2 Bedroom Apartment for Rent in Manchester, MA

807 Summer St 3 Manchester, MA 01944

New listing video just posted:

http://video.circlepix.com/G2UW6C/619/2263

Description: This is a spacious and 2 BR unit on the Magnolia/Manchester line you will not want to pass on! The unit is very well kept, freshly painted, featuring stainless steel appliances and nice hardwood floors. Laundry in unit. The condo gets great light exposure, boasts 2 full baths with standing showers and 1 half bath. Exclusive patio for your enjoyment this summer! Take advantage of a large shared backyard, grill and bocce areas. Parking for 2 cars (first come, first serve). This is a fantastic location that is only a few steps from restaurants, supermarket, Commuter rail and the beach! Get to Boston in less than 40mn on the T and wake up to the smell of the ocean from the condo. Landlord lives next door and is looking for responsible tenant(s); NO smoking, pets negotiable. This is a commuter's dream come true! If you've been looking to start North Shore living, look no further! Schedule a showing today before it's gone!

See the full description and photos of this apartment for rent

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Home Information:

Beds: 2

Baths: 2.00

Sqft: 1100

Price: $2000

MLS #: 71694240

Condo for Sale in Salem, MA Near Downtown

102 Bridge St 1 Salem, MA 01970

New listing just posted: http://tour.circlepix.com/home/MDBVT9

Description: BRIGHT ROOMY CITY CONDOMINIUM WITH 10 FT.HIGH CEILINGS AND ANTIQUE ORIGINAL PINE FLOORS THROUGHOUT. BRILLIANT LOCATION, WALK TO EVERYTHING..TRAIN, SALEM COMMON, DOWNTOWN RESTAURANTS RIGHT OUTSIDE YOUR DOOR. AMAZING YARD / GARDEN WITH 2 CAR DEEDED OFF-STREET PARKING AND GARAGE STORAGE. BIG CLOSETS AND TONS OF STORAGE IN BASEMENT! TWO LARGE BEDROOMS, CHEF KITCHEN WITH LARGE GRANITE ISLAND W/ SINK. EVERYTHING ON ONE FLOOR. NEWER WINDOWS AND INTERIOR FINISHES. HISTORICAL CHARACTER ABOUNDS! THIS CONDO HAS IT ALL FOR ROOMATES OR A COUPLE THAT WANT TO MAKE THE SALEM OUTDOOR LIFESTYLE CHOICE. NO SHOWINGS UNTIL FIRST OPEN HOUSE THIS SUNDAY JUNE 22ND - 12:00 - 3:00 PM. MUST BE SEEN, WILL NOT LAST LONG. MANY EXTRAS, MOVE IN

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Home Information:

Beds: 2

Baths: 1.00

Sqft: 1137

Price: $249900

MLS #: 71699770

Townhouse Style Apartment for Rent in Peabody Massachusetts

1 Lark St 1 Peabody, MA 01960

New listing video just posted:

http://video.circlepix.com/YT79CK/619/2263

Description: Very spacious townhouse style home for rent. The unit is located on a quiet street, close to main roads; features 3 bedrooms and 2 full baths! Master bedroom upstairs. Ample closet space available. This unit has been deleaded. Small porch and shared, fenced in yard for your enjoyment. Landlord lives next door and is looking for quiet, responsible tenants. No Pets, No smoking, No exceptions. Tenancy at will. Showings after 6pm on weekdays, flexible on weekends. 24 hr notice required. This won't last long, schedule a showing today!

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Home Information:

Beds: 3

Baths: 2.00

Sqft: 1200

Price: $1650

MLS #: 71684751

Single Family Home For Sale in Salem MA is Priced to Sell!

13 LAWRENCE Salem, MA 01970

New listing video just posted:

http://video.circlepix.com/PPHLVH/619/2263

Description: PRICED TO SELL ! GREAT VALUE FOR UNDER THREE HUNDRED GRAND IN SALEM. THIS THREE BEDROOM HOME COMES WITH A VERY COMFORTABLE BRIGHT FAMILY ROOM & "EAT IN KITCHEN" AND LIVING/DINING ROOM, MASTER BEDROOM ON THE IST LEVAL. TWO FULL NICE & BRIGHT BATHS WITH SHOWER & TUB ON EACH FLOOR. AND TWO LARGE SECOND FLOOR BDRMS., CENTRAL AIR, AND AN EXTRA FINISHED ROOM IN THE BASEMENT FOR A HOME OFFICE OR "MAN CAVE". PLENTY OF CLOSET SPACE. THE OUTSIDE FEATURES A NICE LEVAL YARD, GREAT FOR FAMILY GET TOGETHERS ETC. !! KITCHEN IS MODERN & UPDATED, OFF STREET PARKING FOR TWO.

See Full Description and Photos on this Property

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Home Information:

Beds: 3

Baths: 2.00

Sqft: 1485

Price: $274900

MLS #: 71680053

Single Family Home for Sale in Winter Island in Salem, MA

12 Winter Island Rd Salem, MA 01970

New listing video just posted:

http://video.circlepix.com/BVE46D/619/2263

Description: Winter Island - Salem Willows location! Great views of Juniper Cove with a right of way to the water & beach right across from the house. New chefs/bakers kitchen with high end appliances & granite counters, fireplace living room with custom cabinetry, three bedrooms, an office, 2 1/2 baths and a lovely manageable yard with beautiful perennials makes this home a great find for anyone wanting to live near the ocean. Master bedroom with master bath. Beautiful parks are right around the corner along with several other beaches, boating & fishing - all within walking distance.

See the full description and photos of this apartment for rent

Home Information:

Beds: 3

Baths: 2.00

Sqft: 1780

Price: $449000

MLS #: 71692161

Great Deal for Contractors! 2 Bedroom Home in Gloucester

6 BECKER LANE Gloucester, MA 01930

New listing video just posted:

http://video.circlepix.com/KS46LG/619/2263

Description: CONTRACTOR SPECIAL, OR TEARDOWN. ITS YOUR CALL. IN WINGAERSHEEK BEACH AREA, TWO BEDROOM COTTAGE WITH EAT IN KITCHEN, AND LIVING ROOM. WITH 10, 000 SQ. FOOT LOT, 100 FEET STREET FRONTAGE. NEWER ROOF, BUYER TO DO TITLE FIVE, BUYER RESPONSIBLE FOR TITLE 5 COMPLIANCE WITH HIS LENDER. COULD BE USED FOR GREAT SUMMER WEEKEND GETAWAY AFTER TOTAL REMODEL. WILL CONSIDER ALL OFFERS..***** PLEASE SEE ATTACHED DOCUMENTS FOR PLOT PLAN *******

See Full Description and Photos of this Listing 

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Home Information:

Beds: 2

Baths: 1.00

Sqft: 978

Price: $155000

MLS #: 71650352

3 Bedroom Colonial Near Flax Pond in Lynn, MA

18 Mystic Ave Lynn, MA 01904

New listing video just posted:

http://video.circlepix.com/ADTJVT/619/2263

Description: 3 bedroom colonial on a dead end street near Flax Pond with seasonal water views. Updated eat in kitchen and a half bath on the first floor. Enclosed porch is a bonus room.Deck in the rear of the home.

See Full Description and Photos of Listing 

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Home Information:

Beds: 3

Baths: 1.00

Sqft: 1071

Price: $199900

MLS #: 71695385

Salem Awarded Best Shopping in Massachusetts

This is just one of the many reasons why Salem is the best towns and communities in Massachusetts to buy a home and live. Downtown Salem condominiums go under agreement very quickly after coming on the market, and any property within walking distance of the downtown is in high demand. Combined with easy access to the commuter rail, a bustling waterfront district and a thriving arts community, it's easy to see why it's the destination for everyone people of all ages. 

The city of Salem can now officially be called the best place to shop in 2012. The 15th Annual Retailers Association of Massachusetts 2012 Award of Excellence (RAMAE) for “Best Shopping District” was presented today to Mayor Kimberley Driscoll and to Rinus Oosthoek, the Executive Director of the Salem Chamber of Commerce.

This was the first year an excellence award for the “Best Shopping District” award category was presented. The Retailers Association gave Salem the award for: “The hip, new magic of Salem: its eclectic eateries and charming boutiques, and the fact that over 60 new downtown businesses have opened in the last three years alone. Salem’s bustling farmers market often attracts thousands of customers weekly, and Salem’s restaurant scene is booming. One of the top 20 art museums (soon one of the top10!) in the U.S., the Peabody Essex Museum, is located in downtown Salem, as is the Salem Witch Museum.  Salem Film Festival (all documentary), Spring and Fall Restaurant Week, Salem Jazz & Soul Festival, Salem Gay Pride Parade, Salem First Friday, Salem Maritime Festival, Haunted Happenings (Salem’s fifth season), Mass Poetry Festival, Salem Art Festival , and  Salem’s So Sweet Ice Sculpture Festival are just some of the reasons to visit Salem!”

Also present at the Award Ceremony were Sandy Heaphy, Salem Chamber president and owner of the Kensington Stobart Gallery, and RAM members George Carey (Finz Seafood Restaurant), David McKillop (Rockafellas), Dan Shuman (Salem Cycle), and Mark Leavitt (Salem Car Wash).

The RAM Awards of Excellence were created in 1998 by retail expert Rick Segel, a RAM board member, retail trainer, and distinguished author.  The RAMAES were developed as a way to acknowledge retail excellence in the Commonwealth. Throughout RAMAES history, large and small, new and veteran retailers, and local gems and national players from all corners of the state have been honored and given the recognition they deserve for their involvement in the community and retail industry.

The Retailer’s Association of Massachusetts (RAM) is a statewide trade association with over 3,000 member companies. To learn more about the RAM, the RAMAES, past winners, and/or how to get involved call (617) 523-1900 or go to www.retailersma.org. 

The mission of the Salem Chamber of Commerce is to make Salem a better place to live, work, and do business. The Salem Chamber serves as the voice for member businesses, representing, advocating and working to enhance the business and civic environment.  With over 600 members, it is the largest business organization in Salem. For more information about the Salem Chamber, please call 978-744-0004, or visit www.salem-chamber.org.

Massachusetts Home Prices Increase in December 2009

The sale prices of single family homes and condominiums in Massachusetts increase by double digit percentages in December 2009 over the same period in 2008. With help from the home buyer tax credit incentive, the average sale price increased 10.9 percent. This was the first double digit increase in home prices in over 4 years.

The number of units sold in December was also up over the previous year. There were 3007 single family homes sold in Massachusetts, a 14.6% increase over 2008. Condominiums had even higher numbers, with a 31.7% increase in units sold year over year.

Inventory levels have gone done for the 21st month in a row. A year ago we had 9.6 months supply of single family homes and 11.3 months supply of condos. Last month we had 7.2 months supply of singles families and only 5.6 months supply of condos.

Monthly numbers don't mean as much as yearly figures do because of short term fluctuations in the market. But the yearly figures look pretty good also. Sales of single family homes for 2009 were up by 4.1% over 2008. Although the median sale price was down 6.8%, much of the drop in price came from the beginning of the year. The number of homes on the market was down almost 16% over 2008.

Jim Armstrong

http://www.marealtor.com/content/NewsTicker.htm?view=38&news_id=1254&news=31

Homes still affordable - really affordable

Homes still affordable - really affordable

The bright side of the housing bust: Homebuying has not been this affordable in a generation.NEW YORK

(CNNMoney.com) -- Homes continue to be more affordable than they have been in nearly two decades. The typical American family, making the nation's median income of $64,000 a year, could afford to buy 72.3% of all homes sold in the United States during the second quarter, according a quarterly report from the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) and Wells Fargo (WFC, Fortune 500). That's off just a tad from the record 72.5% reached during the first three months of 2009, but up substantially from the second quarter of 2008 when only 55% of homes sold were affordable. "The increase in affordability -- along with the $8,000 federal tax credit for home buyers -- is stimulating demand, particularly among young, first-time buyers," said NAHB Chairman Joe Robson, a homebuilder from Tulsa, Okla., in a prepared statement. The NAHB judges a home to be affordable if a family making the metro area's median income could devote no more than 28% of their take-home pay toward housing costs. The vast improvement this year is due to plunging prices and rock-bottom interest rates. The average U.S. home price has dropped more than 32% from its peak, which was set during the summer of 2006, according to the S&P/Case-Shiller Home Price index. And, for most of the three months mortgage rates were historically low, under 5% for a 30-year fixed-rate loan. Long suffering sellers The improved affordability comes, of course, at the expense of sellers. Real estate Web site Zillow reported that more than 30% of all homes sold during the three months ended June 30 went for less than what the sellers originally paid. The longer they owned the home, the more likely they were to profit from the resale, but virtually anyone who bought within the past five years and sold during the quarter lost money on the deal, according to Stan Humphries, Zillow's vice president in charge of data and analytics. Foreclosure factor The heartbreak among home sellers is compounded by the foreclosure problem. Many of the homes on the market got there because families lost their homes to foreclosure. Part of the reason that home prices have become so reasonable is the volume of REOs -- real estate speak for homes repossessed by banks -- has spiked. There were more than 87,000 repossessions in July, about triple the number of July 2007. Foreclosed homes are often listed and sold at steep discounts to produce quick sales, according to Brad Geisen, founder of Foreclosure.com, which markets such properties. "The big banks are finally pricing their properties to what people will pay for them," he said. "Foreclosure inventory is now selling at about the same rate it's coming in." Most affordable cities The older, industrial Midwest cities generally offer the best bargains. Indianapolis has led the NAHB's Housing Opportunity Index for 16 straight quarters. Nearly 95% of all homes sold there were affordable to those earning the area's median income of $68,100. Other leaders were the Youngstown, Ohio, metro area, Detroit, Dayton, Ohio, and Grand Rapids, Mich. The least affordable large metro areas were New York, where only 21% of homes sold were affordable, Honolulu, San Francisco,Los Angeles and Santa Ana, Calif. By Les Christie, CNNMoney.com staff writer

SALES UP, PRICES DOWN
IN ESSEX COUNTY MASSACHUSETTS

December 2008 total home sales in Essex County increased by 4.9% over December 2007, led by the sale of multi-family homes which went up by 172%! The sale of bank owned properties drove down the price of multi unit buildings by 33% to an average of $184,800 driving investors and savvy, bargain-hunting home buyers to the closing table. The glut of foreclosed homes has pushed down prices, and distress sales now make up well over half the market in some towns such as Lynn and Lawrence. Other towns, including Newburyport, Marblehead, Danvers & Hamilton, have had relatively few foreclosures and therefore homes prices haven't dropped as sharply.

Single family sales were relatively flat over the same period, despite a 17% drop in prices over 2007. But that is actually good news for sellers of single family homes, which for the most part in 2008 experienced declining sales numbers. But toward the end of the year sales have been coming back. Could the lure of a $7500 first time homebuyer tax credit be tied to this rise?

The home buyers that we have talked to have not indicated that the tax credit was the driving force that made them step up to the home buying plate. What was the driving force was the lure of getting a bargain-priced home at the bottom, or near bottom, of the real esate market. The second motivating factor was the availability of mortgage money at rates below 6.0%.

Jim Armstrong
http://www.armstrongfield.com
978-394-6736