Newton Real Estate Prices by Zip Code

Newton Top Realtor, Compass, Price by Zip Code

Newton by Zip Code

 

                  SF SOLD 2018                                                SF SOLD 2019

ZIP             # UNITS     Average Price                        #UNITS      Average Price      % Change

02458         48              $1,272,000                                      56               $1,287,000          +1%

02459         161              $1,512,000                                    153             $1,625,000        +7%

02460         37               $1,254,000                                      45               $1,150,000         -8%

02461         71               $1,122,000                                      54               $1,281,000        +14%

02462         12               $1,042,000                                      13               $960,000              -8%

02464         11               $752,000                                           8                $880,000            +17%

02465         96               $1,542,000                                     104             $1,338,000         -13%

02466         36               $1,095,000                                      47               $1,255,000         +14%

02467         35               $1,900,000                                      30              $2,455,000           +29%

02468         75               $1,615,000                                      69               $1,661,000           +3%

 

CONDO      2018                                                                      CONDOS 2019

 

02458         55               $870,000                                         70               $801,000                      -8%

02459         37               $971,000                                         38              $1,098,000                   +13%

02460         41               $709,000                                         29               $899,000                      +26%

02461         10               $1,031,000                                      11               $799,000                      -22%

02462         4                $547,000                                            2                $526,000                       -4%

02464         31               $707,000                                         27               $675,000                       -5%

02465         16               $598,000                                         20              $961,000                       +65%

02466         17               $695,000                                         23               $740,000                      +06%

02467         63               $796,000                                          66               $686,000                      -13%

02468         5                 $1,279,000                                      11               $1,360,000                     -6%

 ALL OF NEWTON

SF              581             $1,421,000                                      580             $1,462,000                    +3%

CONDO    268                $809,000                                       298             $837,000                       +3% 

If you’d like to dive deeper into these numbers, do reach out to us.  Condition, location in a particular code, and lot size all come into play.   Smaller villages usually see a wider fluctuation due to volume.

 

 

 

 

 

Open House:5 Richfield Road, West Newton, Sunday, 2/10 from 12:30-2

Newton Top Realtors, Sotheby’s, Compass, Homes for Sale

5 Richfield Road

Upsize, downsize or rightsize to this stylish and elegant Arts and Crafts completely renovated in 2012 with an amazing 1ST FLOOR MASTER SUITE! This sophisticated four-bedroom, 4 1/2 bath home features an open and airy layout. The spacious main level offers an ultra-chic living room with a fireplace, gracious dining room, and chef’s kitchen open to breakfast/family room. The kitchen boasts Miele and Sub Zero appliances, with direct access to a covered mahogany porch. A first-floor master bedroom suite encompasses his and her bathroom, walk-in closet, an additional closet, laundry, and linen closet. The second floor consists of three very spacious bedrooms, two full baths, linen closet, and a second laundry room. Finished LL features a media room with custom bookshelves, full bath, office, and storage. The architect-designed 2012 renovation includes a second-floor addition while baths, systems, roof, windows, and sound system were replaced. Conveniently located to Pike, Commuter Rail, shopping, WN Square, and Newtonville.  Designed by Architect, Kent Duckham.

Home Prices Increase in Every Price Range

NEWTON, MA. REAL ESTATE, TOP BROKERS IN NEWTON, MA. COMPASS, SOTHEBY’S

CoreLogic’s Home Price Index (HPI) Report revealed,

“National home prices increased 3.6% year over year in July 2019 and are forecast to increase 5.4% from July 2019 to July 2020.”

They also analyzed four individual home-price tiers, showing the increase in each.

Here’s the breakdown:

To clarify the methodology, CoreLogic explains,

“The four price tiers are based on the median sale price and are as follows: homes priced at 75% or less of the median (low price), homes priced between 75% and 100% of the median (low-to-middle price), homes priced between 100% and 125% of the median (middle-to-moderate price) and homes priced greater than 125% of the median (high price).”

What does this mean if you’re selling?Price appreciation can differ depending on your price range. If you’re a homeowner thinking of selling, let’s get together to find out how much your home is increasing in value, so you can price it competitively for today’s market.

CALL ME AT 617.921.6860 OR margaret@compass.com

Housing Supply Not Keeping Up with Population Increase

Newton, MA Top Realtors. Newton and Brookline Real Estate, Compass, Sotheby’s

Many buyers are wondering where to find houses for sale in today’s market. It’s a true dilemma. We see an increase in buyer demand, but the supply available for purchase isn’t keeping up.

The number of new housing permits issued prior to the great recession increased for 15 years until 2005 (from 1.12 million in 1990 to a pre-recession peak of 2.16 million in 2005). According to Apartment List,

“From 1990 to 2005, the number of single-family permits issued more than doubled, while the number of multi-family permits grew by 49 percent.”

When the housing market crashed, the number of new homes permitted decreased to its lowest level in 2009 (see below):Since then, supply and demand have been out of balance when it comes to new construction. According to the same report,

“Construction of single-family homes has recovered much more slowly — the number of single-family housing units permitted in 2018 was barely half the number permitted in 2005.”

Why is new construction so important?

As the U.S. population increases, there is also an increase in the need for new homes. Today, new construction is not keeping up with the increase in the nation’s population. The report continues:

“The total number of residential housing units permitted in 2018 was roughly the same as the number permitted in 1994, when the country’s population was 20 percent less than it is today.”

Essentially, the dip in home building coupled with the steadily increasing U.S. population means there is now a selling opportunity for homeowners willing to list their current houses.

Bottom Line

If you’re considering selling your home to move up, now is a great time to get a positive return on your investment in a market with high demand. Let’s get together to determine the specific options available for you and your family.

Is Renting Right for Me?

Newton, MA. Real Estate, Top Broker in Newton, Compass, Sotheby’s

If you’re currently renting and have dreams of owning your own home, it may be a good time to think about your next move. With rent costs rising annually and many helpful down payment assistance programs available, homeownership may be closer than you realize.

According to the 2018 Bank of America Homebuyer Insights Report, 74% of renters plan on buying within the next 5 years, and 38% are planning to buy within the next 2 years.

When those same renters were asked why they disliked renting, 52% said rising rental costs were their top reason, and 42% of renters believe their rent will rise every year. The full results of the survey can be seen below:It’s no wonder rising rental costs came in as the top answer. The median asking rent price has risen steadily over the last 30 years, as you can see below.There is a long-standing rule that a household should not spend more than 28% of its income on housing expenses. With nearly half of renters (48%) surveyed already spending more than that, and with their rents likely to rise again, it’s never a bad idea to reconsider your family’s plan and ask yourself if renting is your best angle going forward. When asked why they haven’t purchased a home yet, not having enough saved for a down payment (44%) came in as the top response. The report went on to reveal that nearly half of all respondents believe that “a 20% down payment is required to buy a home.”

The reality is, the need to produce a 20% down payment is one of the biggest misconceptions of homeownership, especially for first-time buyers. That means a large number of renters may be able to buy now, and they don’t even know it.

Bottom Line

If you’re one of the many renters who are tired of rising rents but may be confused about what is required to buy in today’s market, let’s get together to determine your path to homeownership.
« The Cost of Waiting: Interest Rates Edition [INFOGRAPHIC]

4 Tips for Making a Competitive Offer

Newton, MA. Real Etstate, Compass, Sotheby’s Suburban Boston Team #Top Realtor

So, you’ve been searching for that perfect house to call ‘home,’ and you’ve finally found it! The price is right, and in such a competitive market, you want to make sure you make a good offer so that you can guarantee that your dream of making this house yours comes true!

Below are 4 steps provided by Freddie Mac to help buyers make offers, along with some additional information for your consideration:

1. Determine Your Price

“You’ve found the perfect home and you’re ready to buy. Now what? Your real estate agent will be by your side, helping you determine an offer price that is fair.”

Based on your agent’s experience and key considerations (like similar homes recently sold in the same neighborhood or the condition of the house and what you can afford), your agent will help you to determine the offer that you are going to present.

Getting pre-approved will not only show home-sellers that you are serious about buying, but it will also allow you to make your offer with confidence because you’ll know that you have already been approved for a mortgage in that amount.

2. Submit an Offer

“Once you’ve determined your price, your agent will draw up an offer, or purchase agreement, to submit to the seller’s real estate agent. This offer will include the purchase price and terms and conditions of the purchase.”

Talk with your agent to find out if there are any ways in which you can make your offer stand out in this competitive market! A licensed real estate agent who is active in the neighborhoods you are considering will be instrumental in helping you put in a solid offer.

3. Negotiate the Offer

“Oftentimes, the seller will counter the offer, typically asking for a higher purchase price or to adjust the closing date. In these cases, the seller’s agent will submit a counteroffer to your agent, detailing their desired changes, at this time, you can either accept the offer or decide if you want to counter.

Each time changes are made through a counteroffer, you or the seller have the option to accept, reject or counter it again. The contract is considered final when both parties sign the written offer.”

If your offer is approved, Freddie Mac urges you to “always get an independent home inspection, so you know the true condition of the home.” If the inspector uncovers undisclosed problems or issues, you can discuss any repairs that may need to be made with the seller or even cancel the contract altogether.

4. Act Fast

The inventory of homes listed for sale has remained well below the 6-month supply that is needed for a ‘normal’ market. Buyer demand has continued to outpace the supply of homes for sale, causing buyers to compete with each other for their dream homes.

Make sure that as soon as you decide that you want to make an offer, you work with your agent to present it as quickly as possible.

Bottom Line

Whether buying your first home or your fifth, having a local real estate professional who is an expert in his or her market on your side is your best bet in making sure the process goes smoothly. Let’s talk about how we can make your dream of homeownership a reality!

A Tale of Two Markets

Newton,MA, Compass, Sotheby’s #Suburban Boston Team #TopRealtor

Some Highlights:

• An emerging trend for some time now has been the difference between available inventory and demand in the premium and luxury markets and that in the starter and trade-up markets and what those differences are doing to prices!
• Inventory continues to rise in the luxury and premium home markets which is causing prices to cool.
• Demand continues to rise with lower-than-normal inventory levels in the starter and trade-up home markets, causing prices to rise on a year-over-year basis for 85 consecutive months.

Home Buyers are Optimistic About Homeownership!

Newton, MA. Brookline, Sotheby’s Compass Suburban Boston Team #TopRealtor

Home Buyers are Optimistic About Homeownership!

When we consider buying an item, we naturally go through a research process prior to making our decision. We ask our friends and family members who have made similar purchases about their experience, we get opinions and insights, and we read reviews online. There’s no difference when considering a home purchase!

Most homebuyers start by listening to the news to hear what is being said about the real estate market. They check with family and friends about their experience. They spend time online reading reviews about their desired neighborhood.

The challenge is that comments from the news and those closest to us can contradict the data and reports. One source says one thing, while another source says something completely different.

There is a group of homebuyers that are not allowing comments about an upcoming recession to interfere with their decision to buy a home. According to a survey by realtor.com®,

“Nearly 70 percent of home shoppers this spring think the U.S. will enter a recession in the next three years, but that hasn’t stopped them from trying to close on a home…Despite the fact that they foresee an economic downturn, they generally expressed confidence that a future recession will be better than 2008 for the housing market.”

The report provides more insights from the survey:

• Nearly 30% of the active home shoppers* surveyed expect the next recession to begin sometime in 2020.
• 56% of shoppers believe home prices have hit their peak.
• 41% believe housing will fare better than 2008.
• 45% of home shoppers feel at least slightly more optimistic about homeownership.
• 33% reported no impact on their feelings about homeownership.

Homebuyers are aware and making decisions with their eyes wide-open. As the report mentioned,

“The fact that some [36%] home shoppers expect the next recession to be harder on the housing market than the last recession suggests that they are buying homes with eyes wide-open and very sober, if not slightly pessimistic, views of the housing market.

This is a stark contrast to the years leading up to the last recession when ‘irrational exuberance’ was more common and yet another reason to expect that the next downturn will be very different for the housing market than the last.”

Bottom Line

If you are considering buying a home, let’s get together to help you understand our local market and determine if buying a home is the right choice for you now.

*Active home shoppers are those consumers who responded that they plan to purchase their next home in 1 year or less.

 

Newton and Brookline Real Estate Recap

Newton, MA. Brookline, Sotheby’s Compass, Suburban Boston Team

 

The Rundown

Spring events in Brookline are in full bloom and Newton passes another law on going green. We’re also taking a closer look at the local real estate market. Keep reading to learn more about what’s coming to your neighborhood in May!

New & Noteworthy

Five Tips for First-Time Homebuyers Spring can be the perfect time for first-time home buyers to begin their search. Read up on some tips on how to navigate the marketplace here.

Brookline Single-Family Home Prices Proven to Increase No need to worry about value when buying a home in Brookline. Brookline saw single-family prices increase between 2005’s market peak and 2011’s bottom. Learn more about some of the top spots to buy in Greater Boston here.

Newton Bans Plastic Stirrers and  Polystyrene Food Containers Newton passed a law that will ban restaurants from the use of plastic stirrers and polystyrene to-go containers. The ban will be effective as of January 2020. Learn more about how Newton is going green here.

Market Snapshot

Nesting

Etsy’s 2019 Home Decor Trends Will Have You Inspired  Etsy has declared 2019 the year of maximalism–think statement home decor accents, bold patterns, and vibrant hues. Read all about the latest trends here on Elle Decor.

3 Ways to Give Your Bed a Much-Needed Spring Refresh You’ll spend a third of your life sleeping, so it’s important to keep your bed in tip-top shape. Learn how to properly care for your mattress, bedding, and pillows here on Apartment Therapy.

Mark Your Calendar

The Shop on Washington Mother’s Day Pop-up | May 2-5 and 8-11 A special Mother’s Day pop-up shop is coming to Newtonville for two weekends in May. The shop will feature a variety of locally-based brands for gifting. Check out the schedule of workshops and events here.

ART Off The Wall | May 11 The fifth annual ART Off The Wall is returning to Brookline this spring. The event features works by artists who support the mission of the Brookline Arts Center. Learn more about the participating artists and purchase your tickets here.

Brookline Cherry Blossom Festival |  May 18  The Brookline Cherry Blossom Festival began as a celebration to honor the donation of cherry trees to Brookline High School from the Consul of Japan. The annual event features food, games, and music for the whole family. View the schedule of events for the day here.

Featured Listings

158 Prince Street West Newton The finest example of a Queen Anne on coveted West Newton Hill Priced at $3,600,000

Margaret Szerlip 617.921.6860   margaret@compass.com

© Compass 2019 ¦ All Rights Reserved by Compass ¦ Made in NYC Compass is a licensed real estate broker and abides by Equal Housing Opportunity laws. All material presented herein is intended for informational purposes only. Information is compiled from sources deemed reliable but is subject to errors, omissions, changes in

Buyer Demand Surging as Spring Market Begins

Newton, MA, Compass, Sotheby’s Newton’s Top Brokers

Buyer Demand Surging as Spring Market Begins

Last fall, some predicted that the 2019 residential real estate market would be a disaster. There was even belief we might experience a housing crash like the one that occurred during the last decade.

However, according to two separate reports*, buyer demand dramatically increased over the last three months, leading into this spring buyers’ market (the March data is not yet available).

Both the ShowingTime Showing Index and the National Association of REALTORS Buyer Traffic Index show that buyer demand has increased in each of the last three months.

Why the increase in demand? Increased buying power.

According to the National Association of Realtors’ Economists’ Outlook Blog, purchasing a home has become more affordable, which has led to increased demand.

“Due to the combination of falling home prices and mortgage rates, the income needed to make an affordable mortgage payment (mortgage no more than 25% of income) on a median-priced home with 10% down payment and 30-year fixed rate mortgage decreased from $60,425 in June 2018 to $53,783 as of February 2019, and the difference of $6,642 represents a gain in buying power because one can afford a home purchase at a lower level of income.”

Bottom Line

It appears the spring buyers’ market is going to be much stronger than many had projected. Whether you are selling or buying, this is important news.

 

*The methodology behind the indices:

The ShowingTime Showing Index

“The ShowingTime Showing Index® tracks the average number of buyer showings on active residential properties on a monthly basis, a highly reliable leading indicator of current and future demand trends.”

The National Association of REALTORS® Buyer Traffic Index

“In a monthly survey of REALTORS®, NAR asks respondents ‘Compared to the same month last year, how would you rate the past month’s traffic in neighborhood(s) or area(s) where you make most of your sales?’ NAR compiles the responses into an index, where an index above 50 indicates that more respondents reported “stronger” traffic than “weaker” traffic.”