When we head to Cape Cod to see my parents in the summer months, we play a game, "how many boats can you see from the bridge?" The person whose guess is closest to the number of boats on either side wins! The last few weeks my kids and I now play how many trucks are lined up on our street on any given day, since neighbors on all sides are doing significant work to their homes. There doesn't seem to be any economic slowdown locally. If people are putting off projects it's not apparent here.

   The builders in Metro West - Boston certainly seem busy as you drive around the neighborhoods! If you are trying to schedule a contractor, many are a year out before they can get to you and new speculative building projects seem on the rise.

 

   Juxtapose that with the Wall Street Journal article this week that says housing starts are down almost 2% nationally. Here's the thing - we live in a part of the country that loves to buck trends, and it's what's so great about New England. According to the chief economist for the website realtor.com,  "the Realtor.com 2022 Hottest ZIP Codes report shows that despite a generally cooling housing market nationwide, ZIPs in the Northeast, and particularly in historic New England, remain competitive, with homes selling quickly and attracting more shoppers than in other parts of the country.” The inventory is still alarmingly low which helps drive the demand.

Good for us, right? I think so. And even if the market rebalances itself and tips a little more towards a benefit for buyers, is that really a bad thing? We don't expect to see a dramatic drop in prices for sellers, so if buyers actually have a fighting chance of getting a house, good for them! One buyer told me the other day that last year was demoralizing for her, and that's painful to hear. Buyers are people too!

Next week I have clients who will be closing on a gorgeous home in Concord that they have been building for the past year. This has been a labor of love and their design is to be admired. I posted a few shots of the finished product on instagram @teriadlerhomes and the response was incredible. So here is a sneak peak for you too if you don't follow me!

 

Enjoy the last few weeks of summer! We are gearing up for the beginning of school in this house. Some call it the "most wonderful time of the year!" 

 

Are you curious about what your house is worth in this market? I'm always available and more than happy to provide an analysis for you! Email me at teri@teriadler.com or call at 617-306-3642 to schedule a meeting.