Leominster, MA

Keller Williams Realty Inc. has grown to become the third-largest residential real estate franchise in the United States by number of associates, according to 2008 figures from industry publication Real Trends.

Austin-based Keller Williams had 72,794 U.S. associates at the end of last year, overtaking RE/MAX International as the third-largest domestic real estate franchise, Real Trends data show.

From 2006 to 2008, Keller Williams increased its associate count by 52 percent, while market share for its offices increased 83 percent and agent gross commission income went up 35 percent, the company said. Currently, the company has 679 offices operating in the United States. In Austin, Keller Williams has more than 1,800 employees.

"The success of Keller Williams Realty can be directly attributed to the hard work and perseverance of our associates and the soundness of our economic and organizational models," said Mark Willis, CEO of Keller Williams. "While others might be looking at this market and seeing fear and uncertainty, we have always approached it as our opportunity to shine and grow. And that mindset has paid off."

Last fall, the company announced the launch of KW Commercial, a new division of dedicated to providing commercial real estate associates with specialized technology, marketing tools and resources. KW Commercial already has more than 220 active brokers across the U.S. and Canada.

-© 2009 American City Business Journals, Inc.
http://www.bizjournals.com/austin/stories/2009/03/02/daily9.html

LINDA'S REAL ESTATE NEWS FROM LEOMINSTER, MA - 10/25/2008

Back by popular demand, "Dancing with The REALTORS" Habitat for Humanity Fundraising Event will be held on Saturday, February 7th, 2009 at the Four-Points Sheraton/Leominster, MA. Last year's "sold-out" show was an amazing success raising nearly $20,000 for Habitat for Humanity.

Similar to the popular TV show, "Dancing with The Stars", local Real Estate Professionals are paired with professional dance partners to perform the dances of Fox Trot & Swing. This year's event has been expanded to feature DWTR Season 1 dancers to return & compete with dances of Tango & Cha Cha Cha. In addition to the competitions, a silent auction, raffles, live auction and pro/am, amateur and professional dance showcases will dazzle the audience.

For more information about sponsorship opportunities or for ticket information, please contact Linda Andries (978)847-0815

What's happening in Leominster? We are seeing activity in the bottom end of the market (like everywhere else). However, there seems to be some activity close to happening in the upper end of the market as well. Overall we are seeing less Sold units (homes selling) than we have in 2007 (so far). Until we see units increase, the basics of Econimics tell me that we will not nbe seeing price increases anytime soon.

That being said, it is still a good opportunity to buy a home - as long as you are not looking at a 1 to 2 year time frame. If that is the case - RENT! Otherwise, the 'compressed market' accompanied with low mortgage rates (for those who can still get one) make this a real opportunity.

ZIP Code: 01453

Location Characteristics: Located less than an hour from Boston, MA, and even less time to the I-495 'Tech-belt' Leominster is one of the 1st affordable places within a reasonable commute to major employment areas.

More Real Estate Words of Wisdom from Gerry 'Realtyman' Bourgeois:

Well... The Spring Market is upon us. What's happening in North Central MA, you ask? Nobody really knows for sure. Mortgage rates are still very low (historically) - around 6% for a 30 year fixed rate. 100% financing is all but gone. OK, 100% LTV may be available in SOME instances, however they are few and far between. FHA is making a 'comeback' but buyers still need to bring Money to the table (quite a novel concept).

Sales are actually increasing (units, that is) but there is still quite a bit of pricing pressure. Homes which are priced correctly relative to the current market (not 2004 values) can - and DO - Sell!

We are seeing more activity in the lower end of the market for single family homes. However, we are also seeing the 'upper-end' getting cherry picked. The good upper-end homes are selling. The real challenge is in the middle of the market. It is very hard for the middle to find any direction right now. Also, many who are in the middle are reluctant to make a decision.

Due to pricing in addition to financing constraints, the condo and multi-family markets are faring Far Worse than the Single Family market. And until the supply/demand curve shifts - I don't see that part of the market getting better (price wise) any time soon.

In the 18 years of selling homes in North Central MA I have yet to see a better time to 'trade up' to a "better" single family home as I do now. This is a result of the current pricing pressure combined with the low cost of mortgage money. (Remember: at 6% over 30 years - $100,000 costs only $600 per month (P&I)).

Only time will tell when we hit bottom. Unfortunatley we will only know that we have hit bottom once we are about 6 months past it. At that point, mortgage rates will most likely be higher - and the only one who wins there are the banks.

Here's to hoping that the Spring Market units continue to remain strong!