Because I think walking my dog off-leash through a woodland trail is the equivalent of heaven on earth, I’m partial to places where I can slip the lead off my Gracie and let her run. Some really good options where you can let rover rip are at Centennial Park (off Oakland Street) and at certain spots along Lake Waban where you can throw a stick and let your dog enjoy a dip.  However, in addition to Wellesley College, the lake is bordered by private property and some of the abuttors do mind an unleashed dog.  For more off-leash exercise we also go to the Weston Reservoir off Ash Street where you’ll meet many other dogs and people,  Noanet in Dover (paradise) where you’ll probably not meet another soul, and Hale Reservation on the Dover/Westwood line.  Once in awhile we go for a walk along Elm Bank, but they do expect you to stay on leash there and the muddy banks of the Charles River aren’t necessarily what you’d want to end up in the back of your car.

If you do walk around Wellesley with your canine companion, stop by Pinnacle for a treat and to meet Gracie.  She comes to work every day and is usually found just inside the doorway waiting  for another dog to stop by.  The exception is when we are eating lunch, of course, as Gracie never misses her lunch break.

For more information about dog walks near Wellesley or directions to any of these spots, please call 781-237-5000 or stop by Pinnacle’s office at 555 Washington Street in Wellesley – right in Wellesley Square.  We hope you’ll share your favorite dog walks with Gracie and me!

The hours, rates, beach tag and swim lesson information for Morses Pond in Wellesley MA is now available for the 2013 season.

If you are thinking of buying or selling a home in Wellesley, MA, please contact Pinnacle Residential Properties at 781-237-5000. Click here for a complimentary search of MLS real estate listings where you will have access to all homes currently on the market in Dover, Weston, Wellesley, Needham, Natick and surrounding communities

Weston MA Hosts its Spectacular Weston 300 Celebration on June 1, 2013

Save the date of Saturday, June 1, 2013 as the town of Weston hosts its spectacular Weston 300 Field Day and Grand Concert Celebration. The festivities begin with Field Day from 10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. taking place at the Weston High School.

“Entertainment will include face painting, dunk tanks, clowns, a petting zoo, and a variety of fun, kid-friendly games as well as delicious local foods. Performances by Weston dance groups and other local organizations will occur throughout the day. There will be a “Weston 300 Olympics”, featuring sporting competitions on the turf field, and a 5K-road race. Robotics, science demonstrations and a film festival will be featured in the Weston High School.” All this and so much more….

Then from 6:00 – 9:30 p.m., there will be a grand celebration concert ”Pops style” at the Weston High School football stadium. “On an over-sized stage with spectacular lighting, a 300-person chorus and combined orchestras will perform American favorites, gospel, jazz and contemporary classics. Thunderous singing by a town-wide choral group will culminate with Tchaikovsky’s 1812 Overture, followed by a rousing round of cannon fire and a spectacular fireworks display.”

In order to defray the cost of the festivities, Weston 300 is asking for modest donations* from participating residents. Wrist bands will be sold in advance at the Weston Recreation Center and on site at Weston High School on June 1. The prices range from $50 for a Reserved Pops-style Table of Five for the concert and $30 for an all day family donation for both events to $5 for bleacher and lawn seating for the concert and several other options in between.

As you may recall, Weston was incorporated as a town in January 2013, and so this year marks its 300th anniversary. The town website sums it up perfectly, “Weston has had a remarkable history, spanning from its rural farmland beginnings to the thriving community it is today. The 300th anniversary is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to celebrate, reflect and showcase the varied aspects of this historic town. To that end, the Town of Weston plans to commemorate the accomplishments and development of the town over the past three centuries through a series of special events” that span throughout the 2013 year.

For more information on this or on the real estate market in Weston, Wellesley, Wayland and the surrounding towns, please contact me, Lisa Curlett (781-267-2844 or www.homesalesbylisa.com), to answer any questions or for a complimentary home appraisal.

* Credit cards and checks are accepted. The donation is tax-deductible as allowable by law. Rain date: Sunday, June 2, 2013

It seems like such an easy addition – a deck.  But like all additions and remodels there are countless things to consider.  The material, the size, the location, not to mention decisions on the details of benches, railings, etc.  Adding a deck to your Wellesley or Weston MA home can be an expensive proposition. However, when you consider you can recoup as much as a 77% of your investment it seems like a good idea.  This HouseLogic article helps with the thought process and also gives details of the 2013 cost vs. value report of Remodeling Magazine.  This outdoor living space is a great addition to any Wellesley or Weston, MA home but some serious planning is key to a successful outcome.

If you are thinking of buying or selling a home in Wellesley or Weston MA, please contact Maureen McCaffrey at mmccaffrey@prphomes.com or 508-494-0811 or maureenmccaffrey.com.   And click here for a complimentary search of the MLS real estate listings where you will have access to all homes currently on the market in Weston, Wellesley, Needham, Natick and surrounding communities

Since May 13th, twenty two single family properties came on the market and eleven sold.  As of May 20th, there are 113 properties remaining versus 149 last year at this time.  The inventory has finally gone down in $1.5-2.0M range, but has increased in the $1.0-1.5M range.

Wellesley MA Single Family Activity

*sold here means “pending/under agreement” and not yet closed.

Click here For a complimentary search of the MLS real estate listings where you will have access to all homes currently on the market in Wellesley, Weston, Needham and surrounding communities.

This Pinnacle Report for Wellesley, MA is written by Elaine Bannigan of Pinnacle Residential Properties. It is based on Wellesley, MA real estate information provided to and compiled by MLS Property Information Network, Inc. covering the period 5/13/2013-5/20/2013.  If you have any questions, please call Pinnacle at 781-237-5000.

One of the few properties that is ideal for empty nesters, almost empty nesters or any buyer looking for beautiful, comfortable, and easy living! Conveniently located on the Wellesley side of Dover this home is sophisticated, yet warm and inviting. First floor master suite. High ceilings throughout. Many updates including, master bath, heating system and central air conditioning. Newer kitchen. Gorgeous, private grounds. Just minutes to Wellesley Square, Needham and South Natick.

This Dover MA house is offered at $999,000.  To arrange a showing call Pinnacle at 781-237-5000.

If you are thinking of buying or selling a home in Dover, MA, please contact Pinnacle Residential Properties at 781-237-5000.

Click here for a complimentary search of MLS real estate listings where you will have access to all homes currently on the market in Dover, Weston, Wellesley, Needham, Natick and surrounding communities.

When we look at the metrics from these last two weeks vs. the first two weeks of May 2012, we see that the number of sold properties and total market volume figures are up, and the median and average sale prices are down. Here are the specifics:

• Number of Sold Properties – 8 in 2013 vs. 4 in 2012
• Total Market Volume – $8,660,000 in 2013 vs. $4,809,000 in 2012
• Median Price – $1,035,750 in 2013 vs. $1,250,000 in 2012
• Average Sale Price – $1,082,500 in 2013 vs. $1,202,250 in 2012

Looking at our year-to-date sales (through May 15), only the number of sold properties is up this year vs. last – and not by much. All of the other market figures are down. Here are the particulars:

• Number of Sold Properties – 40 in 2013 vs. 37 in 2012 – up 8% this year
• Total Market Volume – $49,461,340 in 2013 vs. $55,218,578 in 2012 – down 10% this year
• Median Price – $1,083,500 in 2013 vs. $1,260,000 in 2012 – down 14% this year
• Average Sale Price – $1,236,534 in 2013 vs. $1,492,394 in 2012 – down 17% this year

The good news is that the number of sold properties and total market volume have made some gains in these last two weeks, and so these year-to-date figures are not down as significantly as they were in my last report. In fact, the number of sold properties is now up 8% from this time last year. Interestingly, the median and average sale price are still down 14% and 17%, respectively, as they were in my last report. Let’s see what the last few weeks of the Spring market and these upcoming summer months bring – always fascinating to follow and observe….

There weren’t any land sales in the first half of May 2013.

I hope you enjoy this analysis, and please let me know if you have an interest in learning more about other market stats so I can provide this additional data for you. Also for more information about the real estate market in Weston, Wellesley, Wayland and the surrounding towns or if you are considering selling your home, please contact me, Lisa Curlett (781-267-2844 or www.homesalesbylisa.com), to answer any questions or for a complimentary home appraisal.

* These market figures are based on information provided to and compiled by Pinergy/MLS Property Information Network, Inc.

Active Properties on the Market. Of the active properties on the market, only 8 of the 79 (10%) are newly-constructed homes, and they range in price from $1,749,000 to $9,900,000 with a median list price of $3,745,000 and an average list price of $4,379,250. The average days on market is 225 days, the average living area is 7,088 square feet, and the average list price per square foot is $560. So given the median list and average list price, you can see that the active new construction is mostly high-end, has been on the market for 7 1/2 months without selling, and has a high list price to square foot ratio.

Pending and Sold Properties on the Market. In looking at the last six months of pending and sold newly-constructed homes, we see some similarities and differences from the data above. First, the market percentage numbers are comparable. There are currently 4 pending newly-constructed homes out of a total of 39 pendings (10%), and there are 5 newly-constructed homes that have sold in the last six months out of a total of 51 solds (approximately 10%). When we look at the pricing of these nine pending and sold properties, we see a range in price from $1,010,000 to $8,000,00. Interestingly, with the exception of the days on market, the other market figures for the pendings look very similar to the actives. While the days on market is only 143 days (4 3/4 months), the median list price is $3,672,500, the average list price is $4,358,750, the average living area is 7,687 square feet, and the average list price per square foot is $533

.The market figures for the five solds, on the other hand, tell a very different story than the data for the eight active and four pending newly-constructed homes. Specifically four of the five homes sold below $1,700,000, and the fifth property sold for above $4,000,000, which results in a very low median sale price ($1,480,000) and average sale price ($1,959,449).  The average days on market was 152 days (5 months), which is comparable to the pendings and less than the actives. All of the other market figures, however, were lower than those of the actives and pendings. For example, the average living area was 5,513 square feet, and the average list and average sold price per square foot were $365 and $341, respectively.

What do you get at these price points? Below $2,500,000, you’ll generally get less than 6,000 square feet of living space, which includes the garage, with four bedrooms and approximately an acre or less of land. Over $2,500,000, you’ll usually get more than 6,000 of living space which also includes a finished basement, at least five bedrooms and more than an acre of land. In addition, these homes will feature more expensive finishes in the form of mouldings, paneled libraries, fireplaces, tile choices, cabinetry, built-ins and more.

In the event that you are interested in new construction in other towns, I am sharing our Pinnacle blog on New Construction in Wellesley. For more information on new construction or on the real estate market in Weston, Wellesley, Wayland and the surrounding towns, please contact me, Lisa Curlett (781-267-2844 or www.homesalesbylisa.com), to answer any questions or for a complimentary home appraisal.

* For these purposes, new construction is classified as homes built from 2011 on and those that have been torn down and rebuilt and not those that have been completely renovated.

Since May 6th, eleven single family properties came on the market and fifteen sold.  As of  May 13th, there are 107 properties remaining versus 141 last year at this time.  Despite the overall decrease in supply, we have a 17% increase  in the supply between $1.5 – $2M.

Wellesley MA Single Family Activity

*sold here means “pending/under agreement” and not yet closed.

Click here For a complimentary search of the MLS real estate listings where you will have access to all homes currently on the market in Wellesley, Weston, Needham and surrounding communities.

This Pinnacle Report for Wellesley, MA is written by Elaine Bannigan of Pinnacle Residential Properties. It is based on Wellesley, MA real estate information provided to and compiled by MLS Property Information Network, Inc. covering the period 4/29/2013-5/05/2013.  If you have any questions, please call Pinnacle at 781-237-5000.

As you know, I love, love to blog about how to make your home sparkle and shine when selling it. After all, you only get one chance to make a first impression, and so a buyer’s first visit to your house is crucial. With my past posts, I have focused more on the interior of the home and less on the exterior. So now it’s time to focus on the outside, and making your exterior as show ready as it can possibly be. Here are a few tips to keep in mind, and they can be used to your advantage primarily in the Spring market, summer months and early fall when the weather in Weston, Wellesley and Wayland is more cooperative and conducive to external beauty:

• Fill your planters with flowers to add color and appeal - I can always tell which homes are on the market as I walk toward the front door and see the gorgeous planters filled with a cornucopia of plantings and flowers. Once I see these beautiful displays, I immediately think I am in for a treat when I enter the home, assuming that the inside will mirror the outside. You can bet that buyers will jump to similar favorable conclusions.
• Do your spring or fall clean-up - This is important, especially after a long winter of snow, wind, ice and branches, sticks and leaves everywhere. It shows care, maintenance and attention to detail – all things that are high on buyers’ priority lists for home buying.
• Keep your grass trimmed and looking healthy - Again this sets a positive first impression as buyers approach your home. On the other hand, grass that hasn’t been mowed or that is mostly brown instead of mostly green may indicate to buyers that you do not adequately maintain or care about the look of your property.
• Make sure the exterior paint looks fresh and clean - You may not have to repaint the entire exterior of your home, but do make sure there isn’t peeling paint or signs that the house is in imminent need of painting. Sometimes this can be as easy as a little touch-up painting.
• Clean your gutters - Buyers frequently notice when gutters are filled to the rim with debris. Their first thought could very well be that you aren’t adequately maintaining your house, and their second thought will likely be about the possible moisture problems resulting from the clogged gutters.
• Inspect and remove traces of exterior pests and their damage - By this I mean rid your home of bee’s nests, woodpecker damage and ant hills/farms, for example. Your home’s exterior – void of these yucky insects and their potentially damaging effects – will look aesthetically pleasing, cared for and well maintained. Plus you won’t run the risk of scaring away certain buyers, who are skittish about pests.
• Display your outdoor furniture, fire pits and the like - Outdoor entertaining is BIG these days. So put out those colorful pillows, chairs and couches, and show people how pretty and nice it would be to have dinner on your patio or entertain there.
• Open the pool and/or resurface the tennis court - If you are lucky enough to have a pool and/or tennis court on your property, make sure that these amenities are in tip-top shape too.

These are just a few thoughts on making your home’s exterior sparkle and shine so that your buyer’s first impression is an extremely favorable one. What are your thoughts? Have you focused on certain aspects of your home’s exterior or done work to the outside that have helped successfully sell your home? I can’t wait to hear….

For more information on this or on the real estate market in Weston, Wellesley, Wayland and the surrounding towns, please contact me, Lisa Curlett (781-267-2844 or www.homesalesbylisa.com), to answer any questions or for a complimentary home appraisal.