Hudson or Sudbury, Massachusetts offer older homes or new single-family homes in a variety of architectural styles, says a local Realtor.

Hudson

"Situated at the junction of Interstate 495 and Route 20, Hudson is a friendly community with a pleasing residential atmosphere," says Realtor Marilyn G. Messenger. "The cluster of light modern industries provides a sound economic base for the area.

"The balanced lifestyle possible in Hudson is enhanced by the community's ideal location midway between Boston and Worcester, both renowned for cultural amenities," she describes. "Housing ranges from older homes on city lots or large parcels to new single family residences in a variety of architectural styles.Hudson also offers athletic programs, the Assabet River, beautiful areas, and several lakes for superb recreational opportunities. The town beach offers boating, swimming, and water-skiing.

"There are currently 58 homes on the market," notes Messenger, "with prices ranging from $160,000 to $749,900, with a median price of $324,900. The average time on the market is 61 days. Until very recently the highest priced home in Hudson was $599,900. The higher prices are for new homes. Like everywhere, the prices for new construction in Hudson continues to increase. There are 21 sales pending with a median price of $299,900, down from the median price of $359,900 for sales pending. Average market time for pendings is 51 days. There have been 79 properties sold during the last 6 months in Hudson. The median selling price was $315,000. Hudson has some excellent opportunities for home ownership, especially in the 250k to 400k range. With mortgage rates at all time lows, don't wait! December has always been a great time to buy and that is true again this year -- don't miss out!"

Sudbury

Twenty miles west of Boston, and graced with natural beauty, Sudbury is an ideal blend of old and new, still rural, yet vibrant, suggests Messenger.

"This beautiful New England suburb features lovely residential neighborhoods of charming historical homes and well-designed new construction set on large, meticulously landscaped properties. Reminders of the town's colonial past are evident at every turn. Old barns, stone walls, gracious farmhouses, and wonderful pre-Revolutionary homes are a common sight. Sudbury is the home of the Wayside Inn/Restaurant, built in 1680 and considered to be one of the oldest inns in the nation.

"Each fall, the community welcomes visitors to the Colonial Fair," she says. "Fine schools and town facilities combine with a myriad of recreational opportunities and active civic, social, and charitable organizations to keep residents involved. Commuting is convenient via Routes 128 and Interstate 495, and major shopping malls are just 10 minutes from home. Recreational highlights include the National Wildlife Refuge and the Sudbury River area for canoeing, hiking, and cross-country skiing.

Says Messenger, "There have been 282 homes sold in the last 12 months in Sudbury. As of 12/2/02, there are 113 homes currently on the market with prices ranging from 299,900 to 3,595,000, with a median asking price of $850,000, up from $799,000 last month.

"So are we in a buyer's market yet?" poses Messenger. "Well, that depends on the specific price range. Time on the market in a "normal" market is 90 days -- a buyer's market occurs when there is 6 months of inventory available. Last month, for homes with asking prices under $900,000 current inventory levels show less that a six-month supply. That has changed -- currently, homes under $800,000 have less than a six-month supply, but the 800k to 900k ranges have a six-month supply. Between 900k and 999,999 -- 12.67 months; 1 million to $1,999,999 -- 10.45 months, and for homes over 2 million there is a 30-month supply. There are 31 sales pending, with a median asking price of $639,000 up from $619,900. Average time on the market for current sales pendings was 96 days vs. 61 days last month. Although some sellers are reducing their prices, many are willing to wait longer for a higher price.

"The gap between pendings, where the buying activity is, and current asking prices has widened, indicating that many of the homes are overpriced, and sellers need to be more realistic about market conditions. As always, homes that are priced correctly are selling, and those that are overpriced stay on the market," advises Messenger. "These days, most buyers have an agent representing their interests and they know when a home is priced too high. But as we see from the number of homes with accepted offers and the number homes, the supply of buyers has remained constant and sellers are still enjoying a handsome appreciation on their investments when they are willing to be realistic."

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Published: December 6, 2002

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