Pioneer Valley single-family home sales and median prices rose in May; analysts say rising interest rates likely to spur market Reply

Michael Seward recently sold this home in Belchertown, which was the first in town to sell for over $400,000.  Call Michael Seward at 413-531-7129.

Michael Seward recently sold this home in Belchertown. Call Michael Seward at 413-531-7129 if you plan on buying or selling a home in Belchertown or the surrounding communities.

Single-family home sales and median single-family home prices were up in the Pioneer Valley in May, according to data released by the REALTOR® Association of Pioneer Valley (RAPV).  RAPV reported that single-family home sales were up 1.2% overall with 425 units sold, while median single-family home prices were up 11.6%, when compared to the same period last year.

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Studies find that Amherst needs to increase affordable housing, public forum scheduled for June 18. Reply

North Amherst Village center is located just north of the UMass campus

North Amherst Village center is located just north of the UMass campus

A couple of recent housing studies published on Amherst.gov—a housing production plan and a housing market study —that demonstrate that Amherst is going through some growing pains, which are having an adverse affect on the ability of key demographics to afford a home in town.

In a letter from Town Manager John Musante to Town Meeting members, he explains that the purpose of the housing production plan was to address Amherst’s affordable housing needs, while the housing market study addressed the student and non-student housing market and zoning issues. More…

Governor Patrick announces Commonwealth Housing Week to promote first-time home buyer initiative Reply

Governor Deval Patrick (file photo)

Governor Deval Patrick (file photo)

Governor Deval Patrick proclaimed June 10 to June 16 Commonwealth Housing Week as part of his administration’s announcement of a compact among lenders to write 10,000 mortgages to first-time home buyers over the next 5 years.

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Granby Home for Sale: 75 Cold Hill boasts a view of Mount Tom (Video) Reply

75 Cold Hill, Granby, MA

75 Cold Hill, Granby, MA

Boasting over 3,000 square feet, three bedrooms, three and a half bathrooms, a finished walk-out basement, and views of Mount Tom, 75 Cold Hill in Granby is a wonderful property.

Cold Hill is a short drive away from Mount Holyoke College and Orchards Golf Club, a preserved Donald Ross designed golf course.  It is also a short drive away from major routes.

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South Hadley Multi-Family Home for Sale: 154 South Main Street (Video) Reply

Located at 154 South Main Street in the South Hadley Falls area of South Hadley, is this two-family home situated on just over a half acre lot on the banks of the Connecticut River across the street from Beachgrounds Park.

154 South Main Street, South Hadley.

154 South Main Street, South Hadley.

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New England National Scenic Trail completion celebrated at ceremony at Quabbin Reservoir Reply

A short ceremony was held at Quabbin Reservoir to acknowledge the completion of the New England National Scenic Trail.

A short ceremony was held at Quabbin Reservoir to acknowledge the completion of the New England National Scenic Trail.

A ceremony was held on June 1 at the Quabbin Reservoir in Belchertown to acknowledge the completion of the New England National Scenic Trail, which runs from the Long Island Sound to the New Hampshire Border.  The American Hiking Association recognizes June 1 as National Trails Day®.

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New website launched to promote tourism in Hampshire County Reply

A new website had been launched to promote tourism in Hampshire County.  The Quabbin Reservoir is always a popular spot to visit.

A new website had been launched to promote tourism in Hampshire County. The Quabbin Reservoir is always a popular spot to visit.

There are many things to see and do in Hampshire County.  In an effort to highlight what Hampshire County has to offer, the Hampshire County Regional Tourism Council (HCRTC) recently launched VisitHampshireCounty.com. More…

Memorial Day reminds us why monuments that define our communities exist Reply

The Belchertown town common with the Civil War Memorial.

The Belchertown town common with the Civil War Memorial.

War memorials are defining features of the landscape of the cities and towns that make up the Pioneer Valley, New England, and the United States. They are iconic fixtures that serve as focal points in, and sometimes symbols of, our town centers.  Because most war memorials were there before most of us, it’s easy to take them for granted and forget why they were placed there in the first place. More…

Enjoy spectacular views of Amherst and beyond from the Pelham Hills (Video) Reply

The back deck of 47 Arnold Road, Pelham with the view.

The back deck of 47 Arnold Road, Pelham with the view.

Enjoy spectacular views of Amherst and beyond from your back deck, your living room, your kitchen, your  master bedroom, your upstairs bedroom, your  upstairs office, and your partially finished walk-out basement  at  47 Arnold Road in Pelham, MA.  The price has just been reduced to $399,900!

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Median single-family home sales up in the Pioneer Valley, sales down on low inventory Reply

The Pioneer Valley real estate market continues to improve. Call Michael Seward at 413-531-7129 if you plan on buying or selling a home in the Pioneer Valley

The Pioneer Valley real estate market continues to improve. Call Michael Seward at 413-531-7129 if you plan on buying or selling a home in the Pioneer Valley

The REALTOR® Association of Pioneer Valley recently reported that April median single-family home prices were up 12.5% overall in the Pioneer Valley when compared to the same period last year, but the number of single-family home sales were down 12.6%. This was likely due to low inventory earlier in the year. However, the number of Pioneer Valley listings that went under agreement rose 21.5%, which is a good indication that the real estate market continues to improve. More…