Title
Welcome to Centers and Squares
As a Cambridge real estate agent, the city squares of Cambridge, Somerville and Medford and the town centers of Arlington, Watertown and Belmont, Massachusetts are my home turf. And as a lifelong New Englander who’s lived within twenty miles of Boston most of my life, I can introduce you to other nearby towns as we search for your new home. If you’re planning to sell your home in Cambridge, MA or nearby you’ll find plenty of info about the home selling process here too. Questions? Send me an email or call me at 617-504-1737.
Arlington Real Estate Market In 2009 And 2008
Welcome to the Arlington Real Estate Year In Review
Here’s a look back at the Arlington real estate market in 2009 and 2008 followed by the last monthly real estate report for the year. All data reflects properties listed on the MLS, the Multiple Listing System.
The Arlington real estate market was steady in 2009 with an increase of 3.5% over 2008 sales. Arlington single family sales were particularly strong with an increase in numbers of homes sold of well over 10%. That won’t come as a surprise to anyone who attended open houses in Arlington last year – they were typically mobbed and single families often received multiple offers. That phenomenon continues with one house in Arlington recieving ten offers after last weekend’s open house.
On the other hand, condo sales in Arlington were down almost 5% from 2008 sales. The median price paid for a condo in Arlington in 2009 was $340,500, down from the 2008 median price of $353,625.
Arlington Real Estate Market - Year In Review
Total properties sold in Arlington:
- In 2009: 499 (+3.53%)
- In 2008: 482
Average days on market:
- 2009: 60 (-15%)
- 2008: 69
Total value of real estate sales:
- 2009: $220,552,380 (+1.14%)
- 2008: $218,078,422
Properties sold for:
- 2009: An average of 98% of asking price and a median price of $426,500 (-.82%)
- 2008: An average of 98% of asking price and a median price of $430,000
Arlington Single Family Sales
- 2009: 247 (+13.31%)
- 2008: 218
Price range for single family homes:
- 2009: $252,000 to $1,009,597
- 2008: $210,000 to $1,350,000
Median price of single family houses sold:
- 2009: $488,000 (+2.74%)
- 2008: $475,000
On average, single families:
- In 2009: were on the market 52 days & sold for 98% of asking price
- In 2008: were on the market 49 days & sold for 98% of asking price
Arlington Condo Sales
- 2009: 215 (-4.87%)
- 2008: 226
Price range for condos:
- 2009: $102,000 to $678,000
- 2008: $95,000 to $725,000
Median price of condominiums sold:
- 2009: $340,500 (-3.72%)
- 2008: $353,625
On average, Arlington condos:
- In 2009: were on the market 70 days and sold for 97% of list price
- In 2008: were on the market 79 days and sold for 97% of list price
Arlington Multi-Family Sales
- 2009: 37 (-2.64%)
- 2008: 38
Price range for multi-family properties:
- 2009: $295,000 to $700,000
- 2008: $385,000 to $1,545,000
Median price of multi-family houses sold:
- 2009: $555,000 (-1.93%)
- 2008: $565,875
On average, Arlington multi-families:
- In 2009: were on the market 56 days and sold for 97% of list price
- In 2008: were on the market 119 days and sold for 97% of list price
Here’s the last monthly sales report for 2009 – Arlington MA home sales in December
Arlington Homes On The Market
88 homes were listed for sale in Arlington MA on December 31, 2009 for asking prices from $159,000 to $1,499,000. Homes had been on the market an average of 125 days.
Arlington MA Home Sales – December 2009
41 homes sold
- Median price – $465,000
- Homes sold on average for 98% of the asking price
23 single families sold in December
- Priced between $305,000 and $815,000
- Median sales price - $505,000
- Average days on market - 57 days
- On average single family homes sold for 98% of list price
14 condos sold in Arlington MA last month
- Price range - $160,000 to $487,500
- Median sales price - $355,500
- Condos sold for an average of 97% of the asking price
- Average days on market – 53
4 multi-family houses sold in December 2009
- Priced from $445,000 to $538,000
- Median price – $477,500
- Multi-families sold for 97% of asking price
- Average days on market – 105
Total value of Arlington MA home sales in December was $18,957,950.
SEARCH FOR ARLINGTON MASS REAL ESTATE
ARLINGTON MA HOMES SOLD IN NOVEMBER 2009
Information about Arlington MA Home Sales from MLSpin
276 Harvard Street, Cambridge – The Elmhurst
The Elmhurst and The Kenwood - 276 Harvard St - 40 Inman St, Cambridge
276 Harvard Street, Cambridge – The Elmhurst This classic early 1900s brick building is at the corner of Harvard and Inman Streets. Built as The Elmhurst and The Kenwood Apartments, today there are 16 condos in the building which bears two addresses – 276 Harvard Street and 40 Inman Street.
The building was designed by Cambridge architect George H. Tyler in 1904. The interior detail is exceptional. Outside you’ll find a wonderful large yard complete with flowering trees and a grilling and picnic area.
Rumor has it that the building can be seen in Love Story as home to Ali McGraw’s apartment. I’ve yet to revisit the movie since I heard that but it’s on my to-do list.
276 Harvard St and 40 Inman St Layouts
- Condos are laid out as spacious 1-2+ bedrooms
- Some have had a second full bath added
- For larger units at 276 Harvard St are 1400-1448 sq.ft.
- Four of the Elmhurst condos at 276 Harvard are 903-951 sq.ft.
- The Kenwood condos at 40 Inman Street range in size from 1134 to 1192 sq.ft.
276 Harvard St – 40 Inman Street Features
- High ceilings, large windows
- Pocket doors, wainscoting
- Pantry
- Built-in china hutch
- Ornamental tiled fireplace
- Rounded living rooms in the 276 Harvard St units
- Pets under 39 pounds
- Non-smoking building
- Basement storage
- Common laundry, some condos have in-unit laundry
Real Estate Sales at the Elmhurst and Kenwood
There hasn’t been a sale at the Kenwood since 2007. The most recent sale in the 276 Harvard Street side of the building was in 2008 when a 951 sq.ft. condo on the top floor sold for $459,000.
If condos are available in the building they’ll appear below. Click on the small photo for additional pictures and more information.
Cambridge Home Sales in 2009 and 2008
Cambridge Real Estate Year In Review
Here’s a look back at Cambridge home sales in 2009 and 2008 followed by the monthly numbers for December. All figures come from properties listed on the MLS, the Multiple Listing System.
The number of properties sold in Cambridge was down more than 8% and the dollar volume down just over 10%. However, the median price paid for Cambridge real estate barely budged and properties were on the market fewer days on average.
While there were increases in the number of Cambridge single families and multi-families sold, there were significantly fewer condos sold in Cambridge in 2009 than in 2008.
The decline in numbers of condos sold was not a matter of condos failing to sell – it was a function of fewer condominiums being listed for sale. In 2008 300 condos failed to sell while listed on the market (though the condos may have subsequently been relisted and sold) versus just 207 condos that “expired” in 2009.
With fewer properties from which to choose there are plenty of Cambridge real estate buyers who were unable to find the perfect place in 2009. If you’re thinking of selling Spring 2010 looks like a great time to put your home on the market.
Cambridge Real Estate Year In Review
Total properties sold in Cambridge:
- In 2009: 831 (-8.38%)
- In 2008: 907
Average days on market:
- 2009: 79 (-13.19)
- 2008: 91
Total value of real estate sales:
- 2009: $464,152,012 (-10.12%)
- 2008: $516,395,918
Properties sold for:
- 2009: An average of 97% of asking price and a median price of $440,000 (-.01%)
- 2008: An average of 97% of asking price and a median price of $444,000
Cambridge Single Family Sales
- 2009: 110 (+.92%)
- 2008: 109
Price range for single family homes:
- 2009: $260,000 to $4,850,000
- 2008: $240,000 to $4,921,500
Median price of single family houses sold:
- 2009: $761,250 (+.83%)
- 2008: $755,000
On average, single families:
- In 2009: were on the market 86 days & sold for 97% of asking price
- In 2008: were on the market 85 days & sold for 97% of asking price
Cambridge Condo Sales
- 2009: 666 (-10.97%)
- 2008: 748
Price range for condos:
- 2009: $172,500 to $1,990,000
- 2008: $150,000 to $2,800,000
Median price of condominiums sold:
- 2009: $415,000 (+.25%)
- 2008: $414,000
On average, Cambridge condos:
- In 2009: were on the market 78 days and sold for 97% of list price
- In 2008: were on the market 92 days and sold for 97% of list price
Cambridge Multi-Family Sales
- 2009: 55 (+10.0%)
- 2008: 50
Price range for multi-family properties:
- 2009: $352,351 to $1,095,000
- 2008: $340,000 to $1,450,000
Median price of multi-family houses sold:
- 2009: $695,000 (-7.46%)
- 2008: $751,000
On average, Cambridge multi-families:
- In 2009: were on the market 72 days and sold for 96% of list price
- In 2008: were on the market 98 days and sold for 95% of list price
Here are the end of the month numbers for Cambridge at the close of 2009:
Residential Properties On the Market In Cambridge
On December 31, 2009 there were 179 homes in Cambridge Mass. on the market. Asking prices ranged from $189,900 to $4,250,000. The median asking price was $499,900. Average days on market was 176.
Cambridge Home Sales - December 2009
52 home sales closed in Cambridge during December priced between $241,000 and $2,525,000. Homes were on the market an average of 85 days.
11 single family homes sold last month for prices ranging from $393,500 to $2,525,000. These houses had been on the market for an average of 110 days and sold on average for 95% of asking price. The median sales price was $1,015,000.
There were 38 condos sold in Cambridge during December for prices from $241,000 to $1,990,000. The median condo sales price was $490,000. Condominiums sold for an average of 97% of the list price and were on the market an average of 80 days.
3 multi-families sold last month for $357,000, $530,000 and $1,072,500. These properties sold for an average of 90% of asking price and were on the market an average of 58 days.
The total value of residential real estate sold in Cambridge during December 2009 was $35,676,900.
Information from MLSpin.
Last month’s numbers:
Nov 2009 Residential Real Estate Sales in Cambridge
SEARCH FOR CONDOS FOR SALE IN CAMBRIDGE
SEARCH FOR SINGLE FAMILY HOMES FOR SALE IN CAMBRIDGE
Vintage Paving Company Markers
Cambridge Mass Vintage Paving Company Marker
Vintage Paving Company Markers ~ It’s funny sometimes, the things that start to catch your eye that suddenly start popping up everywhere.
For me, one of those things are the old metal markers that are set into concrete sidewalks. I love them! As I make my way around Cambridge, Arlington, Medford and other nearby towns I’ve started to photograph any I come across.
Who knew that concrete sidewalks are so durable? The oldest plaque that I’ve found so far is the clover-shaped marker dated 1907 by the Simpson Bros. Corporation of 166 Devonshire Street in Boston.
Other paving company markers I’ve found include:
- Benj. Fox, Inc., Concrete Construction, 15 Exchange St, Boston
- F.O. White Construction Co., Cambridge
- Thomas J. Hind, 19 Milk Street, Boston
- Vulcan Const. Co., General Contractors, Boston, Mass.
- W.A. Murtfeldt Company, Artificial Stone Walks, 161 Devonshire St, Boston
- Wm. F. Condon, Artificial Stone, 218 Putnam Ave, Cambridge, Mass.
I think most of these miniature plaques are made of bronze. And it still seems to be a practice of paving companies to inset a company marker. A house near my office had a newly constructed cement sidewalk and a metal plate with the company’s name was inset. It was a messy job though - the marker, not the sidewalk – and the sense of pride that these older signs exude was absent.
There doesn’t seem to be a lot written about these intriguing little signs. Someone has taken the time to extensively document the sidewalk markers in Buffalo, NY where the metal plates date from 1885 to the 1920s but I’ve yet to find much else.
If you know anything more about these vintage paving company markers please let me know.
Belmont MA Home Sales In 2009 and 2008
Welcome to the Belmont Real Estate Year End Review
Here’s the annual review of Belmont MA Home Sales with numbers for 2009 and 2008. Sales info is pulled from the MLS, the Multiple Listing System.
Belmont MA real estate sales in 2009 bucked local trends. The number of residential properties sold in 2009 increased by more than 13%.
Condo sales (and condo sales prices) were essentially flat. The bulk of the increase in sales came through single family home sales - the number of single families sold in Belmont increased by well over 20% in 2009.
At the same time the median price for single family homes dipped by 6.5%. Part of this shift may be because a higher percentage of houses sold in 2008 consisted of homes sold for more than $1,000,000.
At the end of 2009 only 47 homes were on the market in Belmont, substantially fewer than at the end of 2008 when 71 homes were listed for sale.
Given the encouraging sales in Belmont and the low inventory (low inventory = less competition and more enthusiastic buyers) it’s a really good time to put your Belmont home on the market.
Belmont MA Real Estate Recap
Properties sold in Belmont:
- In 2009: 243 (+13.56%)
- In 2008: 214
Average days on market:
- 2009: 93 (-7.0%)
- 2008: 100
Total value of real estate sales:
- 2009: $152,079,929 (+6.89%)
- 2008: $142,278,688
Homes sold for:
- 2009: An average of 97% of asking price and a median price of $555,000 (-6.91%)
- 2008: An average of 97% of asking price and a median price of $596,195
Belmont Single Family Homes Sold
- 2009: 148 (+23.34%)
- 2008: 120
Lowest to highest prices for single family homes:
- 2009: $338,500 to $2,200,000
- 2008: $342,000 to $2,600,000
Median price of single family houses sold in Belmont:
- 2009: $648,500 (-6.52%)
- 2008: $693,725
On average, single families:
- In 2009: were on the market 94 days & sold for 97% of asking price
- In 2008: were on the market 81 days & sold for 96% of asking price
Belmont Condo Sales
- 2009: 66 (-2.95%)
- 2008: 68
Price range for condos:
- 2009: $205,000 to $1,305,375
- 2008: $190,000 to $1,185,000
Median price of Belmont condominiums sold:
- 2009: $366,000 (+1.11%)
- 2008: $362,000
On average, Belmont condos:
- In 2009: were on the market 106 days and sold for 97% of list price
- In 2008: were on the market 139 days and sold for 97% of list price
Belmont Multi-Family Sales
- 2009: 29 (+11.54%)
- 2008: 26
Price range for multi-family properties:
- 2009: $350,000 to $830,000
- 2008: $290,000 to $770,000
Median price of multi-family houses sold:
- 2009: $550,000 (-.68%)
- 2008: $553,750
On average, Belmont multi-families:
- In 2009: were on the market 62 days and sold for 96% of list price
- In 2008: were on the market 82 days and sold for 97% of list price
And here’s our last monthly report for 2009 – Belmont MA homes sold during December.
Homes On The Market in Belmont:
47 homes were listed for sale in Belmont on Dec. 31, 2009 for prices from $159,900 to $2,275,000. Homes had been on the market an average of 173 days.
Belmont MA December 2009 Home Sales:
19 homes sold in Belmont in the month of December. Properties had been on the market an average of 78 days and sold for an average of 97% of the asking price.
12 single family homes sold in December priced between $450,000 and $1,800,000. The median sales price was $708,500. Houses were on the market an average of 98 days and sold for an average of 96% of list price.
6 Belmont condos sold in Dec. 2009 for prices ranging from $265,000 to $465,000. The median sales price was $372,000. Condominiums sold for an average of 98% of asking price and were on the market an average of 50 days.
Just one multi-family house sold last month for $598,000.
Total value of Belmont MA Dec. 2009 real estate sales was $13,280,650.
Also see:
BELMONT MA REAL ESTATE SOLD IN NOV 2009
Data about Belmont MA real estate sales from MLSpin.
Concrete Buildings In Cambridge
William James Hall - Minoru Yamasaki
Robert Campbell, the Boston Globe’s architecture critic, had an excellent article in last Sunday’s paper about concrete buildings in Cambridge and Boston. Even if it’s not your favorite architectural style the article will give you a new appreciation for these 1950s – 1970s buildings.
Campbell writes:
“No other American city boasts as much noteworthy concrete architecture in as small an area as Boston and Cambridge”
At right is Harvard’s William James Hall, Minoru Yamasaki’s 1963 building which Robert Bell Rettig describes in Guide to Cambridge Architecture as “fourteen stories of pure white concrete”. Yamasaki also designed the 1962 Engineering Sciences Laboratory included in the slide show below.
Here’s a sampling of concrete buildings in Cambridge. I’ll try to add more the next time the sky is blue!
Click on the “Architecture” link below for more posts about Cambridge architecture.
Watertown MA 2009 Real Estate Market Review
Welcome to the Watertown Real Estate Wrap-up
Watertown MA 2009 Real Estate Market Finally – the year has come to a close and it’s possible to do a year end wrap-up of the real estate market in Watertown. 2008 figures are included for comparison. The report includes sales that were listed in the MLS, the Multiple Listing System.
The percentage of year-to-year change is included in parentheses.
As you’ll see, fewer properties sold in Watertown in 2009 than in 2008 – more than 10% fewer. Was that because properties were harder to sell in 2009? The numbers seemed to suggest that wasn’t the case – on average properties sold a bit more quickly in 2009 and the spread between asking price and sale price didn’t change. The median sales price for Watertown properties barely budged..
Looking at the numbers of properties that failed to sell – that “expired” as we say, shows that more properties failed to sell in 2008 (120) than in 2009 (109).
It seems that the decline in numbers of properties sold occurred because fewer properties were listed for sale in 2009. Reasons why fewer properties were put on the market include sellers who are able to wait and think they’ll get more money for their home some time in the future and homeowners who are unable to sell at a price that works for them and choose to stay put or rent their home.
After the annual sales info you’ll find the stats for December 2009.
Total properties sold in Watertown:
- In 2009: 321 (-12.3%)
- In 2008: 366
Average days on market:
- 2009: 82
- 2008: 89
Total value of real estate sales:
- 2009: $122,196,592 (-17.34%)
- 2008: $147,822,196
Properties sold for:
- 2009: An average of 96% of asking price and a median price of $368,000 (-1.61%)
- 2008: An average of 96% of asking price and a median price of $374,000
Watertown Single Family Sales
- 2009: 79 (+5.34%)
- 2008: 75
Price range for single family homes:
- 2009: $260,000 to $967,500
- 2008: $280,000 to $1,577,000
Median price of single family houses sold:
- 2009: $415,000 (-.01%)
- 2008: $419,000
On average, single families:
- In 2009: were on the market 61 days and sold for 95% of list price
- In 2008: were on the market 82 days and sold for 96% of list price
Watertown Condo Sales
- 2009: 199 (-13.86%)
- 2008: 231
Price range for condos:
- 2009: $150,000 to $781,000
- 2008: $182,000 to $1,060,600
Median price of condominiums sold:
- 2009: $322,000 (-6.67%)
- 2008: $345,000
On average, Watertown condos:
- In 2009: were on the market 91 days and sold for 97% of list price
- In 2008: were on the market 84 days and sold for 97% of list price
Watertown Multi-Family Sales
- 2009: 43 (-28%)
- 2008: 60
Price range for multi-family properties:
- 2009: $310,000 to $723,000
- 2008: $335,000 to $2,400,000
Median price of multi-family houses sold:
- 2009: $445,000 (-6.8%)
- 2008: $477,500
On average, Watertown multi-families:
- In 2009: were on the market 75 days and sold for 96% of list price
- In 2008: were on the market 120 days and sold for 93% of list price
The December 2009 Stats
Watertown Homes on the Market
74 Watertown homes were listed for sale in the MLS on December 31, 2009 priced between $182,000 and $1,395,000. Average days on market was 172.
Watertown Home Sales – Dec. 2009
Total value of Watertown home sales closed in December was $8,702,400
See Also:
WATERTOWN REAL ESTATE SALES Nov. 2009
Info about Watertown real estate sales from MLSpin
North Cambridge Catholic High School Closing
On December 22nd, just before the holidays, the Archdiocese of Boston, announced that the North Cambridge Catholic High School on Norris Street would be closing and moving to Dorchester.
The school is relocating to 100 Savin Hill Avenue in Dorchester, the former St. William School. The school’s name will be changed to Cristo Rey Boston. North Cambridge Catholic has been part of a national association of Catholic high schools called the Cristo Rey Network since 2004.
North Cambridge Catholic High School, 40 Norris Street
It seems that the Archdiocese plans to sell the school building after the move. Will North Cambridge have a new schoolhouse condo building? Let’s hope so.
Renovated schools make super condos and 40 Norris Street is an exceptional building. The Northwest Cambridge: Survey of Architectural History in Cambridge calls it “one of the handsomest schools in the city.” It’s massive, over 35,000 sq.ft. according to City records, and has large rounded windows on the upper floors. The satellite view of the school shows twenty or so parking spaces currently sited behind the building.
The school was built in 1898 for the City of Cambridge and served as the Ellis School until the 1950s. The building was designed by Boston architect A.H. Gould.
Norris Street is a pleasant, residential street lined with multi-families. It’s a one-way street running from Cedar Street to Mass Ave. The bike path is nearby and Davis Square is not far. At one end of Norris you’ll find the path that leads into a very nice park and playground, the Reverend Williams Park.
Schoolhouse condos would be a great addition to the neighborhood. The closest renovated school in Cambridge is the former Lincoln School on Mead Street at the corner of Walden and condos turn over infrequently there.
Watch this space for updates on the North Cambridge Catholic High School closing and plans for the building’s future.
Related posts:
Schoolhouse Condos In Cambridge and Somerville
Condos in Renovated Schools in Medford
The North Cambridge Catholic High School is at 40 Norris Street, Cambridge, MA 02140.
Copyright © 2008 Centers And Squares Log in Design by Real Estate Tomato Powered by Tomato Blogs
