Massachusetts Association of Realtors Home
  • About
    • About MAR

      Our mission

      Contact Us 

      Contact MAR   

      Become a Realtor®

      What you need to know to join MAR   

      MAR Charitable Foundation

      Realtors® giving back to the community

      Local Realtor® Associations

      Find the local Realtor® Association closest to you

      Association Leadership Team

      Meet the volunteer leaders of MAR

      Association Professional Staff

      Meet the professional staff that helps manage the Association


      Realtor Search Function Powered by realtor.com
      Find a Realtor

      Find a REALTOR®

  • Members
    • Forms

      Industry-leading Ziplogix™

      Market Data

      Comprehensive sales data covering Massachusetts

      Association Governance

      How the Association runs

      Member Benefits

      Your gateway to education, services, and discounts

      Sharable Content

      Free, sharable resources

      Education

      Classes, webinars and online continuing education

      New Members

      Information for new MAR members 

      Calendar

      Find upcoming classes, meetings and other events

      Government Affairs

      Federal, state and local issues that impact real estate

      MAR Podcasts

      Home of all MAR Podcasts

      Legal and Ethics

      Understand the latest laws and right way to conduct business

      Committees

      Member-led committees that guide MAR

      Report an Issue

      How can we improve?

      Profile

      Your MAR Member Info

      Log In

      MAR Members, click to Log In

  • Public
    • Realtor® Logo
      Why Work With a Realtor®

      Code of Ethics

      Get to know the Realtor® difference

      Buyer and Seller Tips

      Buying or selling a home? Here's what you need to know

      First-Time Homebuyer?

      Are you a first-time homebuyer? We're here to help  

      Market Data

      Comprehensive sales data covering Massachusetts

      Find a Realtor®

      Realtor search function powered by realtor.com 

      Become a Realtor®

      What you need to know to join MAR

      Become an Agent

      Not a Realtor® yet? Start your path to becoming a Realtor® today

      MAR Gratitude Project

      Nominate the unsung heroes of the Realtor® community
      facebook_sqaure__1_
      2020 Installation of Officers
  • News
    • BSR_Nov_Dec19_NavBay State Realtor®

      MAR Online

      The official blog of MAR

      From the Bay State Realtor®

      Stories and articles from the official print publication of MAR

      Press Releases

      The latest news and information from MAR
      FAQFeatured Blog Post

Press Releases

The Number of Homes Put Under Agreement in Massachusetts are Up in October

by | Nov 13, 2019

by Eric Berman - eberman@marealtor.com - 781-839-5507


WALTHAM, Mass. – November 13, 2019 – The Massachusetts Association of Realtors® (MAR) reported today that the number of single-family homes put under agreement in the month of October went up almost 13 percent while the number of condominiums put under agreement went up 18 percent compared to this time last year. This marks 12 straight months of year-over-year increases for single-family homes. The median price for single-family homes put under agreement increased almost two percent to $400,000 while condominiums increased almost four percent to $375,000 compared to October 2018.  

In response to the October ‘Hot Topic’ question, Realtors® reported seeing different levels of attendance at open houses this fall.  

October Pending Sales:  

  Single-Family

  October 2019  

  October 2018  

  % Change  

  Pending Sales  

  5,581

  4,956

  +12.6%

  Median Price

  $400,000

  $392,450

  +1.9%

  • Pending sales have been up for the past 12 months 


  Condominium

  October 2019  

  October 2018  

  % Change  

  Pending Sales  

  2,113

  1,786

  +18.3%

  Median Price

  $368,000

  $355,000

  +3.7%

  • Pending sales have been up or flat for 11 of the last 12 months 

“The three words we can use to best describe buyers in the market over the last 12 months have been ‘demand, demand, and demand’,” said 2019 MAR President Anne Meczywor, broker/associate at Roberts & Associates Realty, Inc., in Lenox. “While prices continued to be up, buyers have benefitted from interest rates under four percent for the last five months.”   

October Realtor® Market and Price Confidence Indexes:  

  Confidence Index  

  October 2019  

  October 2018  

  % Change  

  Market

  63.13

  57.14

  +10.5%

  Price

  59.01

  53.93

  +9.4%

  • Measured on a 100-point scale, a score of 50 is the midpoint between a “strong” (100 points) and a “weak” (0 points) market condition 

“October is the second straight month that we’ve seen the Realtors® Confidence Indexes improve over the same time last year. Hopefully, we’ll see the same improvement in November, and we’ll be able to call it a trend,” said Meczywor. 

Monthly ‘Hot Topic’ Question:  

The ‘Hot Topic’ question for the month of October asked Realtors® how open house attendance has been this fall.  

Of those who responded, less than one percent said that attendance has been the busiest they’ve seen for the fall and almost 19 percent said attendance was busier than usual. Thirty-seven percent of respondents said that open house attendance was about the same for the fall. About 27 percent of respondents said attendance was weaker than usual and almost six percent said attendance was the weakest they have ever seen for the fall. Less than five percent of respondents don’t use open houses to market their listings. 

“Open houses are just one tool in a Realtor®’s toolbox,” said Meczywor. “In competitive markets like this one, open houses sometimes aren’t even necessary. As soon as a property is on your Multiple Listing Service, it is being shown and it very well may be sold quickly.” 

About the Data Sets:  

The tracking of signed purchase and sales agreements (also called “pending sales”) provide reliable information about where the real estate market is heading in coming months.  

A pending sale or a sale “under agreement” happens when the buyer and seller agree on the terms of the sale of a home and have a signed purchase and sale agreement but have yet to close and be recorded as such.  MAR is the only organization, which compiles this statewide information from Multiple Listing Services each month.  

Monthly pending (or under agreement) data and closed sales data comes from the three Realtor®-affiliated Multiple Listing Services in Massachusetts. They are the Berkshire County Multiple Listing Service, Cape Cod & Islands Association of Realtors® Multiple Listing Service, Inc.; and MLS Property Information Network, Inc. The data is compiled by 10K Research and Marketing, Inc. and updated each month. As a result, previous data may change after the reports have been run.  

The Realtor® Index Methodology: 

The Massachusetts Realtor® Market Confidence Index (RMCI) and Price Confidence Index (RPCI) are based on monthly responses from a random sampling of Massachusetts Association of Realtors® members on the state of the housing market.  More specifically, the survey asks members two basic questions pertaining to the real estate business in their market area in Massachusetts.  

  • How would you describe the current housing market?  

  • What are your expectations of home prices over the next year?  

In addition to these standard questions, the survey each month includes one wildcard question that changes each month and is based on an industry hot topic.  

The RMCI is calculated in the following way.  Respondents indicate whether conditions are/or are expected to be “strong” (100 points), “moderate” (50 points), and “weak” (0 points).  The results are the average score for each question.  A score of 50 is the threshold between a “strong” and a “weak” condition.  Similarly, the question about home prices over the next year (Realtor® Price Confidence Index) is calculated using five categories: “Rise 0-5%” (75 points), “Rise 5%+” (100 points), “Level” (50 points), “Fall 0-5%” (25 points), and “Fall >5%” (0 points).  

About the Massachusetts Association of Realtors®:  

Organized in 1924, the Massachusetts Association of Realtors® is a professional trade organization with more than 25,000+ members.  The term Realtor® is registered as the exclusive designation of members of the National Association of Realtors® who subscribe to a strict code of ethics and enjoy continuing education programs.  

### 

Editors and reporters: Please note that the term Realtor is properly spelled with an initial capital “R”, per the Associated Press Stylebook. 

Show oldest on top Show newest on top

42 comments

Leave a comment
  1. Digital_Zone | Dec 05, 2019
    You have performed a great job on this article.  It’s very precise and highly qualitative. You have even managed to make it readable and easy to read. You have some real writing talent. Thank you so much. kiralık sepetli vinç
  2. Digital_Zone | Dec 04, 2019
    Wagenberg (Brabants: Waogenberg) is een dorp in de Nederlandse gemeente Drimmelen. Bedrijf adres via Google map op straatnaam en postcode o.a. Withuisstraat zoekmachine optimalisatie specialist, Dorpsstraat, Nieuwstraat, Zuidveren Seo bedrijf, Brouwerijstraat, Parallelweg, Wagenstraat online marketing bureau, Elsakker, Van Schendelstraat, Van den Elsenplein online marketing bureau, Kerkstraat, Gomarusstraat, Onder de Toren Seo bedrijf, Onderdijk, Hofstad, Bosakker Webdesign bureau, Geerakker, Zandakker, Heiakker internetmarketing bureau en een erkend en ervaren seo services bureau die u vindt aan de Vlasselt in Wagenberg. Webdesign Wagenberg seo services gemeente Drimmelen
  3. Digital_Zone | Dec 04, 2019
    Het dorp Zuidbroek (Gronings: Zuudbrouk) is gelegen in de gemeente Midden-Groningen in de provincie Groningen (Nederland). Bedrijf adres via Google map op straatnaam en postcode o.a. Kerkstraat internetmarketing bureau, Oudelaan, Winschoterdiep, Trekweg online media adviseur, Sluisstraat, Spoorstraat, Vlaslaan internetmarketing bureau, Dokstraat, Stationsstraat, Klaas Woltjerweg online marketing bureau, Prins Bernhardlaan, Beatrixlaan, Wilhelminalaan website optimalisatie buro, Staringhof, Achter de Wal, Willem Albert Scholtenweg internetmarketing bureau, Vondelsingel, Jacob Catsstraat, Huygensstraat websiteoptimalisatie bureau en een erkend en ervaren webdesign bureau die u vindt aan de De Akkers in Zuidbroek. Webbureau Zuidbroek webdesign gemeente Menterwolde
  4. Digital_Zone | Dec 03, 2019
    It’s appropriate time to make some plans for the future and it’s time to be happy. I have read this post and if I could I wish to suggest you some interesting things or tips. Maybe you could write next articles referring to this article. I wish to read more things about it! hasta yatakları
  5. Digital_Zone | Dec 02, 2019
    I came onto your blog while focusing just slightly submits. Nice strategy for next, I will be bookmarking at once seize your complete rises... crypto fashion
  6. Digital_Zone | Dec 02, 2019
    Hi. Cool post. There’s an issue with your site in chrome, and you may want to test this… The browser is the marketplace chief and a good element of people will omit your excellent writing because of this problem. kingvideostatus.com
  7. Cassandra D. Everhart | Nov 28, 2019
    I loved this post. You describe this topic well. our site
  8. Digital_Zone | Nov 28, 2019
    Thanks for writing such a good article, I stumbled onto your blog and read a few post. I like your style of writing... learn more here
  9. Digital_Zone | Nov 28, 2019
    I prefer merely excellent resources - you will see these people in: learn more here
  10. Digital_Zone | Nov 28, 2019
    Interestingly you write, I will address        you'll find exciting and interesting things on similar topics. learn more here
  11. Digital_Zone | Nov 28, 2019
    Here you will learn what is important, it gives you a link to an interesting web page:  learn more here
  12. Digital_Zone | Nov 28, 2019
    Great info! I recently came across your blog and have been reading along. I thought I would leave my first comment. I don’t know what to say except that I have. learn more here
  13. Digital_Zone | Nov 28, 2019
    It's superior, however , check out material at the street address. moving company
  14. Digital_Zone | Nov 27, 2019
    I have a similar interest this is my page    read everything carefully and let me know what you think. learn more here
  15. Digital_Zone | Nov 25, 2019
    Excellent read, Positive site, where did u come up with the information on this posting?I have read a few of the articles on your website now, and I really like your style. Thanks a million and please keep up the effective work. 24 hour locksmith Glendale
  16. Digital_Zone | Nov 25, 2019
    Actually I read it yesterday but I had some thoughts about it and today I wanted to read it again because it is very well written. locksmith Tempe Arizona
  17. Digital_Zone | Nov 25, 2019
    I can give you the address       Here you will learn how to do it correctly. Read and write something good. auto locksmith Mesa
  18. Digital_Zone | Nov 25, 2019
    It is somewhat fantastic, and yet check out the advice at this treat. West Jordan garage door repair
  19. Digital_Zone | Nov 25, 2019
    Cool you write, the information is very good and interesting, I'll give you a link to my site.  garage doors Salt Lake City
  20. Digital_Zone | Nov 25, 2019
    You possess lifted an essential offspring..Blesss for using..I would want to study better latest transactions from this blog..preserve posting.. Provo garage doors
  21. Digital_Zone | Nov 25, 2019
    You should mainly superior together with well-performing material, which means that see it: garage door repair Alpine
  22. Digital_Zone | Nov 24, 2019
    Acknowledges for penmanship such a worthy column, I stumbled beside your blog besides predict a handful advise. I want your tone of manuscript... garage door repair West Jordan
  23. Digital_Zone | Nov 20, 2019
    We use popular CMS systems to create websites. We have been working with it since 2010 and have witnessed the increase in popularity in recent years. The versatility makes it possible to keep the web design of websites and web shops affordable with all necessary functionalities. Webdesign
  24. Digital_Zone | Nov 20, 2019
    Do you want to know more about web design agency Sempris or about what web design agencies can do for you? Then don't hesitate to contact us ! We are happy to assist you. An exploratory conversation or a free price estimate are certainly possible. Webdesign
  25. Digital_Zone | Nov 20, 2019
    A great deal is being developed worldwide to make these open source platforms even more performance-oriented. Immediately also the reason why we fully choose to build digital entities with it. Webdesign
  26. Digital_Zone | Nov 20, 2019
    A professional web design agency such as Sempris is at home in all markets. You can rely on Sempris for photos, film material, catchy texts, your mailing list and modern CMS systems such as WordPress, Drupal and Joomla. We naturally take your house style into account! Webdesign
  27. Digital_Zone | Nov 20, 2019
    Looking for a web designer specializing in affordable web shops? As a professional web design agency and affordable webshop builder with more than 8 years of experience we are the no. 1 affordable web designer in Limburg, Antwerp and Flemish Brabant. Webdesign
  28. Digital_Zone | Nov 20, 2019
    Do you want to build a swimming pool in the garden this summer? Are you looking for a suitable pool builder to realize your outdoor pool ? Rest assured, here you can build your own piece of oasis with confidence. A paradise in which you will want to spend all days of the most beautiful period of the year. Place a swimming pool ? Indulge yourself, choose the 14 years of experience of the pool builders at Le Bain D'or and request your quote for the construction of a swimming pool . Zwembaden
  29. Digital_Zone | Nov 20, 2019
    Do you have a weakness for a sexy nurse, a naughty schoolgirl or a voluptuous police officer? The first twenty minutes of this massage will allow you to fully enjoy a striptease show! She looks radiant for you in the fantasy suit you have chosen that will quickly make your head run wild! Erotische massage
  30. Digital_Zone | Nov 20, 2019
    Cheers for this excellent. I was wondering if you were thining of writing similar posts to this one. .Keep up the great articles! Zonnepanelen
  31. Digital_Zone | Nov 20, 2019
    Would you like to know more about the conditions of air-conditioning installation? Request a quote without obligation! Airco installatie
  32. Digital_Zone | Nov 20, 2019
    I’m not sure if I agree with all of this. However, your article is very informative, and lots of people will walk away from this post feeling more educated than when they arrived. Overall, you have done a great job. Zonnepanelen kopen
  33. Digital_Zone | Nov 20, 2019
    When we talk about air conditioning , there is often a reference to a system that produces cooling during the hot summer days. That is also the main function. But most air conditioners at the moment are designed as standard heat pumps and, in addition to cooling, can also heat a room in an energy-efficient and fast manner. With the installation of a heat pump you can therefore enjoy a pleasant indoor temperature all year round and at the same time save a considerable amount on your energy bill! Airconditioning
  34. Digital_Zone | Nov 20, 2019
    Your blogs further more each else volume is so entertaining further serviceable It appoints me befall retreat encore. I will instantly grab your rss feed to stay informed of any updates. Installateur zonnepanelen
  35. Digital_Zone | Nov 20, 2019
    Are you looking for a reliable and affordable air-conditioning installation as cooling for your home, office building or commercial space? Or would you like advice from an air conditioning installer who will thoroughly inform you about the different types of air conditioning and air conditioning systems currently available on the market? For air conditioning Limburg , air conditioning Antwerp or air conditioning Flemish Brabant you have come to the right place at Airco-airconditioning.be. We ensure that you come into contact with experts in the field of air conditioning and air conditioning. After all, every installed air conditioning installation is currently a heat pump in the form of an air / air, air / water or hybrid heat pump. Airco
  36. Digital_Zone | Nov 20, 2019
    It’s appropriate time to make some plans for the future and it’s time to be happy. I have read this post and if I could I wish to suggest you some interesting things or tips. Maybe you could write next articles referring to this article. I wish to read more things about it! Zonnepanelen installateur
  37. Digital_Zone | Nov 20, 2019
    After study several of the web sites for your website now, and that i truly such as your technique of blogging. I bookmarked it to my bookmark website list and are checking back soon. Pls consider my website at the same time and make me aware if you agree. Zonnepanelen
  38. Digital_Zone | Nov 20, 2019
    Hi. Cool post. There’s an issue with your site in chrome, and you may want to test this… The browser is the marketplace chief and a good element of people will omit your excellent writing because of this problem. Chapewerken
  39. Digital_Zone | Nov 20, 2019
    You largely determine the efficiency of the heat pump yourself . It is important first that you adequately insulate the home. This is a crucial factor that many people forget and significantly affects the heat pump efficiency. Installing a heat pump makes little sense without thorough insulation . The better the house is insulated, the higher the efficiency of the heat pump will be. Warmtepomp
  40. Digital_Zone | Nov 20, 2019
    There are very many details this way to consider. This is a great point to raise up. I provide thoughts above as general inspiration but clearly you’ll find questions just like the one you retrieve where the most essential thing is going to be doing work in honest great faith. I don?t know if best practices have emerged about such thinggs as that, but Almost certainly that the job is clearly recognized as an affordable game. Both kids notice the impact of only a moment’s pleasure, throughout their lives. Chape
  41. Digital_Zone | Nov 20, 2019
    Latent heat is the energy required to liquefy a solid (ice to water) or a liquid to a gas (water to vapor). This latent heat is released again in the opposite direction. We do not notice a temperature difference or noticeable heat. Warmtepompen
  42. Digital_Zone | Nov 20, 2019
    Do you have a weakness for a sexy nurse, a naughty schoolgirl or a voluptuous police officer? The first twenty minutes of this massage will allow you to fully enjoy a striptease show! She looks radiant for you in the fantasy suit you have chosen that will quickly make your head run wild! Erotische massage
    Load more comments

    Thank you for the comment! Your comment must be approved first

    You've already submitted a review for this item

    Thank you! Your review has been submitted successfully

    Login to be able to comment

    Leave a comment

    1. Comment cannot be empty

    2. Rating is required

    3. Click to add

      (?)

    4. Click to add

      (?)

    5. New code

      You typed the code incorrectly. Please try again

    Loading
    MAR Logo
    ©2019 Massachusetts Association of Realtors
    Privacy | Terms of Use | Report an Issue
    MAR Facebook Page MAR Twitter Page MAR Linkedin Page MAR Youtube Page MAR Instagram Page MAR Pintrest Page
    Realtors Badge