Massachusetts Home Buyer Guide

It's Valentine's Day, and we have seen the slick ads and pushy marketing for poetic greeting cards; delectable chocolates; bright red roses; and cute teddy bears promising true love and happiness. 

The median price of a single-family home in New Hampshire increased nearly as much in 2013 as the median price increased in Massachusetts. 

Single-family home prices increased 9.1 percent in 2013 in New Hampshire, nearly as much as the 10.3 percent median price increase in Massachusetts. The New Hampshire real estate data was compiled by the New Hampshire Association of Realtors. 

In December 2013, the median price of a single-family home in South Boston, Massachusetts skyrocketed 83.7 percent compared to December 2012, but median prices were flat for the year, according to data compiled by the Greater Boston Association of Realtors. 

The median price for a single-family home in South Boston in December 2013 was $518,000, a significant increase from $282,000 the same month in 2012; however, from January through December 2013, the median price decreased compared to 2012. Throughout the year, the median price stood at $516,500, less than one percent decrease below the median price of $517,250 for single-family homes in 2012. 

Since 2009, the annual median price of single-family homes in Melrose, Massachusetts has increased, according to data provided by MLS Property Information Network, Inc (MLSPIN).

The median price of single-family homes in Arlington, Massachusetts steadily increased from 2009 through 2013, according to data compiled from MLS Property Information Network, Inc (MLSPIN).

In 2009, the median price of a single family home in Arlington, MA was $487,438. Over a five-year period, the price increased at an average of 3.6 percent per year. In 2013, the median price was $565,000, a cumulative 15.9 percent increase over the five years. Median prices for each year were as follows:

The South End is one of the most popular Boston neighborhoods for those individuals who desire a vibrant community. Its tree-lined neighborhood streets are known for historic properties, many dating back to the 1800s; charming brick sidewalks; ethnically diverse restaurants; eclectic shopping; distinct art galleries; and many small, quaint parks.

Geographically, the South End is located between Back Bay and South Boston and in close proximity to the theater district, Chinatown, Beacon Hill and downtown Boston. The neighborhood extends from Massachusetts Avenue on the west to Berkley Street on the east and north to south from Columbus Avenue to Albany Street.

The number of single-family homes sold in Massachusetts slightly declined in December 2013, the second consecutive month home sales dropped, The Warren Group reported January 29, 2014. 

Single-family home sales in Massachusetts decreased in December to 3,712 from 3,725 in December 2012, a decline of less than 1 percent. December saw the fewest number of sales recorded in one month since April 2013.

From January through November 2013, the price of a single-family home in Norwell, Massachusetts increased compared to the same period in 2012, but condominium prices declined slightly, the Massachusetts Association of Realtors (MAR) reported last month.

From January through November 2013, the price of single-family homes and condominiums in Walpole, Massachusetts increased compared to the same 11-month period in 2012, according to data compiled by the Massachusetts Association of Realtors (MAR).

From January through November 2013, the price of a single-family home in Wakefield, Massachusetts increased compared to the same period in 2012, but median condo prices declined, the Massachusetts Association of Realtors (MAR) reported last month.

From January through November 2013, the median price of single-family homes and condominium in Haverhill, Massachusetts increased compared to the same period in November 2012, according to data compiled by the Massachusetts Association of Realtors (MAR).

The median price of a single-family home increased through November 2013 to $263,000, a 14.8 percent increase compared to $229,000 during the same eleven-month period in 2012. For the month of November 2013, the median price was $249,900, up 11.1 percent from $225,000 in November 2012.

The renaissance city Lowell, Massachusetts is a unique environment where diverse cultures, history and creativity intersect. Built in 1817, Lowell was the country’s first planned factory town. During the 1800s, the city was a major producer of textiles, attracting droves of workers to its mills. Lowell’s history as the cradle of the American Industrial Revolution remains present in the brick buildings and cobblestone streets, adding charm to the city’s lively downtown area.

With a population of a little more than 100,000 in 14.5 square miles, Lowell is the fourth largest city in Massachusetts. Lowell has five zip codes and eight distinct neighborhoods, including the Acre, Back Central, Belvidere, Centralville, Downtown, Highlands, Pawtucketville, and South Lowell. Bordering Dracut, MA; Tewksbury, MA; Billerica, MA; Chelmsford, MA; and Tyngsboro, MA, the city is easily accessed from its surrounding suburbs.