Scituate, MA

What is the average cost per sq ft to add an addition and a 3 car garage in Scituate Massachusetts? I have heard that garage space is less expensive.

The beginning of August is a special time here in Scituate. Every year our seaside town celebrates it's rich heritage. This event, like our St. Patrick's Day Parade, seems to be getting larger every year.

Incorporated in 1636, our town has a long history that is kept alive by our active Historical Society. The "Little Red Schoolhouse" is a treasure of documents and pictures dating back over 300 years (the building is currently undergoing renovations and closed until September). Many stories from the "Men of Kent", to the Native Americans who first used the name "Satuit" (meaning - damn that brook is cold!), to the brave Bates sisters who stopped a British invasion by creating an "army of two". The volunteers are very knowledgeable and are happy to share lots of fun and interesting facts. It is during these days every summer that I truly appreciate how lucky Joe and I were to have "discovered" Scituate 15 years ago...

The festivities kick off this year from August 7-9. These three days are filled with many events - most happening in Scituate Harbor. The Scituate Chamber of Commerce has a detailed agenda The music is a huge attraction. A stage is placed in the middle of Front Street and visitors enjoy listening and dancing. There are many different bands scheduled this year. The type of music is diverse and is enjoyed by both young and old. One group scheduled to appear this year is Foghat (remember them?)!

The carnival was added to the Cole Parkway (behind Front St.) a few years ago and is a favorite with the little ones. This carnival is geered toward the very young - not for your teenager.... Nothing like the K of C carnival that was here just a few weeks ago.

I remember several years ago they kicked off the celebration with the release of the butterflies. Sadly, I don't see it on the agenda anymore - it was fascinating to watch and hope that one would land on your outstretched finger....

Of course, being a seaside community, there are several nautical events taking place such as boat races, oyster shucking contest, etc... but a personal favorite is the parade of boats. I highly recommend getting an outside table for lunch at T.K.'s or the Mill Wharf and watch and wave!

The luminaria on Friday evening is a sight best seen from the water, but another great spot would be from the lighthouse. I've always wondered if the candles can be seen from the planes landing/taking off at Logan Airport....

What I love about shopping at the marketplace is the local vendors. My husband and I have found many "Scituate" treasures here that adorn our home. We feel like tourists - in our own backyard!

Many of our historical sites will be open to the public. I love the new signs recently installed at several locations around town. The lighthouse tour is always the most popular. We had a changeover in keepers last summer. A schoolteacher, Bob Gallagher, and his family moved into the cottage. He keeps a blog, a fascinating look at the daily life of a light keeper I also recommend the Lawson Tower tour. This structure very unique and has a very interesting story as to why it was built.

So come and enjoy our beautiful town! It's a wonderful family outing with many sights to see and activities to enjoy. There will be a shuttle service from the Greenbush commuter rail station that will take you directly to the Harbor - highly recommended since parking is extremely limited.

I am hopeful that the recent arrival of summer weather (finally!) will prevail for these three days.

I am looking forward to seeing everyone!

Custom colonial, 1.45 acre retreat large level lot set back over 200 ft w/fenced back yard. All 4040 sq ft is above grade (attic & bsmnt unfinished),lots of space inside & out to expand. Open flr plan, flr to ceiling stone FP, 2 staircases, walk up attic, den w/marble FP & built-in's. Gourmet stainless steel Viking kitchen: 6 burner stove w/grill, double ovens, 8ft granite island, cherry cabinets. Great subdivision of approx 30 similar homes, must see. DIRECTIONS: At the intersection of route 123 & 3A turn onto Old Oaken Bucket rd., take 1st left onto Woodworth lane, take 2nd right onto Walnut Hill Drive. Do not enter driveway, children playing! Call Karen to set up a showing 617 462 2103. To directly access this property, use this shortcut: http://www.fizber.com/massachusetts-buy-single-family-home-11647028.html

Okay, I know I haven't blogged in awhile.... Truth is, for a good reason. I've been too busy! Our local market has been very hot. The $8,000.00 tax credit has definitely come into play. The inventory of homes in the 300s - 400s has been moving for a few weeks. This has prompted a "trickle up" effect - homes in the 500s - 600s have started to move.

I was skeptical at first. How could first time buyers afford homes in this price range? But, sure enough. In checking with other agents, roughly 75% of these buyers are indeed, first time buyers.

Where are the sellers going? Why, Scituate, of course! The "Scituate Scramble" is on! I've have seen first-hand these sellers scrambling all over town to find their perfect moving up house.

This is usually the time when the market begins to slow into a summer lull. I don't think that will happen this year. With the November 30th deadline, we will probably be busy all the way through the 3rd quarter.

For the stat lovers:

158 Single Family homes currently Active - 15 currently have accepted offers.
30 Single Family homes are in escrow. A very good number. The average list price of these homes is $548,000.00 and the days on market average is 126 - we usually average 150 days....

All good indications that keep me hopeful. I am already anticipating that the beach will not see me much this summer ;)

The current market conditions in Scituate are fair. The final numbers for the 4th quarter were disappointing (compared to '07), and the current sales for this 1st quarter of '09 are lower than the same period in '08 (with a few weeks still to go). Actual sales numbers are showing that values have decreased slightly (3-4%), but still no where near the national average.

While this may seem dismal, we are seeing more and more buyers jumping back into the market - of course, due to the low interest rates. The current inventory of single-family homes for sale is still pretty low. Of the 120 homes listed in MLS, 7 are actually condos or duplexes and 5 are technically "off the market" (accepted offer status). I personally know of 2 others that have not been flagged, but are also in accepted offer status. The good news is that the inventory of homes that have been languishing are finally moving and new listings coming on the market are selling faster IF they are priced correctly.

The sellers I am currently speaking to about selling their homes are treading very carefully - as well they should. It's a matter of doing your homework and paying close attention to the numbers. If my CMA (Comprehensive Market Analysis) reveals that you could sell your home for X amount of dollars, but you need Y to reach your goals, then DON'T sell. If you must sell for various reasons, let's list it at a price that makes sense AND that a lender will approve. The HOT price range right now is 300 - 450... Since the new year, 32 single family homes have sold or are currently in escrow. Thirteen of those homes were on the market for less than 100 days. Five were over 300 days. The "average" days on market we have been seeing is 150....

And from the "this just in" department.... Scituate has once again made Boston Magazine's Best list! We were listed last year under the Best Places To Live. This year, in keeping with the spirit of the current economy, the list is appropriately altered. Scituate is one of the towns under the "Top Burgs for Bargain Hunters". It seems Hingham has also made the list again- as a "Recession Proof" town. While I'm not sure that I agree with their numbers, the magazine also breaks down ALL of the towns in Massachusetts to see where we all stand with regard to home values.

The snow is FINALLY melting! C'mon Spring!