by Miah Browne
1/16/2010

Consumers were shopping for more than toys this past holiday season. The number of Holliston real estate sales was up 40 percent in the last quarter of 2009 versus the last quarter of 2008. In addition, sales prices increased seven percent when comparing the two quarters.

There were 28 single family homes that sold from October 1 to December 31, according to MLS Property Information Network. There were 20 during the same period a year ago. The average list price of homes was $409,786 and the average sale price was $392,713 in quarter four of 2009. The average list price during the same period in 2008 was $385,145 and the average sale price was $366,638.

Homes were on the market for about 110 days in the last quarter of ‘09 versus 108 days in the last quarter of 2008.

In the third quarter of 2009, homes under $500,000 were the most desirable. This trend continued into the last quarter of the year with 22 of the 28 sales under a half million dollars. There were five sales from $500,000 to $900,000 and one sale over $900,000. In the last quarter of 2008 there were 17 home sales under $500,000 and three home sales in the $500,000 to $900,000 price range.

Real estate sales will likely be strong into the Spring since Congress enacted new legislation in November that:

*   Extends the First-Time Home Buyer Tax Credit of up to $8,000 to first-time home buyers until April 30, 2010.
*   Expands the credit to grant up to $6,500 credit to current home owners purchasing a new or existing home between November 7, 2009 and April 30, 2010.

There are currently 32 homes on the market in Holliston. Fourteen homes have accepted offers. The least expensive home available is 100 Washington Street for $130,000. The most expensive home on the market is 775 Central Street for $999,900.

If you would like more information on the recent legislation for home buyers,
visit:
http://www.irs.gov/newsroom/article/0,,id=215791,00.html <http://www.irs.gov/newsroom/article/0,,id=215791,00.html>


Miah Kattman and Barbara Kattman
Exceptional Properties Specialist
William Raveis Real Estate
50 Central Street
Wellesley, MA 02482
Cell: (508) 446-4469
Email: brownem@raveisre.com <mailto:brownem@raveisre.com>  or
kattmanb@raveisre.com <mailto:kattmanb@raveisre.com>