $519,900. The median list price is less than last year - $287,400 vs. $299,900; the average price is higher - $316,270 compared with $310,691. Maynard remains a more affordable option for buyers than the surrounding towns – Sudbury, Acton, Concord, and Stow.Additionally, there are 9 single family homes with sales pending. The average list price for homes with sales pending is $356,811. Pending sales will close in the next month or two.

There are 21 condos/townhouses available in Maynard; last year at this time there were 24. Prices range from $161,900 for apartment-style condos. Townhouse re-sales at desirable Deer Hedge Run range from $247,900 to $276,900; Oak Ridge and Apple Ridge have similar prices. New construction townhomes starting at $279,000 for age restricted units and $329,000 for non-restricted townhouses with first floor master bedrooms and garages. Overall, condominium prices have dropped in Maynard so there are some great opportunities available.

To find out what homes are available in Maynard and the nearby towns west of Boston, visit 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.)