Pat Baker Real Estate Expert Needham, MA

"Green Goes With Everything." by Sloan Barnett

I love passing on great information. I also love being green and have been since 1982. I am thrilled that the word is out. We switched to green products back in 1982 and I did everything I could to recycle and think green. I could say more but her video says a lot. There are a lot of kids with asthma these days. As a child and on into my adulthood I was very bad with asthma and used inhalers. I had to get away from the products that made me sick. I did back there in 1982. The products she shows are the ones we have used all these years.

That is the title of a new book coming out in September.  You may know the author her name is Sloan Barnett and she is a regular on NBC Today show.  She tells her story regarding her son got asthma and it seemed mysterious since no one in the family on either side had it.  I did an advance order of the book because I really want to know what more I can do.

I really wish that the northeast would join the rest of the country in building green.  As usual we are a bit behind.  I was so glad that a new listing came on in Needham that is an "Energy Green"/L.E.E.D property.  I am hoping for a trend here.  This house is totally energy efficient.  There is so much involved in being green and I am sure you all know that.

 

 

Pat Baker, Licenses Real Estate Broker/Agent - Serving my clients in Needham, Wellesley, Dover, Sherborn, Holliston, Natick, South Natick, Dedham, Westwood. www.patannbaker.com 617-435-3471

Needham Luxury Market Report 2003 - 2008

Properties sold over $1 Million

1-03 --6-08

Here are some interesting stats for the luxury home market as follows:

2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 20008

1 Million $ bracket - 17 41 47 48 57 23

2 Million $ bracket - 4 8 4 8 5 2

3 Million $ bracket - 1 0 0 0 1 0

4 Million $ bracket - 0 0 0 0 0 0

5 Million $ bracket - 0 0 1 0 0 0

7 Million $ bracket - 0 1 0 0 0 0

The luxury market sales increased in 2005 and 2006 and especially in 2007 but notice the change in 2008.

By way of comparison I am including the "Dover" Luxury Market Report 01-2003--6-2008

In Dover the average price range is $1,109,497 anyway while Needham's average price range from 1/01/08 to 8/15/2008 is $787,014.

1 Million $ bracket - 24 38 33 24 28 7

2 Million $ bracket - 5 5 4 3 6 1

3 Million $ bracket - 1 3 1 1 0 0

4 Million $ bracket - 0 0 1 0 2 1

5+Million $ bracket - 0 0 0 0 0 0

Over 6 Million $ - 0 0 0 0 0 0

It is wonderful for communities that are side by side to enjoy what each town offers. Dover offers a rural community with more private residences. Needham offers wonderful services and is a bit closer to Boston and option of commuting by rail or bus. Great towns with much to offer. It just depends on which appeals to the individual needs.

By way of a comparison I have a report to follow with a snapshot of what is on the market in Dedham, MA

	7/11/2008			8/11/2008
Price Range	Number of Listings	Avg. Days on Market	vs. today	Number of Listings	Avg. Days on Market
Under $50,000	-	-		-	-
$50,000 - $99,999	-	-		-	-
$100,000 - $149,999	-	-		-	-
$150,000 - $199,999	1	18		1	49
$200,000 - $249,999	7	146		4	75
$250,000 - $299,999	13	62		17	95
$300,000 - $349,999	14	136		10	122
$350,000 - $399,999	20	62		16	104
$400,000 - $449,999	13	104		9	117
$450,000 - $499,999	18	147		10	148
$500,000 - $599,999	11	187		8	148
$600,000 - $699,999	6	174		3	58
$700,000 - $799,999	5	69		3	100
$800,000 - $899,999	1	43		-	-
$900,000 - $999,999	2	196		2	227
$1,000,000 - $1,499,999	5	300		5	331
$1,500,000 - $1,999,999	-	-		-	-
$2,000,000 - $2,499,999	-	-		-	-
$2,500,000 - $2,999,999	-	-		-	-
$3,000,000 - $3,999,999	-	-		-	-
$4,000,000 - $4,999,999	-	-		-	-
$5,000,000 - $9,999,999	1	297		1	328
Over $10,000,000	-	-		-	-
Total Properties	117	Avg. 125		89	Avg. 129
Lowest Price: $199,900 Median Price: $425,000 Highest Price: $6,800,000 Average Price: $530,775 Total Market Volume: $62,100,699			Lowest Price: $199,900 Median Price: $389,900 Highest Price: $6,800,000 Average Price: $536,181 Total Market Volume: $47,720,146

In the past 12 months there have been 185 single family homes sold in Dedham, MA. The sales prices ranged from $200,000 to $2,300,000. The average days on market were 101.

Just to give you a flavor a some of the properties you might find in the Dedham Precint 1 area I am mentioning a wonderful unique property which is a French Manor house that has been beautifully maintained on Jobb's Island for $6,800,000. This is truly a unique property in the Precint 1 area of Dedham, MA. There are over 8000 square feet of living space and nearly 16 acres with a half-mile of water frontage. This is a completly private spot with room for staff and guest quarters.

The single family on market listings are lower than I have seen it in a long time with just 93 properties on the market and 5 of those have accepted offers and will take back up offers.

The list price range is from $349,900 to $3,500,000.

During the last 10 days there have been 7 single family homes sold. One of those properties was very unique and historical one. There are less buyers in that category and price range of $2,400,000. The original price was $2,750,000 and it was on the market for 322 days. This is a wonderful property near the center of town.

A total of 9 properties came on the market and 2 of those are pending. So it has been a busy 10 days in spite of the fact that we are all trying to enjoy what is left of the summer. The market is still strong and as I always say, "real estate is local." The summer months are always quiet but there is definitely a good market here in Needham.

	On-Market Snapshot
Report Run: 8/10/2008 9:55:01 PM Property Type(s): SF Snapshot Date: 7/10/2008 Towns: Needham
7/10/2008 8/10/2008 Price Range Number of Listings Avg. Days on Market vs. today Number of Listings Avg. Days on Market Under $50,000 - - - - $50,000 - $99,999 - - - - $100,000 - $149,999 - - - - $150,000 - $199,999 - - - - $200,000 - $249,999 - - - - $250,000 - $299,999 - - - - $300,000 - $349,999 1 957 1 974 $350,000 - $399,999 1 97 2 142 $400,000 - $449,999 3 122 2 98 $450,000 - $499,999 10 58 6 79 $500,000 - $599,999 9 186 8 132 $600,000 - $699,999 23 128 19 144 $700,000 - $799,999 5 94 7 42 $800,000 - $899,999 7 44 5 62 $900,000 - $999,999 4 302 2 352 $1,000,000 - $1,499,999 25 113 23 140 $1,500,000 - $1,999,999 12 318 15 260 $2,000,000 - $2,499,999 1 97 - - $2,500,000 - $2,999,999 1 354 1 385 $3,000,000 - $3,999,999 2 137 2 168 $4,000,000 - $4,999,999 - - - - $5,000,000 - $9,999,999 - - - - Over $10,000,000 - - - - Total Properties 104 Avg. 154 93 Avg. 160 Lowest Price: $349,900 Median Price: $819,450 Highest Price: $3,500,000 Average Price: $1,008,029 Total Market Volume: $104,835,100 Lowest Price: $349,900 Median Price: $849,000 Highest Price: $3,500,000 Average Price: $1,047,395 Total Market Volume: $97,407,800

Pat Baker, Licensed Real Estate Broker/Agent - Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage of Needham, MA - Serving my clients in Needham, Wellesley, Dover, Dedham, Westwood, Weston, Medfield, Millis, Medway, Sherborn, Holliston, Natick and South Natick. http://patbaker.wordpress.com

In today's August 1, 2008 Boston Herald there was a great article really talking about how this wonderful suberb of Boston - Needham, MA is meeting the needs of buyers who want the close commute to Boston without the high prices of living in Boston.

Recently Bill Bartlett purchased a starter home, ranch-style for $395,000 with 3 bedrooms and it has met his needs. He has been renting for 17 years. Ofter the homes at that price range have been purchased by a developer.

The ome he purchased for his family was 50 years old and owned by the original owner for the life of the home. She had maintained it well. He is planning to add a garage with a studio above it.

Developers have been snapping up properties that are what we call "tear-downs." and they are replaced with $1 million plus homes.

I sold a property in "Bird's Hill" section of Needham for $495,000 and before the builder had finished the house he sold it for $1,250,000.

Builders are paying about $500,000 for a samller home ona 10,000 to 12,000 square foot lot and tearing it down," said developer Matt Hughes, a Needham native.

There are 2 sites in Needham now that are mulit-use buildings in suburban Needham. In Needham Center close to the train station are 2 absolutely beautiful condominiums with 2 deeded parking spaces. There is another in Needham Heights there will soon be 2 luxury apartments above retail space at the ground level. Coincidently they are both next to the Post Office in the center of Needham and in Needham Heights and bothare close to the train stops.

With gas prices and folks working in the city it is great to have suburban/urban living and walk to where things are.

I know of another resident of Needham who sold his big home and opted for downsizing and close to the center of town and the train.

I have personally lived her since summer of 1965 and I have seen lots of wonderful improvements. The new luxury apartments is a landmark for me because my husband when we were dated actually worked on that site. I walked by on my way to the train station to go to college. Lots of fond memories of that part of town and all the new and improved Needham.

It has been said and I will say it again. "Needham is a great place to live." One of my associates Larry Cummings is quoted as saying 'This is still a Leave it to Beaver' community out of the 1950's, with strong family values and a small-town atmosphere."

This blog brought to you by:

Pat Baker, Licensed Real Estate Broker/Agent - Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage - Needham, MA - Needham, Wellesley, Dover, Weston, Dedham, Holliston, Natick, http://patbaker.wordpress.com

Needham has 2 great spots but nearby Dover, Wellesley and South Natick have some great spots too. In fact, my brother-in-law comes to visit us often from Cape Cod to do the nearby trails. This keeps him young at 58.

Ridge Hill Reservation - Charles River Peninsula - This reservation has sloping hills that gently roll down to the charles River also known as the city river.

Needham Town Forest - 200+ acre trails run the gamut of types of terrain - your average garden variety type to a very frightening rocky sections

Nearby Dover:

Noanet Woodlands Trail - Dover -A network of trails with diverse terrain. 387 foot peak-- Great for Cross Country Skiing

Nearby Wellesley:

Elm Bank: This reservation has miles of trails that lead to the borders of the Charles River. Beautiful spot.

South Natick:

Broadmoor Wildlife Sanctuary - Rich with wildlife and history #20 in the
Best Hiking In Massachusetts *****

Best Flatwater paddling and canoeing - Start in Cambridge and continue to South Natick - Best time is in June.

Pat Baker, Licensed Real Estate Broker/Agent - Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage - Needham, MA http://patbaker.wordpress.com 617-435-3471 Needham, Wellesley, Dover, Weston, Westwood, Holliston

Needham has the best schools.

..The best restaurants - like Panera Bread, Sweet Basil's, Blue on Highland, Fuji's Steak House, Not Your Average Joe's, Masala Art, Quince Bistro, Fava, Gabriella's Bistro, Bertucci, Rice Barn, Village Fish, Stone Hearth Pizza, Spiga, New Garden, Mandarin Cuisine, Pacini's, Fresca's

...The best transportation - Bus and commuter rail

....The best 4th of July Celebrations

.....The best New Year's Eve Celebration

......The best coffee shops - Dunkin' Donuts (3) & Starbucks

........The best bagels - Bagel's Best, Finagle-A-bagel, Cafe Bagel

.......The best hospital - Beth Israel Deaconess

.........The best walking and hiking trails

..........The best clubs and organizations - to name a few- "Parent Talk" "Rotary Club of Needham, the Needham Exchange Club

............The best fitness clubs - i.e. Charles River YMCA, Fitness Together, Health Fit, Curves, Gold's Gym

..............Needham has the UPS Store, Staples and Kinko's

...............Wonderful shops - Perrenial Design, Prelude, Accents, Grey Goose, Joseph A Bank, Chrislee Boutique, Joel's at Needham Square, Lisa's, Scorby's Camera,

.................Ice Cream to die for - Gotta have Abbott's Habit - Abbott's Frozen Custard, Junction Ice Cream, Friendly's, quick trip to South Natick Lookout Farm for Gelato - sooo good

More to come. Stay tuned.

Written by: Pat Baker, Licensed Real Estate Broker/Agent - Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage, Needham, MA - 617-435-3471 - Needham, Wellesley, Dover, Dedham, Weston, Westwood, Holliston, Sherborn, Natick, South Natick. http://patbaker.wordpress.com

Entire 2007 Real Estate Sales for Single Family Homes:

-Total homes sold all of 2007 = 373 home

The average sales price was $748,000

The average list price was $776,000+

Selling at and average 97% of list price and average of 94% of original price

The volume of sales for the entire of 2007 was $279,219,386

Comparatively from Jan. 2008 to July 29 2008

Total homes sold through July 29 149 homes

The average sales price $780,000+

The average list price is $804,468+

Selling at an average of 97 % of list price and an average of 94% of original price

With a volume of sales thru today of $115,064,642 with 5 months of this year to go.

The blog was created by Pat Baker, Licensed Real Estate Broker/Agent with Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage, One Chapel Street, Needham, MA 617-435-3471 http://patbaker.wordpress.com

Practicing real estate in Needham, Wellesley, Newton, Weston, Westwood, Dover, Dedham, Natick, South Natick, Sherborn, Holliston.

For all my 43 years in Needham we have looked forward to eating the corn from Volanti's Farm, 829 Central Avenue, Needham, MA and on the corner of Forest Street. This farm is truly a work of art. The owner is second generation and they started in 1917. Every fruit, vegetable, plant or anything they offer is simply eye and pallet appealing.

The place to be for the gardener. We go there all the way to Thanksgiving for late fall vegetables. Then at Christmas time everything you need from trees, wreaths, and pointsettias can be found there.

The new greenhouse is environmentally friendly and utilizes micro-irrigation.

It is rated "Best of Boston" and you just can't beat it. http://www.volantefarms.com/

By Jim Walker

This greenhouse is a more fuel-efficient product. That is important to me and so many people I wanted to pass that along . They collect 10,000 of rain water and use it to water the plants. The store is always kept nice and appealing too. For me it so close to home I love it. The fruits and vegetable are amazing and wonderful. The corn is the best I have ever had.

Blog by Pat Baker, Licensed Real Estate Broker/Agent with Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage Of Needham, MA - 617-435-3471- Primarily location Needham along with Wellesley, Weston, Westwood, Dedham, Dover, Sherborn, Natick, South Natick, Holliston. http://patbaker.wordpress.com

The Green Needham Collaborative brings the community together with other people who are like-minded when it comes to the education and effice use of our resources. There are many topics on the iste and they have kept the site up to date.

There is a link to some great tips for conservation. I am pleased that a group like this is available at no cost to join. For 26 years I have been recycling before Needham had their recycle facility the town of Wellesley allowed me to bring my recycle materials there. All these things take time but it is worth the time. I have used biodegradable products since the l977. I was introduced to some amazing products that were developed in 1956 and broke down in days and weeks instead of years. This same company got the "Stevie Award," and is a Climate Neutral Company. Recently the products appeared on Oprah several times as one of her favorite products. I am glad the movement has continued and so many people have jumped on board. I am sure back in the 70's I must have seemed weird to many but so what, right?

Although the Solar Challenge has officially ended they are extending the time for anyone who has not had a chance to sign up. Needham recorded 281 contributions which earned 2 solar panels to be installed at Pollard Junior High School.

I think it will be worth it to take a look at this site. They have done a terrific job here.

http://www.greenneedham.org/

The blog was written by Pat Baker, Licensed Real Estate Broker/Agent with Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage of Needham, MA 617-435-3471 http://patbaker.wordpress.com