Centers And Squares
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.
Somerville Real Estate Market 2009 and 2008
Welcome to the Somerville Homes Sold Report
Here’s a look back at Somerville home sales in 2009 and 2008 followed by the monthly numbers for December 2009. Figures are for sales of properties listed on the MLS, the Multiple Listing System.
Somerville real estate sales bumped up modestly in 2009, with 4.5% more properties sold in 2009 than in 2008 and an equivalent increase in total dollar value of real estate sold.
The mix of properties did shift however. Single family sales dropped by more than 20% while condo sales and multi-family sales jumped. As with other towns we’ve looked at, the drop in single family sales was a result of fewer properties being listed for sale. While the median price was down for single families, those that sold did so more quickly on average and for sale prices closer to the sellers’ asking prices.
Somerville Real Estate Year In Review
Total properties sold in Somerville:
- In 2009: 578 (+4.53%)
- In 2008: 553
Average days on market:
- 2009: 87 (-20.19%)
- 2008: 109
Total value of real estate sales:
- 2009: $233,547,999 (+4.43%)
- 2008: $223,646,177
Properties sold for:
- 2009: An average of 97% of asking price and a median price of $381,000 (+1.6%)
- 2008: An average of 97% of asking price and a median price of $375,000
Somerville Single Family Sales
- 2009: 63 (-21.25%)
- 2008: 80
Price range for single family homes:
- 2009: $132,500 to $1,100,000
- 2008: $107,000 to $970,000
Median price of single family houses sold:
- 2009: $377,000 (-5.7%)
- 2008: $399,750
On average, single families:
- In 2009: were on the market 79 days & sold for 97% of asking price
- In 2008: were on the market 107 days & sold for 95% of asking price
Somerville Condo Sales
- 2009: 360 (+9.43%)
- 2008: 329
Price range for condos:
- 2009: $88,000 to $893,000
- 2008: $134,000 to $685,000
Median price of condominiums sold:
- 2009: $363,500 (-3.86%)
- 2008: $350,000
On average, Somerville condos:
- In 2009: were on the market 90 days and sold for 97% of list price
- In 2008: were on the market 105 days and sold for 97% of list price
Somerville Multi-Family Sales
- 2009: 155 (+7.64%)
- 2008: 144
Price range for multi-family properties:
- 2009: $202,000 to $1,000,000
- 2008: $180,000 to $1,150,000
Median price of multi-family houses sold:
- 2009: $465,000 (-.43%)
- 2008: $467,000
On average, Somerville multi-families:
- In 2009: were on the market 82 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 are the last monthly Somerville real estate report for 2009 – Somerville Mass real estate sales in December 2009:
Homes On the Market in Somerville
175 Somerville homes were listed for sale in the MLS on Dec. 31, 2009 significantly fewer than were for sale one month before. Properties were priced between $148,900 and $1,684,133. Properties had been on the market an average of 161 days.
Somerville Homes Sold in December 2009
40 residential properties sold in Somerville in December 2009. The median sales price was $363,000.
4 Somerville single family houses sold in December priced between $285,000 and $845,000. The median sales price was $368,750. Houses had been on the market an average of 115 days and sold for an average of 92% of asking price.
31 condos sold in Somerville in December for prices from $144,000 and $879,000. Condos were on the market an average of 109 days. The median sales price was $350,000. Condominiums sold for 97% of the asking price on average.
5 multi-family homes sold during December for prices from $240,000 to $1,000,000. The median sales price in December was $450,500. On average, multi-unit houses sold for 100% of list price and were on the market 61 days.
Total value of Somerville homes sold in December was $15,761,400.
See Also:
November 2009 Somerville Real Estate Activity
Somerville homes sold info from MLSpin
Documenting Belmont Buildings Destined for Demolition
26 Harris St, Belmont, MA
Documenting Belmont Buildings Destined for Demolition Have you ever noticed how difficult it is to visualize a building once it’s gone?
This happens to me even on streets I drive down every day.
When all that’s left is a gaping cellar hole, or there’s a new building on the lot where an old one once stood – you scratch your head and ask “What was here before?”
And in recent years with teardowns becoming all too frequent our architectural memory becomes even more fractured.
The Belmont Historical Society has started a project to photograph the houses destined for demolition.
566 Trapelo Rd in Waverly Square
The program began in 2008 and I would imagine was prompted in part by the outcry about the Belmont Hill School’s demolition of what may have been New England’s first Modernist house, designed by architect Eleanor Raymond.
There are only two photographs on the Society’s webpage for the project, both from 2008. Perhaps with the real estate market upheaval demolitions paused in Belmont in 2009 – I don’t know. Hopefully the project is ongoing.
Check out the photos of demolished Belmont houses on the Belmont Historical Society’s website. One is a sweet bungalow, the other a two-story mansard with turret in Waverley Square. The buildings that replaced them can be seen at right.
Not that a photograph is enough. But it’s a start. And maybe with enough Before and Afters we’ll think a little longer about allowing our older, smaller houses to disappear one by one.
Medford MA Real Estate Market In 2009 and 2008
Welcome to the Medford MA Real Estate Wrap-up
Here’s a look back at Medford home sales in 2009 and 2008 followed by the monthly numbers for December 2009. Information is for sales of properties listed on the MLS, the Multiple Listing System.
There was a slight uptick in total properties sold in Medford in 2009. But there’s more behind those numbers.
During 2009 the number of single family homes sold decreased by 9%. This was not a matter of poor single family sales – in fact, singles sold for 98% of asking price on average in 2009, versus 96% of list price in 2008. The reason there were fewer sales (and the reason why sellers were able to get offers closer to their asking price) was that fewer single family houses were put on the market. That is quite evident when the numbers of single families that failed to sell during a listing period are compared – 152 in 2008 and only 83 in 2009.
Medford homeowners thinking of putting their home on the market should consider listing their home soon. The spring market promises to be early this yearbecause the homebuyer credit requires that the buyer have a property under agreement by April 30, 2010. Inventory going into the new year is waaay down from the year before – 38% fewer properties were on the market on Dec. 31st, 2009 than one year before. Less competition means it will be easier to sell your home.
The increase in the number of Medford properties sold this year was largely a result of a sizable increase in numbers of condos sold – condos sales increased by 25% over 2008 sales. When I saw that large an increase I took a closer look, wondering if it was a matter of new condo projects selling. That doesn’t seem to be the case – there were condos in new projects selling in 2008 and in 2009 and the numbers sold are fairly close. It seems that resale condos made up the increase instead.
At the same time, the median price of condos sold in 2009 fell by $20,000 or close to 7%. That may be in part a function of the mix of condos on the market since resale units usually sell for lower prices than the newly built condos.
In fact, the median price fell in all categories – single family houses, condos and multi-family houses. But at the same time, average days on market fell in all categories. It’s seemed for a while now that sellers have adjusted their expectations to current market conditions – pricing for today’s market and as a result, more sales are coming together. Thinking this will be the year you’ll become a homeowner? – it’s a great time to buy – realistic asking prices, low interest rates, and a homebuyer credit that puts cash in your pocket!
Medford Real Estate Year In Review
Total properties sold in Medford:
- In 2009: 485 (+1.9%)
- In 2008: 476
Average days on market:
- 2009: 90 (-19.65%)
- 2008: 112
Total value of real estate sales:
- 2009: $162,742,034 (-4.9%)
- 2008: $171,111,513
Properties sold for:
- 2009: An average of 97% of asking price and a median price of $325,000 (-5.8%)
- 2008: An average of 96% of asking price and a median price of $345,000
Medford Single Family Sales
- 2009: 204 (-8.93%)
- 2008: 224
Price range for single family homes:
- 2009: $105,000 to $753,800
- 2008: $130,000 to $842,275
Median price of single family houses sold:
- 2009: $340,000 (-4.63%)
- 2008: $356,500
On average, single families:
- In 2009: were on the market 71 days & sold for 98% of asking price
- In 2008: were on the market 90 days & sold for 96% of asking price
Medford Condo Sales
- 2009: 187 (+25.51%)
- 2008: 149
Price range for condos:
- 2009: $105,000 to $592,500
- 2008: $162,000 to $640,000
Median price of condominiums sold:
- 2009: $275,000 (-6.78%)
- 2008: $295,000
On average, Medford condos:
- In 2009: were on the market 105 days and sold for 96% of list price
- In 2008: were on the market 146 days and sold for 96% of list price
Medford Multi-Family Sales
- 2009: 94 (-8.74%)
- 2008: 103
Price range for multi-family properties:
- 2009: $245,000 to $632,500
- 2008: $265,000 to $638,000
Median price of multi-family houses sold:
- 2009: $382,000 (-.78%)
- 2008: $385,000
On average, Medford multi-families:
- In 2009: were on the market 98 days and sold for 98% of list price
- In 2008: were on the market 108 days and sold for 95% of list price
Here’s are the last monthly real estate report for 2009 – Medford Mass real estate sales in December 2009:
Homes On the Market in Medford MA
On December 31, 2009:
- 103 Medford homes were on the market
- Priced between $169,900 to $894,000.
- Average days on market – 141
Medford Mass Homes Sold – December 2009
- 35 properties sold in Medford in December
- Median sales price – $340,000
- Average days on market – 88
- Homes sold for an average of 98% of the list price
17 single family homes sold in December
- Sale prices: $217,000 to $601,600
- Median sales price for a single family home was $369,900
- Houses were on the market an average of 60 days
- Singles sold for an average of 98% of asking price
9 condos sold in Medford in December
- Sales prices: $177,400 – $370,000
- Median condo sales price: $255,000
- Condominiums sold for an average of 97% of the asking price
- Average days on market: 130
9 multi-family house sold in December in Medford MA
- Priced between $245,000 and $600,000
- Median sales price – $365,000
- Multi-families sold for an average of 98% of asking price
- Average days on market was 98
Total value of Medford MA homes sold in November was $12,287,270.
Also see:
Medford MA Real Estate Sales in November 2009
SEARCH FOR PROPERTIES FOR SALE IN MEDFORD MASS
Information about homes sold in Medford MA in December 2009 was based on data from MLSpin
Medford’s Civil War Photos
If you haven’t seen any of Medford’s collection of Civil War photographs or want to learn more about the collection you’ll get a chance at an upcoming lecture sponsored by the Winchester Historical Society and Friends of the Winchester Library
In a presentation titled Of the People: Faces of the Civil WarMedford Historical Society board member Jim Kiely and Barbara Kerr, Director of Collections, will talk about the history of the collection, how it was rediscovered, and what we can learn about the Civil War from the photographs.
The Medford Historical Society’s collection of Civil War photographs includes some 5400 prints and is thought to be the fifth largest collection of its kind in the world.
The lecture, Of the People: Faces of the Civil War is scheduled for:
Tuesday, February 9, 2010 at 7 pm
At the Winchester Public Library, 80 Washington St, Winchester MA 01890
Admission is free
On a side note (no pun intended!) – the Civil War engraving above is just a random image I bought to illustrate this post. It’s of Ambrose Burnside, a Union Army general for whom sideburns are named.
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 MA
276 Harvard Street, Cambridge MA – 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.
The Elmhurst is located at the corner of Harvard and Inman Streets at 40 Inman Street, Cambridge MA and 276 Harvard Street, Cambridge MA 02139
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.
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