Rates don’t seem to need that encouragement. Over the last week rates have either matched or created new lows. No specific news stories to point to but the economic news continues to be relatively weak, and there is continued concerns as to the European economy. At this point, why ask why? With rates this low the incentive to buy real estate now rather than later is as strong as it has ever been.For those who already own, this is an unprecedented opportunity to refinance to obtain the lowest…See More

The median price of condominiums in Brookline, Massachusetts remained mostly flat in Q1 2012 while sales decreased. The data were compiled using MLS Property Information Network, Inc, a local multiple listing service. Condominium sales fell 5.8 percent in Q1 2012, a difference of four sales compared to Q1 2011. The median…See More

Well it is at least for mortgage rates.  Friday’s payroll number was well short of expectations with only 115K jobs added in the month of April vs. an expected 170K. The unemployment rate dropped though this again was attributed to people stopping to look for work. On top of the weak US economic data more of it from around the word put a damper on the markets. Spain became the 8th European country to be considered in a recession. In a global economy this can certainly hamper US growth as…See More

Single-family home sales in Newburyport, Massachusetts increased in Q1 2012 as the median price of homes decreased. The data were compiled using MLS Property Information Network, Inc, a local multiple listing service. Single-family home sales in Newburyport, MA increased 13 percent in the first quarter of 2012, a difference of three sales compared to Q1 2011.The median price of single-family homes decreased 18.3 percent in Q1 2012 compared to the previous year, a difference of $76,800.  The…See More

Just a month ago the Federal Reserve Board statement caused a significant jump in rates. It actually took rates more than a month to get back to previous levels. This week the latest statement was released and contained very similar language to last time but this time it was met with a yawn by the markets.The Fed is walking a tightrope right now and cannot commit to either further easing or a specific time as to when it would start tightening. Aside from the US economic numbers giving mixed…See More

The Beverly Citizen recently reported that Beverly’s River House, a mainstay for homeless adults, is in need of restructuring in order to remain effective in its mission. The River House will be closing their emergency housing program on April 30th while the new board of directors works to alter and improve the River House business model. Efforts will be made to find housing alternatives for the current shelter residents. Harborlight Community Partners will be stepping into the management…See More