Updated: Published Residential Tax Rates (Mill Rate) for Western Massachusetts:

Agawam, MA, 2013 – $15.60

Belchertown, MA, 2013 – $17.11

East Longmeadow, MA, 2013 – $18.62

Easthampton, MA, 2013 – $14.51

Granby, MA, 2011 – $16.34

Granville, MA, 2013 – $12.10

Hampden, MA, 2013 – $17.45

Holyoke, MA,  2013 – $18.35

Longmeadow, MA,  2013 – $21.54

Monson, MA, 2013 – $15.12

South Hadley, MA, 2013 – $16.99 (District #1) or $17.61 (District #2)

Southwick, MA, 2013 – $15.48

Springfield, MA, 2013 – $19.71

West Springfield, MA, 2013 – $16.44

Westfield, MA, 2013 – $16.72

Wilbraham, MA, 2013 – $19.66

The tax rates above are per thousand dollars of assessed value of the property.

Example:  If your property is assessed at $150,000, and your tax rate is $14.00, you could expect to pay $2,100 in annual real estate taxes.  (150 x $14 .00 = $2,100.)

RR and Company Realty

Are you a potential buyer but aren’t sure where to start the buying process?

Or

Are you a seller looking to generate feedback and gain exposure to your property?

I have your two word answer:  OPEN HOUSE!!

Open houses are typically held on the weekends and are a couple hours in length. They are hosted by local real estate professionals during which time a potential buyer can visit a home on the market, walk through and get additional information on the property.

As a buyer, open houses are a great opportunity to “get your feet wet” and see what’s on the market in your area. It also helps to get a sense of how far your dollar will take you in the current market. You will also meet Realtors in your area that can help answer questions you have about the property buying process.

As a Seller, it’s a great way to get feedback and a sense of how your property is positioned in the market place. For agents, it gives them the feedback they may be looking for regarding the property’s price and condition. It also gives agents an opportunity to network within the community, and meet potential buyers to gauge their reaction to the property first hand.

If you’re looking for information regarding Open houses in your area, contact a local Realtor and they can help you in the right direction!

~Meghan Hess, Realtor

RR and Company Realty

Check out the latest information about homes that sold in May 2012.:

(NOTE:  These reports are published for our most commonly requested areas.  If you would like to see more coverage, just ask.)

Agawam, MA (01001)

Market Report: Sold Properties in Agawam, MA May 2012

Single Family Listings: 19    Avg. Liv.Area SqFt: 1,626.58    Avg. List$: $209,211    Avg. List$/SqFt: $131    Avg. DOM: 80.26   Avg. Sale$: $201,513   Avg. Sale$/SqFt: $125

East Longmeadow, MA (01028)

Market Report: Sold Properties in East Longmeadow, MA May 2012

Single Family Listings: 18    Avg. Liv.Area SqFt: 1,800.17    Avg. List$: $258,378    Avg. List$/SqFt: $145    Avg. DOM: 109.28   Avg. Sale$: $249,819   Avg. Sale$/SqFt: $140

East Forest Park, Springfield, MA (01118)

Market Report: Sold Properties in East Forest Park, Springfield, MA Sold May 2012

Single Family Listings: 13    Avg. Liv.Area SqFt: 1,574.31    Avg. List$: $148,285    Avg. List$/SqFt: $95    Avg. DOM: 122.46   Avg. Sale$: $142,146   Avg. Sale$/SqFt: $91

Longmeadow, MA (01106)

Market Report: Sold Properties in Longmeadow, MA May 2012

Single Family Listings: 20    Avg. Liv.Area SqFt: 2,079.20    Avg. List$: $303,110    Avg. List$/SqFt: $147    Avg. DOM: 123.70   Avg. Sale$: $293,785   Avg. Sale$/SqFt: $143

Sixteen Acres Neighborhood, Springfield, MA (01119)

Market Report: Sold Properties in Sixteen Acres Neighborhood, Springfield, MA May 2012

Single Family Listings: 18    Avg. Liv.Area SqFt: 1,328.17    Avg. List$: $158,306    Avg. List$/SqFt: $122    Avg. DOM: 138.06   Avg. Sale$: $156,667   Avg. Sale$/SqFt: $121

Southwick, MA (01077)

Market Report: Sold Properties in Southwick, MA May 2012

Single Family Listings: 8 Avg. Liv.Area SqFt: 2,527.00 Avg. List$: $342,394 Avg. List$/SqFt: $137
Avg. DOM: 234.50  Avg. Sale$: $328,375 Avg. Sale$/SqFt: $131

Westfield, MA (01085)

Market Report: Sold Properties in Westfield, MA May 2012

Single Family Listings: 28    Avg. Liv.Area SqFt: 1,489.36    Avg. List$: $193,325    Avg. List$/SqFt: $133    Avg. DOM: 155.61   Avg. Sale$: $187,246   Avg. Sale$/SqFt: $129

Wilbraham, MA (01095)

Market Report: Sold Properties in Wilbraham, MA May 2012

Single Family Listings: 10    Avg. Liv.Area SqFt: 1,677.60    Avg. List$: $214,720    Avg. List$/SqFt: $130    Avg. DOM: 173.20   Avg. Sale$: $207,525   Avg. Sale$/SqFt: $126

RR and Company Realty

We all watch the shows on HGTV like Flip this House or Property Brothers, and wonder what it would be like to move into a completed renovated house, done our own way.  Well, if you’re reading this, you are actually much closer than you think.

Our company has a knack for finding hot deals and our connections in the construction industry allow us to package together some amazing opportunities.  So, what does it all mean?  If you’re patient and serious you can design and buy the finished product (your dream home), and not have to deal with the hassles of living in a renovation zone.

There are LOADS of distressed properties out there.  Unfortunately, a number of foreclosures and short sales are completely uninhabitable in their current state.  If you are working on a budget (like most of us) you have to balance the cost of buying a home (down payment, closing costs, inspections, etc.) and then the renovations afterwards.  It is not unusual for these construction projects to cost $50,000, or $100,000, and sometimes even more.  And while there are lending programs out there, like the FHA 203k loan or Fannie Mae Homepath Renovation mortgage, they come at higher interest rates and have limits to how much work can be done.

So how does it work?  We help you find a home that is in a location you want, and has the core fundamentals you need.  Your team will then help you layout the project, improvements, modifications, and finishing touches.  In the end that same team will actually purchase the house, complete the renovations your way, and then sell you the finished product.  This allows you to get a more traditional mortgage on a house you love, done your way, and the whole process can be completed in 90 – 120 days.

If this sounds like something you’d be interested in, get in touch!

RR and Company Realty

Check out the latest information about homes that sold in April 2012.:

(NOTE:  These reports are published for our most commonly requested areas.  If you would like to see more coverage, just ask.)

Agawam, MA (01001)

Market Report: Sold Properties in Agawam, MA April 2012

Single Family Listings: 17    Avg. Liv.Area SqFt: 1,669.06    Avg. List$: $238,329    Avg. List$/SqFt: $140
Avg. DOM: 127.41  Avg. Sale$: $230,253   Avg. Sale$/SqFt: $136

East Longmeadow, MA (01028)

Market Report: Sold Properties in East Longmeadow, MA April 2012

Single Family Listings: 19    Avg. Liv.Area SqFt: 2,046.63    Avg. List$: $279,484    Avg. List$/SqFt: $141
Avg. DOM: 123.79   Avg. Sale$: $271,355   Avg. Sale$/SqFt: $137

East Forest Park, Springfield, MA (01118)

Market Report: Sold Properties in East Forest Park, Springfield, MA Sold April 2012

Single Family Listings: 12    Avg. Liv.Area SqFt: 1,457.75    Avg. List$: $158,433    Avg. List$/SqFt: $110
Avg. DOM: 71.50a   Avg. Sale$: $151,982   Avg. Sale$/SqFt: $106

Longmeadow, MA (01106)

Market Report: Sold Properties in Longmeadow, MA April 2012

Single Family Listings: 11    Avg. Liv.Area SqFt: 1,911.18    Avg. List$: $279,900    Avg. List$/SqFt: $153
Avg. DOM: 99.73   Avg. Sale$: $267,668   Avg. Sale$/SqFt: $147

Sixteen Acres Neighborhood, Springfield, MA (01119)

Market Report: Sold Properties in Sixteen Acres Neighborhood, Springfield, MA April 2012

Single Family Listings: 17    Avg. Liv.Area SqFt: 1,552.41    Avg. List$: $148,315    Avg. List$/SqFt: $101
Avg. DOM: 154.06   Avg. Sale$: $142,935   Avg. Sale$/SqFt: $98

Southwick, MA (01077)

Market Report: Sold Properties in Southwick, MA April 2012

Single Family Listings: 8    Avg. Liv.Area SqFt: 1,969.50    Avg. List$: $304,788    Avg. List$/SqFt: $156
Avg. DOM: 178.38  Avg. Sale$: $283,875   Avg. Sale$/SqFt: $145

Westfield, MA (01085)

Market Report: Sold Properties in Westfield, MA April 2012

Single Family Listings: 24    Avg. Liv.Area SqFt: 1,555.17    Avg. List$: $198,292    Avg. List$/SqFt: $132
Avg. DOM: 125.42   Avg. Sale$: $189,717   Avg. Sale$/SqFt: $126

Wilbraham, MA (01095)

Market Report: Sold Properties in Wilbraham, MA April 2012

Single Family Listings: 12    Avg. Liv.Area SqFt: 1,945.83    Avg. List$: $283,200    Avg. List$/SqFt: $142
Avg. DOM: 109.08   Avg. Sale$: $270,750   Avg. Sale$/SqFt: $137

RR and Company Realty

Buying a house at the Cape was always on my “someday” list.  Right up there with visiting the moon and placing my feet on every continent before I die; somewhere between wishful thinking and remote possibilities.  I was the girl who drove around the Cape and looked at the “For Sale” signs with slight envy for the people who were able to act on them.  My reality, or so I thought, was calling on the houses that had “Summer Rental” signs on them, and imagining what it would be like to own one and create a home away from home for my family.

Then the real estate market did what it did, and suddenly that one remote possibility became something to consider with a little more seriousness.  On a whim, I contacted my lender and floated the idea of getting pre-approved for a second home on the Cape.  A phone call, an application, the submittal of supporting documents and a few days later, we got our pre-approval. Shocked doesn’t come close to describing the realization that my dream would come to fruition.

Now, this in no way implies that the journey from dreamer to buyer was all roses.  There was the first house we saw, a foreclosure with mold on the walls, followed by the house that was packed from floor to ceiling with “stuff”, then another one with no utilities turned on and old water bill to be paid and a bank that wasn’t cooperating as we saw fit.  I was determined; my house was out there. I scoured the internet, did some drive-bys, and found my Cape Cod dream house. We put our offer in on March 21, 2012, and closed on April 26, 2012.  It was a whirlwind month of inspections, negotiations, and documentations that seemed to take forever but at the same time flew by.

As I sat on the deck of my 3 bedroom South Dennis ranch this past weekend taking in the sun and listening to the birds, I thought about a lot: my three mile drive to the beach, the memories I will make with my family and friends, and lastly, how completely happy I am with the risk my husband and I took. At that moment, I decided I wanted to let other people who have this dream know that now is the time to make it a reality. We  have a sign hanging in our new vacation home living room; it reads:

 Wish, Dream, Hope…Then Make it Happen

Maybe your dream vacation home isn’t at the Cape, but wherever it is, don’t let it pass you by. Seize the moment, take advantage of this market, and let today be your someday.

- Nikki Malloy

RR and Company Realty

We have all watched HGTV, who hasn’t?  If you’re like me, you gaze at these beautiful houses and think, “wow, if only I could do half of that to my house!”  Well, if you could do some of those projects your next question might be, “Is it worth doing this project?” or “Will it pay off for me in the long run?”

Here are 5 improvements you can make to your house that will pay off.

1.)    Painting – This is by far the simplest and most inexpensive improvement you will make. It will have a dramatic impact on your home, but not break the bank. Whether it be interior or exterior buyers like newly painted surfaces.

2.)    Building a deck – A deck will provide you with more than additional outdoor living space. Many Buyers look for the deck to act as a transition from inside to out. With the wide variety of materials that are available the final cost of a deck can vary.  Wooden decks tend to have the greatest return on investment but do not last as long as their composite counterparts.

3.)    Landscaping – The front of your house is the first thing that people see, so it makes sense that any investment you make whether it be time or money will be worthwhile. Perennials, while they may be more expensive come back year after year and are worth the money. Find a local nursery or greenhouse; many are only open for a limited time. Towards the end of their season you’ll find great deals on a wide variety of items. When determining which areas of your yard to landscape first, try approaching the house from the curb to the front door.

4.)    Remodeling the Bathroom – Bathroom upgrades, like updated countertops and new fixtures, provide solid returns―anywhere from 68 to 78 percent. Experts suggest avoiding anything too trendy.  Classic features, like off-white subway tiles, will appeal to people with both traditional and contemporary tastes. There’s no need to splurge on fancy fixtures, either at the end of the day a tub is a tub.

5)    Installing Central Air-Conditioning –  Adding central air to an average 2,400-square-foot house could cost upward of $10,000 and boost your home’s value by 10 to 20 percent, says appraiser Leslie Sellers. And central air-conditioning is energy-efficient too. Centralized units have an average energy-efficiency rating (EER) of 11.5, compared with an 8.5 EER in single-window models, making them less expensive to run. What’s more, central air won’t block the view the way a window unit does.

Hopefully this list will help you decide on a project you may be thinking about. If you still have questions, a local Real Estate professional can help you determine what buyers are looking for most and what projects will give you the most bang for your buck.

Meghan Hess

RR & Company Realty, LLC

RR and Company Realty

Are you looking for a reason to purchase a home in Western Massachusetts?

In a time where there is so much emphasis on getting and staying active. The town of Westfield is investing in its’ residents and providing a great new source of recreation.

The Columbia Greenway is the name chosen for the 3.2 mile bike trail in Westfield. This multi-phase project is currently underway.  Phase 1 will start at the Southwick/Westfield town line and proceed 1 mile north to the Tin Bridge spanning Little River. The trail will tie into the Southwick trail and extend south to the Connecticut state Line and then become the Farmington Valley Greenway. This phase is due to be complete at the end of June.

Residents of Colony Park and Shaker Heights will be able to access the trail directly from their neighborhoods. For the rest of us, parking will be available at Shaker Farms Country Club on Shaker Road in Westfield. They have just completed paving of this 60 space parking lot. This lot will provide safe access for a large number of trails users. As a resident of Westfield, I’m very excited about this project and even more excited to use the trail! Visit http://www.columbiagreenway.org/ for more information about this exciting project.

Click Here for more information about the housing market in Hampden County.

Meghan Hess

RR and Company Realty, LLC

RR and Company Realty

Check out the latest information about homes that sold in February 2012.:

(NOTE:  These reports are published for our most commonly requested areas.  If you would like to see more coverage, just ask.)

Chicopee, MA (01020 + 01013)

Market Report: Chicopee MA Homes Sold in Feb 2012

Single Family Listings: 11    Avg. Liv.Area SqFt: 1,062.73    Avg. List$: $117,127    Avg. List$/SqFt: $118    Avg. DOM: 88.36   Avg. Sale$: $113,664   Avg. Sale$/SqFt: $114

East Longmeadow, MA (01028)

Market Report: East Longmeadow MA Homes Sold in Feb 2012

Single Family Listings: 4    Avg. Liv.Area SqFt: 2,141.50    Avg. List$: $299,725    Avg. List$/SqFt: $131    Avg. DOM: 134.00   Avg. Sale$: $285,500   Avg. Sale$/SqFt: $124

Longmeadow, MA (01106)

Market Report: Longmeadow MA Homes Sold in Feb 2012

Single Family Listings: 5    Avg. Liv.Area SqFt: 1,640.20    Avg. List$: $247,140    Avg. List$/SqFt: $154    Avg. DOM: 76.20   Avg. Sale$: $240,960   Avg. Sale$/SqFt: $150

Wilbraham, MA (01095)

Market Report: Wilbraham MA Homes Sold in Feb 2012

Single Family Listings: 6    Avg. Liv.Area SqFt: 1,939.33    Avg. List$: $249,850    Avg. List$/SqFt: $132    Avg. DOM: 203.17   Avg. Sale$: $243,900   Avg. Sale$/SqFt: $129

Springfield, MA:

Sixteen Acres (01119)

Market Report: Springfield MA Sixteen Acres Homes Sold in Feb 2012

Single Family Listings: 7    Avg. Liv.Area SqFt: 1,226.57    Avg. List$: $93,643    Avg. List$/SqFt: $79    Avg. DOM: 109.86   Avg. Sale$: $92,910   Avg. Sale$/SqFt: $78

East Forest Park (01118)

Market Report: Springfield MA East Forest Park Homes Sold in Feb 2012

Single Family Listings: 5    Avg. Liv.Area SqFt: 1,622.20    Avg. List$: $145,940    Avg. List$/SqFt: $90    Avg. DOM: 102.80   Avg. Sale$: $136,941   Avg. Sale$/SqFt: $85

RR and Company Realty

To Reverse Or Not To Reverse…

That is the question!

Let’s say you are trying to sell a house (imagine that.) You’re getting some showings and some buyers that seem interested, but no offers. It is no secret that foot traffic does not always yield offers, but it does yield prospects. If the challenge is converting prospects into real buyers… I give you the reverse offer!

What is a reverse offer?

Good question. It is a legitimate offer, but instead of being drafted up by the Buyer and presented to the Seller it is “reversed.” The Seller, with the help of his/her listing agent prepares an offer and presents it to a potential Buyer.

What are the advantages to presenting a reverse offer?

A reverse offer can be a way to open up negotiations, without waiting around for a Buyer to make the first step. Some people respond well to physical documents in hand. It also allows you to tailor your offering to the feedback that the Buyer may have shared. Maybe they, “Loved the laundry room/washer/dryer.” Reverse offer the washer and dryer with the sale!

Who should you send reverse offers to?

This comes down to the discretion of your agent. A good listing agent will get a “feel” for the buyers that come through the house (if they are present.) We look at body language, listen to comments, solicit feedback from the buyer’s agent, and look for many other key indicators that help us sift through the crowd and find the ready, willing, and able folks. If you’ve got somebody that was serious, reverse reverse!

When do you present?

The timing of a reverse offer may require patience and prudence. Too soon, and you may seem over eager or too motivated to sell. Too late, and your hot prospect may have gone somewhere else or bought your neighbors house! Deal with a savvy agent, trust their judgment (in the end, that IS why you hired them), and be prepared to strike while the iron is hot.

How do you construct a reverse offer?

Carefully, and with the Buyer’s situation in mind. A good reverse offer (one that gets results) is tailored to the Buyer in such a way that they feel compelled to respond and negotiate. Aside from the necessary dates, deposits, and terms you will need to work out, your agent should have an offer form that is in compliance with local, state, and federal laws and customary practice. Remember that an offer is a legal and binding document, and it should be treated with the proper respect.

Who should I talk to and ask for more information?

If you are buying or selling around Hampden or Hampshire counties in Massachusetts, ask me! RR and Company Realty, LLC has used reverse offers and we enjoy continued/repeated success (and great deals) from them. If your property is currently listed and on the market, ask your listing agent or speak with an attorney. Good luck on getting it sold!

RR and Company Realty