Framingham, MA

Image via Wikipedia

Framingham restaurants, hotels, and bars have just taken another economic hit..a potential MAJOR hit!

Their potential market has just shrunk by 49 states!

If you don’t have a Massachusetts license, then do not stop in Framingham looking for an alcoholic beverage because out-of-state licenses are no longer considered valid ID, given that local establishments are now operating under a “serve at your own peril” policy which means that out-of-state licenses are not acceptable as proof of age of a patron.

“The new rules aim to tighten up existing regulations, making establishments responsible for serving underage patrons even if they have a non-Massachusetts fake ID saying they are over 21,” according to WickedLocal.com.

The town’s new alcohol serving policy, while basically simply acknowledging the Alcoholic Beverages Commission’s identification criteria, has made some establishments jumpy about potential liability, causing them to reject their patrons out-of-state identification.

Relatives from another state can be dined but not wined.

Business associates from across the country? How about a soda to go with that prime rib dinner?

Thinking of booking a convention in one of the area hotels? How about ID badges that say “I cannot buy drinks in Framingham?”

Parents from 49 states with kids at Framingham State will not be putting their liquor tab in Framingham’s coffers.

Realtors on the other hand may benefit.

Want to do business in Framingham? Want to visit your relatives, college students, or tourist attractions in Framingham? Then buy a house, get a driver’s license, and then we’ll let you buy a drink at a Framingham waterhole!

Framingham will be driving its out-of-state liquor dollars to Natick, Marlboro, Boston, and every other community possible because the licensing board has decided that other states’ licenses aren’t valid.

And in today’s global economy, the message to tourists, businesses, and investors is: No Massachusetts license - No Drinking!

Of course the policy could be changed. And of course many may think the policy SHOULD be changed.

And while we ALL abhor the myriad problems of underage drinking, and recognize the importance of ensuring that businesses do not serve alcohol to underage customers, perhaps the Framingham Board of Selectmen which acts as the licensing board, will recognize that the problem of underage drinking may not best be served by invalidating legitimate out-of-state licenses.

Word is that the licensing board is already aware that some retooling of the alcohol serving policy may be necessary.

The board next meets on October 2nd. If you have concerns about this policy and its effect on town revenue, then make your feelings known.

Mark October 2nd on your calendar and help the selectmen refine this policy so that it is not detrimental to legitimate “of age” patrons from other states.

JOHN PRESCOTT

-BostonKayakGuy

Top Real Estate Agent for more than 14 years, serving the real estate needs of Wellesley, South Natick, Weston, Needham, Wayland, Newton, Framingham and other MetWest communities. www.johnprescott.net

JOHN PRESCOTT

Vice President

Century 21 Commonwealth

508-523-9252

BostonKayakGuy…The MetWest Scene

Nobody likes to be the bearer of bad news, but as this headline came across my screen a few hours ago I felt it was my duty to inform dear friends and clients (many of whom purchased homes with me in this area) of the news.

We KNOW we live in a large town, in fact it was once deemed the largets town in the US, but to most residents in the quiet neighborhoods near these schools it is a small town full of city conveniences. But we rarely have such events occur here! When we do, it certainly pulls us closer together and the ties that bind this community are tied even tighter.

We are lucky to have great neighbors, great friends and a great network on which we can rely to share the news, be it good or bad. I am confident that by now my entire network is aware of the situation and as far as I know they are all safe and sound!

For more details click here: http://www.thebostonchannel.com/news/17380195/detail.html

Overall, Framingham is currently in a strong buyer's market, across all price points the average is a 9 month supply.

There is a lot of variation across the various price points, so here's the current data for the Framingham Real Estate Market:

If you would like help interpreting the information, or would like some help with marketing your home or buying a home, click here.

Sellers market in the following price points:

$700,000 - $799,999 there is currently no supply
$800,000 - $899,999 there is currently a 4 month supply
$900,000 - $999,999 there is currently a 4 month supply

Balanced market in the following price points:

$400,000 - $449,999 there is currently a 5 month supply
$450,000 - $499,999 there is currently a 5 month supply
$600,000 - $699,999 there is currently a 6 month supply

Buyers' market in the following price points:

under $299,999 there is currently a 8 month supply
$300,000 - $349,999 there is currently a 8 month supply
$350,000 - $399,999 there is currently a 8 month supply
$500,000 - $599,999 there is currently a 8 month supply
$1,000,000 - $1,499,999 there is currently a 20 month supply
$1,500,000 - $1,999,999 there are properties available but no recent market activity

To View The Data from which this report has been compiled click here.

Mike Hunter, the House Hunter

Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage
447 Boston Post Rd, Sudbury, MA 01776

Tel: 978.580.1069
Email: Mike.Hunter@NEMoves.com
Web: www.hunterthehousehunter.com

Please consider the environment before printing this blog.

September Numbers are the plain text. November numbers are the Bold text. Today's Numbers are in Italics.

Active Listings Total Listings Average Asking Price Average Days on Market

Single Family 128 111 80 $627K $647K $619K 141 111 201

Multi Family 9 9 5 $467K $453K $378K 89 132 156

Condos 94 87 70 $364K $376K $409 145 159 188

1) Inventory in all categories is down from November. A good indication Buyers are coming back.

2) Average Asking Price is lower for Single and Multi Family homes. Condo prices are up a bit which reflects the high priced condos at One Nouvelle. The lower Asking Price reflect Sellers reducing prices to be consistent with the current Market.

3) Days on Market is higher. I think this reflects the Sellers who haven't gotten their prices in line with the current Market. More of the longer DOM homes are staying on the market keeping the number high. The Holidays also had an effect on DOM.

I think in general the market is adjusting. Sellers are lowering prices to 2003-2004 prices for buyers to be interested.

I did an Open House recently where 8 groups of people came through. I would say 75% of them are first time buyers ready to buy. Mortgage rates are at an all time low. Both good indicators that 2008 may be a busy year.

I think the lower Inventory and Prices plus the increased activity gives