Western Mass Home Sales Almost Doubled Says Latest Numbers

The anticipated sunset on the $8000 first time homebuyer’s tax credit spurred a flurry of activity in the market and resulted in a near double of the number of homes sold in three Western Massachusetts counties in November.

The RAPV announced yesterday that home sales in Hampden, Hampshire and Franklin counties were up 97.9 percent for the month this year over the numbers in November of 2008. Last year 236 units closed. This year’s tally was 467.

Further good news indicated that sales prices increased as well, with the median price rising by $500 per unit, an increase of .3 percent over the same period in 2008.  This is significant because it is the first time this year that an increase in the number of units sold did not correlate with a decrease in the median price.

Clearly the fear of missing out on the tax credit had a lot to do with this bump, but this is another serious indicator of the market making a slow and steady recovery.

In November, Congress extended the original tax credit and expanded the program to include a $6,500 credit for homeowners who are buying a different home. First-time buyers are still eligible for $8,000. But in order to qualify for either, buyers need to be under contract by the end of April and have the deal closed within 60 days.

Broken Down By County

In Hampden County, sales were up 105.1 percent from 159 in November 2008 to 322 last month. The median price was up 3.2 percent from $165,000 to $170,000.

In Hampshire County, sales were up 95.3 percent from 43 in November 2008 to 84 last month. The median price was down 4 percent from $240,000 to $230,500.

In Franklin County, sales were up 79.4 percent from 34 in November 2008 to 61 last month. The median sales price was up 14.6 percent from $157,000 in November 2008 to $180,000 last month.

Good news for sellers was also revealed in the report. News broke that the inventory for homes that continue to languish on the market is dwindling.  Its down 13.5 percent from 3,012 at the close of November last year to 2,606 at the end of last month.

Houses are moving, prices are remaining reasonable and the government is helping hand homeowners the keys. Now is the time to get in to the buyer’s market or to list that house to get it sold.  Give me a call if you have any questions or you are ready to begin the process. Let me be your Real Estate Advocate!

jason@burkins.net
413.537.2838

Information used in this post comes from the RAPV and Masslive’s Article by Jim Kenney, 12.15.09

This week I received the official word from the Green REsource Council stating that I am now an official Green designated Realtor®. I hope to utilize this designation and the knowledge I have gained to assist buyers and homeowners who are interested in green and sustainable real estate.  I constantly am seeking out current resources and news within the green and sustainable market, to remain up to speed on the current trends and practices so as to best assist green conscience clients.

NAR’s Green Designation is the only environmental real estate designation addressing multiple specialties. It is also the only green designation for agents AND property managers recognized by the National Association of REALTORS®.

Close to one-half of all greenhouse gas emissions are produced from buildings. Green building isn’t just responsible; it’s necessary. Both consumer demand and government policy are making this happen and shaping the future of our industry. Join them in the green movement and lead your community to a more sustainable future with NAR’s Green Designation.

Here is the press release that has gone out announcing my designation:

LOCAL REALTOR® ACHIEVES NATIONAL ASSOCIATION
OF REALTORS® GREEN DESIGNATION

WILBRAHAM, MASSACHUSETTS – Jason A. Burkins with The Denise DeSellier Team at William Raveis Real Estate has been awarded the National Association of REALTORS®’  Green Designation, the only green real estate professional designation recognized by NAR.

Realtor® Burkins achieved this prestigious designation after completing 18 hours of course work designed specifically for REALTORS®.  The courses were created in collaboration with a multidisciplinary team of industry experts from across the country; ensuring designees gain comprehensive knowledge of green homes and buildings and issues of green living, energy conservation, smart growth principles and sustainability in relation to real estate.

More specifically, Jason was trained in understanding what makes a property green, helping clients evaluate the cost/benefits of green building features and practices, distinguishing between industry rating and classification systems, listing and marketing green homes and buildings, discussing the financial grants and incentives available to homeowners, and helping consumers see a property’s green potential.

“As energy costs rise along with concern for the environment, homeowners are looking for innovative ways to save money and live responsibly,” said Dick Gaylord, NAR’s immediate past president.  NAR’s Green Designation was developed in response to growing consumer awareness of the benefits of resource-efficient homes and buildings. The designation helps consumers who care about energy efficiency and sustainable building practices identify REALTORS® who can help them realize their green real estate and lifestyle goals.

As an NAR Green Designee, one of a very select few in Western Massachusetts, Jason Burkins has gained the knowledge and the tools necessary to become a trusted green resource for the Pioneer Valley.

In addition, Burkins has produced a Green Living Real Estate Blog that features news, tips and practical information about Green housing issues in Western Massachusetts. The blog can be found at: http://jburkins.wordpress.com/. For more information about Jason Burkins, please visit http://www.jasonburkins.com/, call 413.537.2838 or e-mail jason@burkins.net.

For more information about NAR’s newest designation, visit www.greenresourcecouncil.org

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Rental Business Heating Up In Late Summer!

Its that time of year in the valley. Students are planning the great return to the many colleges in the area in about a month. Many are in search of apartments to rent that are close to the action, close to their school and reasonably priced. 

My current focus as a licensed Realtor has primarily centered on the sale of homes. However I am itching to corner a niche market that is screaming for professional organization. My enlightening, albeit brief time spent as a rental agent in the Boston area has given me a lot of insight on the rental side of the business. I see a very real need for “Rental Specialist” real estate professionals here in Western Massachusetts.

Many landlords complain that they cannot find qualified tenants who will pay their rent and pay it on time.  The truth is that many landlords do not have the tools needed to determine whether a potential tenant is financially qualified. That’s where the resources of a real estate company, with the ability to do thorough background checks on potential tenants, is often a worthwhile investment for landlords.

Real Estate agents have a thorough and extensive application and background checking system. We check with former landlords, employment history as well as run complete credit histories on all applicants. As a real estate office, we also find qualified, serious applicants. No more wasted time weeding out credit risks or non-serious applicants!

We have access to listing services that most landlords do not, even services that real estate agents use when finding apartments for their rental clients. Which means we can market an apartment to a wider audience than a landlord can get on their own.

In Boston, like most cities, landlords use rental agencies to find tenants for their properties. I think the shear volume of potential tenants lends itself to a more professional approach to the process. Its also a numbers game. There are tens of thousands of apartments in the Boston area.  Therefore an agent can conceivably make a living renting $1400 per month apartments all year round and thus we have the incentive for agents to focus on rentals over sales.

Here in Western Massachusetts, we have a smaller pool of potential tenants and a smaller pool of properties for rent. Therefore there is less of an incentive for agents to get involved in the process. Yet I still believe tenants and landlords deserve the option of a professional to guide and assist them during the stressful process!

I have begun to market myself to the rental community. I have the knowledge, experience and desire to match tenants with the apartment they want and landlords with the right tenants. So if you or anyone you know is looking for an apartment in Western Massachusetts or if you have a property you’d like to rent out, please don’t hesitate to contact me to discuss how I can help make the process less stressful and more fruitful! I work seven days a week and have the resources of The Denise DeSellier Team and William Raveis Real Estate to utilize on your behalf!

Enjoy the Summer weather this week! Fall is just around the corner!

Best Wishes,

Jason Burkins
Realtor – Sales and Rental Specialist