How is the real estate market in Western Massachusetts?

"Hey, how's the market lately?"

As a real estate agent in Westfield, Western Massachusetts, I get that question a lot. My answer changes, but lately the answer has been, "it is good!" to which I get a lot of surprised responses.

Well, I wouldn't blow smoke...I have proof that Western Massachusetts real estate is improving!

Let me start with my own office's numbers. Park Square Realty in Westfield and Agawam has the following to report:

Some statistics right from our Show Desk Tracking System-

Park Square Listings: First 2 Months of 2009... 345 Showings... 12 Pendings.

First 2 Months of 2010... 354 Showings... 44 Pendings.

Approximately the same amount of showings as last year at this time, but almost 4 times the amount of pendings.. THAT is a good sign!

Western Massachusetts buyers are serious right now and Park Square Realty's listings are selling.

Not enough proof for you? Here is some good news from the Massachusetts Association of Realtors:

"The Massachusetts Association of REALTORS® (MAR) reported today that the number of single-family homes put under agreement in February was up 16 percent over the same time last year, while condominiums were up 25 percent. February marks the eighth straight month that the number of both single-family homes and condominiums put under agreement had increased over the year before."

Still not enough? How about a word from Warren Buffett?

"Within a year or so, residential housing problems should largely be behind us," Buffett wrote Saturday in his annual letter to the shareholders of his Berkshire Hathaway.

If you are thinking of making a real estate decision, I am here to help and to educate!